Support groups can play an important role in your life as a carer. Being a carer comes with its own unique set of issues, struggles and triumphs which only other carers may truly appreciate. Support groups may be in person, via an online platform such as Zoom, or through online groups such as those found on Facebook. There should be a group moderator or facilitator to run the support group, possibly lead the discussion and intervene if necessary.
Support groups provide a place to:
- connect with other people in similar circumstances
- share experiences, including successes and failures
- exchange information and ideas
- discuss issues pertaining to your circumstances
- know that you are not alone
- provide and receive empathy and moral support
Support groups should be a safe space for everyone, there is no room for judgement, criticism or aggression. Everyone is doing their best with the knowledge and experience that they have at the time.
Support Groups in the ACT
If you are under the case management of ACT Together, you will have access to their Kinship Carers Coffee Group which runs one morning a month in a community venue. These sessions are lead by one or more ACT Together Carer Support Workers. Speak to your Carer Support Worker for more information.
Marymead in Narrabundah facilitates a Grandparent’s Group for those caring, or preparing to care for their grandchildren.
The Kinship Circle Carer Support Group is held at Carers ACT, and caters exclusively to kinship carers (formal and informal).
kinshipcircle.com.au 