WHILE CARERS are usually the ones providing support, Tamworth local Di Wyatt said National Carers Week is a reminder for carers to check in with themselves.
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This week marked National Carers Week, a celebration of the hard work and dedication that carers provide to people in the community, while also encouraging them to make the most of the support and services available to them.
As a facilitator for the Tamworth Mental Health Carers Support Group, Di Wyatt said it was her top priority to make sure carers where aware of the services available to them, not only this week, but every week of the year.
"I think there's a lot of people out there that don't realise there are groups for carers," she said.
"It's very important because carers need to look after themselves as well."
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Without knowledge about the systems and services available, Ms Wyatt worried that carers would feel isolated and without a friendly face to speak to.
"Sometimes you feel very much alone," she said.
"If you don't get into a group like ours you don't know where to turn sometimes."
Ms Wyatt said the group provides a safe place for local carers to voice their experiences and access help and support.
"We all help each other," she said.
"By talking about it we're sharing that knowledge so that someone else can tap into those resources and services.
"It really does help them."
Acknowledging their incredible work, Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the week was an important one on the calendar, especially given the circumstances of the past two years.
"Throughout the pandemic the love and support of carers has been more important than ever," he said.
"This week is an opportunity to say thank you."
Mr Henskens announced the 'It's Caring' campaign, which would raise awareness of the additional support and services available to the carers across the country.
With a special focus on diversity and multiculturalism, the campaign will be rolled out in 10 different languages to reach carers in all corners of the country.
"One in five cares in NSW come from culturally and linguistically diverse communities," he said.
"This campaign is about making sure they know where to turn to access services and support."
Echoing this importance of inclusivity, Ms Wyatt wanted all Tamworth carers to know there was a place for them to come.
"Anyone who's a carer is quite welcome to come to our group."
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