Connect with other carers through In Person Peer Support groups !
Are you looking to meet other carers , share your experiences and learn from other carers ?
In Person Peer Support ( IPPS ) groups provide an opportunity to meet other people that are in similar caring roles , explore common issues and concerns and share ideas for managing caring challenges .
One of the biggest benefits of peer support is that it can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness , which are natural emotions when times are tough .
Carer Gateway offers two options for peer support :
• In-person peer support groups – meet with others in your local area who also care for a family member or friend .
• Online community forum – join the online written discussions to engage with other people who also care for a family member or friend .
Peer support can also help to reduce stress and anxiety . When you ' re dealing with a difficult situation , it ' s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious – but talking to others who have been or are going through similar experiences can help put things in perspective and give you a sense of hope and optimism .
Looking for In Person Peer Support groups near you ? Visit the webpage of your local Carer Gateway service provider :
• Alfred Health : www . alfredhealthcarers . org . au / carerpeer-support-groups
• Barwon Health : www . barwonhealth . org . au / servicesdepartments / community-health-services / carer-support
• Bendigo Health : www . bendigohealth . org . au / CarerSupportService /
• FamilyCare : www . familycare . net . au / services / carersupport-services /
• Grampians Health Ballarat : www . bhs . org . au / servicesand-clinics / community-services / carer-support-service /
• Merri Health Carer Services : www . merrihealth . org . au / services / carer-support / peer-support /
• Uniting : www . unitingvictas . org . au / services / carer /
When you ’ re dealing with a difficult situation , it can be easy to feel like you ’ re the only one going through it .
Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can help to remind you that you ’ re not alone . In fact , many people find that they build strong bonds with others in their peer support group , and these relationships can be a source of comfort , support and friendship for years to come .