Community
3 July, 2026
Taking care of the caregivers
A CARER support group is set to continue in West Warrnambool thanks to funding from West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House.
The program (a carer support group with a kitchen, garden and wellbeing theme) began in November last year with funding from the state government’s ‘Connecting Carers in their Community’ grant.
The program engaged over 40 unpaid carers in fortnightly activities to strengthen their local and social connection.
While government funding for the program has now ended, West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House has stepped in to support the delivery of a fortnightly program from July 23.
The program will continue to provide unpaid carers with a much-needed break from the physical and emotional demands of caregiving, offering a supportive, relaxing environment focused solely on the caregiver’s own health and wellbeing.
“An unpaid carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to family members and/or friends with a disability, mental illness, substance addiction, chronic health issue or an older person with care needs,” Cultivating Carers project manager Brenda O’Connor said.
“Unpaid carers were treated to a pamper party on June 25 to celebrate the conclusion of the Connecting Carers in their Community grant and to acknowledge our achievements.”
