Social Futures, in partnership with The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP), are holding free wellbeing sessions for families and friends caring for a person living with dementia or memory loss.
The ‘Wellbeing and You’ sessions will share strategies for self-care and managing stress to help carers to take care of themselves and are being held in locations throughout the Northern Rivers.
In 2021, an estimated 472,000 Australians live with dementia, with this number expected to rise to 590,000 by 2028.* Workshop organiser, Heather Tannock from Social Futures says caring for someone with dementia can be physically and emotionally draining.
“Dementia can cause memory loss, depression, hallucinations, false ideas, and people with dementia can become anxious, agitated or even aggressive. This can be very difficult for carers and loved ones to manage. So sessions like these, where we focus on the wellbeing of the carer, are really important,” Ms Tannock said.
The workshops will also allow participants the opportunity to meet with other carers, families and friends who share a similar experience and will provide links to local support services.
The sessions, which are co facilitated by Alex Grantham (RAMHP) and Heather Tannock (Social Futures), are being held in the following locations, with thanks to Richmond Tweed Regional Libraries, Richmond Upper Clarence Regional Library, Clarence Valley Libraries and The Brunswick Heads Community Centre.
Please phone the library on the numbers listed below to register your interest.
• Grafton Library – Meeting Room 2, Grafton Library – Monday 19 April 10:00-11:30am. Phone 6641 0100.
• Yamba Library – Wooli Street Hall – Yamba Library – Tuesday 20 April 1:00-2:30pm. Phone 6646 2811.
*www.dementia.org.au/statistics