National Carers Week, 15 to 21 October, is a great opportunity to thank one of the one in ten Clarence and Richmond Valley residents who perform this vital role, according to Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis. “There are 875,000 carers in New South Wales and it is a fact that without them our health system would collapse,” Mr Gulaptis said. “Whilst they never seek recognition for their tireless and kind work, they definitely deserve it.” A carer is someone who provides ongoing, unpaid support to people who need help because of disability, mental illness, chronic or terminal illness, dementia or frail age. Local Carer Week events include: l Mission Australia Family and Carers Mental Health Program Casino Support Group l Uniting Casino – Carers of people living with dementia l Mission Australia Grafton Mental Health Carer Support Group l CRANES Community Support Programs MyTime Parent Support Group (Grafton) l Lower Clarence Mental Health Carer Support Group l Light Up the Darkness (Yamba) l Spinal Cord Injuries Australia SCIA Lower Clarence Carer Group For more information on NSW Carers Week and Carers Week events, visit www.careforacarer.nsw.gov.au/