Carer Expo comes to Cowes

A Carer Expo, coinciding with Carers Week, is coming to Berninneit in Cowes on October 14.

The Expo, which starts at 10am is a place where people can find out more about the Carer Program and six other programs supporting carers in the community, including Support at Home, and NDIS.

The Carer Program is a program focused on supporting unpaid carers, meaning someone caring for a spouse, parent, child or a friend living with cognitive decline, chronic illness, disability or simply frail due to age.

"This definition is important because one of the main barriers in accessing the program is people not recognising they are a carer," explained Iris Gaillard, Events Support Co-ordinator from Latrobe Community Health Services.

"We hear many people say 'oh, I am looking after my husband or my ageing mum, I am not a carer'.

"In fact, if you do most things at home for your spouse, or when you drive your parents to medical appointments, supporting them navigating the aged care system, do a little cooking or cleaning for them on a regular basis, you are considered a carer."

The Carer Program is a state funded program, free to access, that has two arms:

• One, the Individual Support, focuses on a 12-week short term support, where the program is able to put services in place to give the carer a little relief. Services can consist of home respite, personal care, domestic assistance, or basic home maintenance.
  
• The second arm, the carer events, focuses on longer term support providing social connection, peer-support, education in the caring role and wellbeing.
  
  "We offer weekly carers' groups across Bass Coast and South Gippsland, with guest speakers coming to talk about a program or service relevant for our carers, monthly lunches, coffee catch ups, walking groups, craft sessions and the occasional movie, live show and all-day excursions," Iris explained.
  
  "The carer events are free to attend (our activities are funded) and open to carers for as long as they are caring for someone who lives in the community which means not in permanent residential care.
  
  "We have a monthly carers' group in Cowes on the first Wednesday of the month at 11am at PICAL Including a light lunch with lots of chats."
  
  There is also a carers' group in Inverloch at Inverloch Community House on the fourth Monday of the month, at 1pm, including afternoon tea.
  
  The 2026 Carer Expo at Berninneit on October 14 starts at 10am.
  
  A light lunch will be served from 12.30pm.
  
  The event is free, but please RSVP for catering purposes.
  
  Email iris.gaillard@lchs.com.au or call 1800 242 696 and ask to RSVP to the Carer Expo in Cowes.