The room is filled with women of all ages and from different cultures, snipping and pasting as they chat and pass each other an assortment of paper hole punches. They chat and giggle as they work. Two women start singing softly.

The scrapbooking session is well underway when I arrive, and the women have already carefully chosen the words that they will use for their scrapbooking projects.

Dream. Breathe. Enjoy.

Thuraya has chosen to include photographs of the carer group at previous outings, including one from the time they shared an outing on the bay in a yacht. For carers who spend so much of their time devoted to the needs of others, opportunities to have time and space to relax, recharge and take part in experiences for their own pleasure are often limited, though very welcome. Thuraya’s choice of words and images is a testament to the importance of carer groups in providing respite from the day-to-day challenges of the caring role.

Wellness. Believe. Beautiful.

Sahar tells me that she has been on a wellness journey since COVID. She wants to believe in herself again – believe that she CAN have wellness and be beautiful ‘on the inside’. Sahar’s creative project is a reminder that caring can be both emotionally and physically draining, and that few carers are able to prioritise their own wellbeing when they are in the thick of their caring role. I silently applaud Sahar for her strength and resilience in focusing on her wellness; finding balance between caring for oneself while caring for others is not an easy task.

In the kitchen

I take a break from the craft table to visit Sofia in the next room. Sofia is also a member of the Spectrum Carers Group, and today she has been invited to teach a Community Cooking Class for Creeds Farm. As she stirs the steaming pots of Spanakorizo (Greek spinach and rice) she tells me that she has only recently started cooking, having ‘found the kitchen’ during COVID.

“I was a bit nervous coming here today to teach the cooking class,” she said. “But I really enjoyed it.”

Sofia, who cares for her husband and her elderly parents, is proud to share that she has recently retired and will soon go on a long trip. Taking a break from caring for her elderly parents is made possible because other family members have agreed to step up. I admire Sofia’s energy and enthusiasm – she also volunteers and is the Secretary for a local Greek group. Despite her heavy caring load, she is committed to not ‘losing herself’. I hope that other carers take a leaf from Sofia’s book and learn that it is ok to ask for help.

Dream. Believe.

Back at the craft table I speak with Monica. It is a poignant moment when she explains the words that she has chosen for her scrapbooking project.

“I dream of better things. I have to believe that things can change.”

Monica has been caring for her son for 30 years and she is exhausted. She laments that she hasn’t been able to read a book (one of her greatest passions) in ages. She also longs to spend more time with her beloved cats. Her eyes dance as she shows me photos on her phone of her feline companions. She shares her dream of living in a remote cabin with just her cats and her books, and I agree that sounds idyllic.

I urge Monica to go and have lunch before Sofia’s Spanakorizo runs out and I am humbled when she thanks me for taking the time to talk to her. It is clear that her caring role is very isolating and that she enjoys the chance to simply talk with someone.

Support for carers

There are 3 million family carers in Australia, and two thirds of them are women. Nearly 30% of primary carers were born overseas. These numbers are likely to grow as our population ages.

Spectrum’s Carer Connect program is an essential part of breaking down the barriers for inclusion for people with caring responsibilities. It provides an opportunity to meet with and connect with others who understand what they are going through. And it provides a space for new experiences – far removed from the daily grind of caring – that refresh and rejuvenate and allow carers to reconnect with their sense of self.

Bernadette Garcia – Head of Marketing and Communications
Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre

Find out more about Spectrum’s Support for Carers Program