Bendigo Health carer support services will welcome carers to two days of respite and recognition.
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The mental health and dual diagnosis carer forum will run from Tuesday to Wednesday next week.
The forum is held by the Mental Health Carer Support Program and will provide education from some of Victoria’s premier mental health, drug and alcohol services.
The program is a component of Carer Support Services.
The day will include two days of respite and self-care for carers of people with a mental illness.
The programs southern region carer support worker Bec Patterson said the Mental Health Carer Support Program was developed to strengthen the Carer Support Services workforce in the region.
"The forum will consist of presentations from highly regarded speakers," she said.
"Services such as Headspace, Voices Victoria, Carer's Victoria,Carer Support Services and a special guest who has worked for Carers Victoria for several years.
"The main aim of the day is to provide mental health carers with an opportunity to relax, unwind, have a mini massage, eat delicious food, listen to live music and gain some respite."
Ms Patterson said the event had started because 'mental health carers are mostly unsupported and isolated'.
"Carers looking after someone in a psychiatric centre are often alienated," she said.
"Normal carers give care for about 40 hours a week but it is estimated that mental health carers do about 120 hours."
The event will be fully catered with lunch and morning and afternoon tea.
The event will be held at the Campbells Creek Community Centre.
Both days commence at 9.15 am.
If you care for someone with a mental illness, contact Carer Support Services on 54571 1017.