National Carers Week is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution unpaid carers make to our nation. There are over 2.7 million family and friend carers in Australia providing 36 million hours of care and support every week to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, drug or alcohol dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail. Bishop Don Sproxton writes: “Carers are our unsung heroes and are a real presence of Jesus in our communities. However, caring has a price and research has shown that, when carers are inadequately supported, their own health, mental health and wellbeing can be seriously affected. Being unable to work or work part time can lead to financial challenges and sometimes poverty. Parish communities can play a pivotal role in providing support, both spiritually and practically, to carers in their parish communities. We are called to not only celebrate and acknowledge carers but to look for ways to listen to, build relationships with and form networks of support for carers. Pope Francis instructs us: “It means opening the doors and letting Jesus go forth. Many times we keep Jesus closed inside the parishes with us, and we do not go out and we do not let Him leave!” We are encouraged to open the doors of our parishes and open our hearts to carers.” And so we put out a call to all the Carers within our Parish. Is there a way in which we might support you and help in your journey? Please make contact with the Parish Office, Fr Jaybee or a Parish Councillor.
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