Show why you care this week

Many carers look after someone close – like a partner, a child, a parent or a sibling – which means they take on the role out of love.

They provide physical, emotional and mental support 24 hours a day, seven days a week – often without respite themselves.

And their stories often go unheard because the work they do is unrecognised.

In the Sunday Examiner a mother and daughter caring duo were profiled, with Stacy Peel explaining how she cared for her husband Reg and son Cian. After being injured, Stacy’s 18-year-old daughter Maeve stepped in to the full-time caring role as well.

Today, David Morell shares his experience as carer for his wife Carol after she suffered a stroke and heart attack.

And our stories continue throughout the week to raise awareness about the important role of a carer.

National Carers Week began on Sunday and continues until October 20, with events held throughout the week to recognise the unpaid role of caring.

Carers Australia said the week was about “recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution unpaid carers make to our nation”.

There are carers in every community, helping and supporting others in a multitude of ways.

Anyone at any time can become a carer, whether it is something they choose to take on, or something they do because there is an immediate need.

And this contribution is incredibly valuable – not just to those who are being cared for, but for the community itself.

“Australia’s 2.7 million carers make an enormous contribution to our communities, with their caring roles being valued at $60.3 billion annually – more than $1 billion per week,” Carers Australia said.

National Carers Week provides an opportunity for Northern Tasmanians to educate themselves and others about the diversity of carers and their caring roles.

This week, more than at any other time, is our opportunity to show why we care.