National Carers Week is coming up and this year we'll be celebrating local carers, virtually.
Council has partnered with local community organisations to create a wonderful program of 30 online events for carers to enjoy.
Carers Week runs from 10 - 16 October and it is an opportunity for us all to acknowledge the outstanding contribution unpaid carers make to our community.
Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said: "This year's theme is 'millions of reasons to care'. It's the perfect theme because there are millions of people providing care, for varied reasons. But there are also a million reasons we should care about them.
"Anyone can become a carer, at any time. In fact there are more than 8,700 carers in the Blue Mountains. That's 13% of our local population, which is a higher proportion of the community than the rest of Greater Sydney.
"Caring is often a 24/7 job and the current COVID-19 restrictions make that work even tougher and more important.
"The Carers Week program is an opportunity for those who give so much of themselves for others to have a break and some fun. And this year the fabulous gift bags are another small way Council and local organisations can say, 'we see you' and 'we value everything you do for the vulnerable members of our community'," Mayor Greenhill said.
Each event and activity is completely COVID-safe and designed to provide respite and entertainment for carers. There are also 200 pamper packs that will be available to carers.
There are almost 3 million carers in Australia, and they provide 36 million hours of unpaid care and support every week to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, dementia, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail.
The work carers do is invaluable and often invisible. And it can often have physical, emotional, mental and financial impacts for the carers.
For anyone who requires respite in order to participate in these activities, you can contact the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre (CRCC) Nepean on 1800 052 222.
For more information and the full list of activities download the program.
Pic: Blue Mountains Carers Week 2021 Ambassadors Keith Davies and Peter Swindell.
