Our Journey: The Story of Watton Carers Group

We started the process and agreed on a name which is the Watton Group (after the café where we met regularly for a chat). Priscilla was the Co-Ordinator with Roni and Patricia as Secretaries. We began having monthly meetings at the Café now having 8 members with Ilonka, Heather and Helena joining the group, which was exciting. Sadly we said goodbye to Roni as she went back to live in New Zealand.

We said goodbye forever to our lovely Flora who passed away suddenly. Also, to our much missed Sari for her contribution to the group in many ways. Sari relocated to Perth to be near her family.

We enjoyed celebrating end of year and Christmas lunches by having raffles with prizes donated by members and local businesses. Thanks to our Events Co-Ordinator’s, Priscilla and Mena for organizing these social events to get together and have fun.

For the last three years, during Seniors Festival in October we enjoyed walks along Werribee River and the Boardwalk, Wyndham Harbor followed by brunch in a café. This year we were successful to get another grant to celebrate Seniors Festival playing barefoot bowls @The Hive at Werribee Bowling Club. Thanks to the Club and Wyndham City Council.

In September 2018 Priscilla announced she was stepping down from her role as Facilitator. It felt sad but we thanked her for the wonderful role she had played in starting this group. She is now contributing so much in her role as Events Coordinator. Sari was nominated but decided not to accept so Patricia stepped in to fill the role.

With members contributing their time and energy we raised funds setting up a market stall at the Italian Sports Club in Werribee. Thanks to Mena and Priscilla for coordinating this: Mena with her craft and organizing skills helped this to be very successful.

Then came Covid-19 into Australia and life changed in so many ways affecting everyone. Fortunately, our Group was offered online support using zoom to connect from Carers Victoria. We connected online every month for meetings and trivia and with Helen Carr’s support were able to move forward as our membership more than doubled from 10 to 22. Helen is a member of the Education Section, Carers Victoria and her mentoring of the group and me were so appreciated and enjoyable.

Priscilla and Patricia were invited to do a video from the playlist Conversations with Carers Victoria as leaders of a support group to find out how and why being part of a safe and supportive group can ensure you stay connected with your community and bring benefits to your caring role. They felt both nervous and excited but special at the same time.

In 2019 we applied for a health condition support grant from the Department of Health which was successful. We were able to have an introduction to meditation, meditation teacher training, sessions with a wellness coach, get boost for our Facebook page and buy a laser printer and books.

We were able in between lockdown restrictions to have a few face to face meetings – which helped with not feeling isolated.

We were fortunate to meet Sue Peden, Acting CEO, and Michael Stanley, Senior Manager, Community Engagement from Carers Victoria as well as Anita Craige, Carer Engagement Co-Ordinator, Carer Gateway to discuss our concerns regarding what was not working for us in our caring roles. We also advocated for more funding for new members so we could all enjoy overnight respite.