Vital support in Buderim

TAKING on the role of carer for a family member can be a difficult responsibility to bear.

CAMARADERIE: Members of the Buderim Carer Support Group. Picture: Danni M

TAKING on the role of carer for a family member can be a difficult responsibility to bear.

Bev Tickner is no stranger to the task as she cares for her 46-year-old son who has schizophrenia.

As someone who provides valuable support, she believes "you have to look after yourself, because if you don't, you can't look after anyone else”.

That is why she joined the Suncare Buderim Carer Support Group; a safe space for her and others in the same situation to connect and share their experiences.

Ms Tickner said the relaxed environment allowed her to let out her concerns while gaining advice from others.

"It's always good to meet with people who are in the same situation as yourself,” she said.

The most valuable aspect of the group to Ms Tickner is to know that she is not alone in caring for her son, as the group encourages its members to provide each other with support and understanding.

Carer support facilitator Danni M runs the Buderim group and says "it's a place for them to feel supported in a safe environment where they can offload and just feel listened to”.

Danni said the carers were often "extremely stressed with the different systems they have to deal with”, so the group was a great way for them to blow off some steam.

"Quite often they will feel guilt because they might be thinking about putting the care recipient into care or into respite.

"So it's about letting them know that they have to have a life as well,” she said.

The Buderim Carer Support Group meets the second Tuesday of every month.

Those interested in learning more can contact Danni on 1800 786 227 or can visit the Suncare Community Services website, www.suncare.org.au.