More support available for Sunshine Coast carers

Nambour Hub Navigator and carer Erin Taylor with carer Lyn.

A dedicated space for support, connection and relaxation for unpaid carers on the Sunshine Coast is encouraging locals to walk through its doors and explore the support available to them.

An initiative by national not-for-profit Wellways through Carer Gateway, the Nambour Carer Hub offers a free, walk-in space designed specifically for carers to access services, connect with peers or take a break supported by on-site staff and partners including Arafmi Queensland and Dementia Australia.

Nambour Hub Navigator and carer Erin Taylor describes the hub as a warm and low-pressure space.

“This is a place where you can find a community, people who understand the challenges and the great things of caring,” she said.

“It’s a place of safety and connection where you can drop in but it also doesn’t matter if you don’t make it because we understand things are constantly changing.

“It’s a place where carers can give as much as they like but take as much as they need to refill for themselves.”

The hub also offers a range of activities, including weekly Craft & Connect sessions, educational and mindfulness workshops, as well as access to peer support, counselling and vocational coaching.

Ms Taylor said the hub helps carers discover what support looks like for them.

“Sometimes we don’t know what it is we need or what’s out there for us, so having a place that’s central and connecting you to all these other services is key,” she said.

“You don’t need to have an appointment, you don’t even need to know what you need, you can just come in, feel out the space, have a chat and go from there.”

 The Nambour Carer Hub is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday at A1 24 Lowe St. To find out more about Carer Gateway, visit https://bit.ly/3NsoS5m or call 1800 422 737