Speech - Catholic Social Services Australia 2006 National Conference Awards - Norma Parker Award
NORMA PARKER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE ORGANISATIONAL
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA - CANBERRA, MONDAY 16 OCTOBER 2006
WINNER: Psychiatric Carer Respite Program, Centacare Ballarat
Centacare's Carer Respite Program provides access to low-cost, short-term ‘time out' for people who have a family member or friend who is experiencing a psychiatric problem.
The three-bedroom fully furnished home in Sweeney Street in Ballarat is within easy access to shops, public transport and most services.
The program, which has been operating since May 2003, not only enables carers to take some time out, but also to stay close-by during crisis or transition phases of their loved one's illness.
The parents of a young person from Horsham, 200km away, admitted for inpatient care to the acute care unit at Psychiatric Services, Ballarat Health Services, were provided with accommodation close to their son, enabling them to maintain valuable connections with their son through the recovery process.
The program provides services to a population of almost 210,000 people in the rural Grampians region of Victoria.
The service helps overcome the sense of isolation felt by many carers, who are often faced with a 24 hour, seven days a week care role.
Eighty four carers and 36 associated family members have stayed at the Carer Respite House in the past three years.
The house is owned by the Victorian Department of Human Services, who provided funding to Centacare Psychiatric Disability Rehabilitation Support Service to renovate the property for carer respite.
The program has received letters of support from the local member for Ballarat, Karen Overington, the Commonwealth Carer Respite Service, Wimmera Uniting Care and the Regional Psychiatric Carer Consultant.
Here this evening to accept the award is Stephen Mills from Centacare Ballarat.
CONTACT Judith Tokley 0408 824 306 / 02 6285 1366
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