b'I think as unpaid carers we can often go underthe radar, says Catherine.Some of the misunderstandings that the community might have about carers is because were often unseen, its hard to know what we do.If you find yourself in a similar position to Catherine, it is important to remember thatyoure not alone.About 1 in 9 people across Australia are carers. Thats over 2.65 million people.Being a carer can feel incredibly isolating and overwhelming at times. But this doesnt meanit always has to be this way.Catherine believes that, Caring doesnt have to swamp everything. And if it is swamping everything then that means you need more help.There is a lot of support for carers now. That will be offered to you. And youll make wonderful new friends that you never would have met before.Today Catherine finds so much beauty in her role as a carer.When our son Luke said his first word, after he started speech therapy at 16 months, he said his first word aged three years and one month. And that was incredible, she says.There is support Celebrate so much, the little milestones becauseout there.they are so significant. Catherine reached out to Carer Gateway soon after Lukes diagnosis.I remember having a one hour call with the intake and assessment team at Carer Who can accessGateway and they just asked about me. They Carer Gateway? asked about how I was goingemotionally, physically, socially and financially and all You can access Carer Gateway if youthese areas of life and I went, oh youre provide unpaid care to people with: asking about me, she says.Disability It was so refreshing to be asked howChronic medical condition I was going.Mental health diagnoses Carer Gateway is a national initiative program Ageing related conditions such funded by the Australian government as dementia or mobility issues. offering a free and diverse range of services All caring situations are different. to help carers manage their caring role and Some carers look after another person improve their wellbeing.24 hours a day, while other carers help Uniting is one of the seven providers with specific tasks, such as housework,delivering this program in Victoria. The transport or shopping. program supports carers through help with Carers can be of any age. planning, counselling, peer support groups, carer coaching, young carer support, online To make life easier, services are provided courses and respite care.in ways that suit your situation. Youcan choose from in-person, online Find out moreor over-the-phone support.Supporter Newsletter Autumn 2023 9'