SOMETIMES those who give help, need to be helped.
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But unfortunately, many of the more than 14,500 informal Indigenous carers in NSW, are reluctant to reach out when they need it most.
That's the view of Jo Archibald regional coordinator for National Disability Services.
"We know that there are many hidden carers in the Hastings," Mr Archibald said. "The service is there for them, but often the connection isn't happening."
Until a few weeks ago, 52-year-old Karran Pacey would have fallen into this category.
The self-titled "jack of all trades" cares for her 72-year-old aunty, three teenage girls and is also a full-time forster carer in Port Macquarie.
"There's no time for me sometimes," she admitted. "But I decided I needed to see what help and support is out there. To look after me too."
Ms Pacey spoke to the Port News at an Aboriginal Carer's Respite Day at Centacare in Port Macquarie last week.
Like many other women in the room, she said carers struggled to ask for help, particularly because they have unrealistic expectations of themselves, and often, felt undeserving.
Breaking the bonds of this misconception, was key to Mr Archibald's mission.
"Carers are invaluable," he said. "Unfortunately, they don't seem to reach out until they reach a crisis level and they have a dire need to engage with services."
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows more than 12 per cent of Indigenous Australians living in NSW are caring for another person with a disability, long-term illness or ageing related problem.
Meanwhile, half of our country's primary carers surveyed reported that they had experienced feeling weary, angry, resentful, worried, depressed, and often had a stress-related illness as a result of their caring role.
"We want to acknowledge the hardwork these people do and encourage them to access the support and services available to them in the area," said Mr Archibald.
The Carers Day was run in conjunction with the Hastings Aboriginal Network for Disability and Mental Health.
For more information support services, or the (HANDMH) call Centacare on 6581 6800.
