National Carers Week is about celebrating the heroes in our society, those who quietly dedicate their lives to helping others.
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In Port Macquarie, NewIDAFE Disability Service is designed to offer those over the age of 18, a wide range of support in a fun, safe and caring environment, facilitating day programs and respite, 50 weeks of the year.
NewIDAFE also provides a range of educational training to empower those with a disability to have some control over their lives, nurturing social networking through community involvement and supporting family relationships.
CEO of NewIDAFE Port Macquarie, Debbie Dyke says that carers deserve more than one week of recognition for the work they do.
“Being a carer is exciting and overwhelming, I don’t like using the word unsung hero but it is amazing the work they do, navigating the health system while also dedicating themselves to caring for someone with a disability,” Ms Dyke said.
“I can’t begin to fathom what parents who are carers go through each day, fighting for their kids; they deserve more than one week of recognition, they deserve a lot more,” she said.
Stella Bonser from Wauchope, is a single mother of four, and cares full time for her disabled son Corey who has severe cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair.
“I guess it is a struggle everyday but I always manage in the end,” Ms Bonser said.
Her son, attends day programs at NewIDAFE and she said it is a blessing for him to be able to go and mix with his peers.
“NewIDAFE play a very important part in our life, if not for them, I am not sure where I would be,” she said.
She says that while no one expects to go through the hard time, being a carer and seeing your children succeed is always really rewarding.