Have you listened to the 1 in 6 Podcast?

The 1 in 6 Podcast is a series of stories about the diverse experiences of Tasmanian carers.

Hosted by former ABC newsreader Peter Gee, the podcast is an initiative of Care2Serve, the service delivery arm of Carers Tasmania and the service provider of Carer Gateway services in the state.

The title of the podcast refers to the ratio of carers in Tasmania, with one carer for every six people.

Through a series of nine captivating stories, the podcast aims to highlight the significant contributions carers make to their communities and to showcase the unique experiences of each carer. The episodes feature carers caring for someone who is ageing, is palliative, has Alzheimer’s disease, with disability, has alcohol dependence or with other health conditions.

The carers share their experiences growing up, their relationship with the person they care for, and how receiving support through Carer Gateway has made a difference in their caring roles.

The 1 in 6 Podcast series is a moving and powerful collection of stories that showcase the challenges and rewards of caring. The stories are both heartbreaking and heart-warming, and they help to shed light on the unique experiences of carers in Tasmania.

The 1 in 6 Podcast is available for free on Spotify and Apple platforms and can be found by visiting the Care2Serve website (care2serve.com.au) or Facebook page (facebook.com/care2serve).

At Carer Gateway, we understand that each carer’s experience is unique and that support needs vary greatly, and the podcast is a way for carers to connect with others who may be going through similar experiences.

If you care for someone or know someone who does, find support at Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 (press “1” from the menu) or carergateway.gov.au.

Feeling overwhelmed?

Carer coaching might make the difference

Caring roles often come with a high level of stress and emotional strain. That’s understandable, given caring is a 24/7 role. The demands of caring depend on the needs of the family member or friend being cared for.

Carers experience different levels of stress. At times, caring is well managed, while at other times carers can become overwhelmed or even feel defeated and perhaps feel unable to make any changes that can help them feel more on top of things. Being able to make changes, no matter how big or small, can have a significant impact on emotional wellbeing.

It’s all about making changes that matter most to each individual carer.

A little understood but powerful option is coaching. Maybe when you think about coaching, you think of Mick Malthouse, Kevin Sheedy or Ron Barassi.

A common mistake is to think about coaching as something someone does with teams.

In fact, coaching happens with individuals all the time, both in a work setting and also at home with anyone wanting to make changes in their life.

Carer coaching is all about you and your life.