Harvey carers gather to celebrate their final meeting of the year with a Christmas feast

A group of carers gathered together to celebrate the end of the year with an early Christmas feast.

The members of the Harvey Carers Linking Together group came together for their last meeting of the year last week, a standout celebration on their calendar.

The group meets once a month for a free morning tea at Harvey’s Stirling Cottage courtesy of Carers WA, a way for the group to get out and meet other people.

Having started in Harvey only a few years ago, the members are looking to see their tight-knit community continue to grow next year.

Harvey branch founder Lyn Watt said she would love to see more people involved with the group and it was a beneficial place to connect with others.

“It’s a free morning tea for any carer that wants to come and take a break, just breathe, and not worry about what’s going on,” she said.

“We don’t always talk about our caring roles, but if people need that support it is there.”

Mrs Watt said it was important for everyone caring for another knows they are not alone.

She said having been a carer herself, had the service been available in the past it would have been invaluable.

“There were some groups around a few years ago, but I felt I didn’t need it at that stage,” she said.

“But, I think it would have been good for me to go to these things when I first started caring for someone.

“I did go to a few meetings over the years and met some people who I am still friends with today.”

Mrs Watt said it had been good to get the Harvey group off the ground, but it hadn’t grown as much as she hoped.

“I want people to know this isn’t a scary place,” she said.

“You’re always welcome, if you don’t want to talk, you don’t have to, it’s just nice to be around other people.”

Interested carers can register their interest by contacting Carers WA on 1300 227 377.