Carers Week at Kyabram Community and Learning Centre with MyTime heard from Ally Harding about how to take care of yourself as a carer.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Room 34 at Kyabram Community & Learning Centre played host to an empowering discussion on how much carers should give themselves to helping their loved ones.
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Carers Week took place from October 13 to 19 and Kyabram’s carer support group, MyTime, celebrated by hearing about the importance of self-care and preservation.
Fifteen carers gathered on Thursday, October 16, to gain invaluable insights from Ally Harding, who shared her unique experience from the care recipient's perspective.
Ally Harding was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 15 years ago, with the first ten years of her journey being the most difficult.
She said her husband took on the role of carer for her.
“I was told, by aged 30, I would be in a wheelchair,” Ms Harding said.
“I’m somebody who has dealt with something quite severe, and my husband has had to do a lot for me.
“I can’t 100 per cent understand because I’m on the other side, but I can see from his struggles where you guys are probably sitting in most spaces.”
Ms Harding spoke about the sacrifices her husband made for her, and what she realised watching from the other side of that relationship.
She said the most important thing about being a carer was taking care of yourself before anyone else.
“You can't help anyone if you can't help yourself, you know, and that's the most important thing to remember,” Ms Harding said.
As a personal trainer, Ms Harding draws from her own experiences to inspire others, advocating for healthy lifestyles as a powerful tool for boosting self-esteem and wellbeing.
For nine years, the Kyabram MyTime group has been a pillar of support for carers, offering weekly Thursday gatherings filled with warm beverages and open conversations.
MyTime is a peer support group for parents and carers of children with disability, chronic medical condition or additional needs.
Ally Harding received applause from the group of carers.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
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