Lynn Brewster and Pat Orchard are keen to grow their own organic garden. 47849
By Casey Neill
HILLS carers can now nourish their green thumbs and take time to smell the herbs.
Villa Maria is running an organic vegetables gardening course for carers in the eastern region at Ferntree Gully’s Mountain District Learning Centre.
An experienced horticulturalist will guide them through the benefits of eating organic food, establishing a garden, herbs and companion planting.
Community liaison and engagement team member Kate Ryan said the program would give carers a break from what was often a 24 hour, seven day a week role.
She said in some cases this could cause depression, poor sleep and increased stress levels.
“Carers typically put their own needs last and our programs are aimed to give them the opportunity to take much-needed time out to relax, meet other carers and connect with the community,” she said.
Ms Ryan said Villa Maria was trying to get carers active.
“Traditionally support groups have been people getting together and having a chat rather than getting out and doing something in the fresh air, where you can learn some skills and take them away,” she said.
For almost five years Maurice Brown has looked after his 40-year-old son, who struggles with mental illness.
“What I’m surprised at is how much over those past five years I’ve become detached from normality,” he said.
“I just had to drop everything off because the caring became more and more demanding and I became more and more isolated.”
Mr Brown said he’d now begun “crawling” his way back to reality.
“Being in these carers groups and doing these things, it’s sort of bringing back to life those dreams and aspirations,” he said.
Pat Orchard cares for her daughter, who suffers depression, and grandson.
“Gardening’s my therapy, my escape,” she said.
Carers living in the eastern region who look after someone in their home who is frail aged or has dementia, an acquired brain injury or mental health issues are eligible.
The remaining sessions are on 23 and 30 June and 14 July from 10am to 12.30pm.
Each session costs $5, including morning tea. Bookings are essential.
Readers can call Villa Maria Carer Support on 1300 650 615.
