In October during Mental Health Week, headspace Southport’s Family Peer Support Worker Cate White facilitated a self-care group for families and carers of the headspace Early Psychosis Program.
“Cup of Kindness” was an opportunity for those who are providing care and support to a young person experiencing psychosis, to take some time out for themselves, get creative, have a chat and receive valuable support.
The group decorated their own ceramic teapot and mug and talked about how self-kindness is an essential part of sustaining yourself as a carer of someone who’s experiencing mental ill health.
Cate had the teapots and mugs all fired and finished just in time for World Kindness Day!
The previous self-care group run by Cate was candle-making, where participants discussed how to prevent burnout as a carer. Upcoming groups will include painting and other creative practices that allow time out, self -care and some well-earned escapism.
“Caring for yourself is the most selfless thing you can do when caring for others,” said Cate.
She has been running these quarterly self care groups for the past three years after receiving a grant and then demonstrating how and why they’re so valuable for our headspace Early Psychosis families.
Now they’re a permanent fixture in the Family Peer Support Program, alongside monthly support groups.