For many carers, looking after family members and loved ones is part of everyday life. Yet amid the ongoing responsibilities of caring for others, their own health and wellbeing can easily take a back seat.
To recognise and support unpaid carers during National Carers Week 2026, Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC) hosted two wellness events on 15 October at its Bayswater and Willetton Community Hubs. The activities offered carers an opportunity to focus on their physical and emotional wellbeing, with particular attention to the needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
At the Bayswater Community Hub, a bilingual yoga instructor guided participants through gentle stretching, breathing exercises and chair yoga, while sharing practical self-care techniques. The session was designed to be relaxed and accessible, allowing everyone to participate at their own pace and according to their individual abilities.
For carers who spend much of their time attending to others' needs, the session offered something equally important: a little time for themselves—a chance to relax, recharge, and focus on their own wellbeing.
Meanwhile, at the Willetton Community Hub, a bilingual accredited exercise physiologist led a practical session focusing on strength, balance, mobility, safe exercise and proper lifting techniques. Through hands-on guidance, participants learned how appropriate physical activity can help maintain their health and how to apply these techniques safely in everyday life.
Beyond the wellness activities, both events created opportunities for carers to connect with others who understand the experiences and challenges of caring for loved ones. Over refreshments and conversation, participants shared their stories, made new connections, and learned more about support services available through organisations such as Carers WA and Carer Gateway.
Participants' feedback reflected how valuable these opportunities can be.
“The exercise, food and atmosphere were all wonderful. We would really love to attend more activities like this in the future,” one participant shared.
Another participant reflected on the importance of having time away from caring responsibilities: “It felt so good to have some time for myself, without having to worry about looking after someone else for a little while. I also really enjoyed spending this relaxing and enjoyable time with other carers.”
Caring for others requires patience, dedication and commitment, but it can also bring physical fatigue, emotional stress and reduced opportunities for social connection.
Supporting carers, therefore, goes beyond providing services or helping them manage practical challenges. It also means creating an environment where carers feel seen, heard and understood.
Through culturally appropriate and language-accessible community activities, carers can gain practical health knowledge, share experiences, and gradually build their own support networks in a familiar, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
CWCC will continue to strengthen connections between carers and the wider community through community engagement, health education and multicultural support services. By helping more carers understand the resources available and feel confident seeking assistance when needed, CWCC aims to contribute to a more supportive and inclusive community for all.
