A recent participant in Carers Victoria's Carer Coaching program, shares their experience of the program in their own words.
"I care for my neurodivergent adult son, and after experiencing a recent health scare, it really put things into perspective.
"I began thinking seriously about my long‑term health, how long I could continue caring, and what would happen for my son beyond my lifetime. I wanted him to be safe and supported in the future, but I also knew I needed to look after myself if I was going to be there for him for as long as possible.
"I joined the program because I realised I couldn’t keep putting my own wellbeing last. I wanted help to create a realistic self‑care plan, to explore future caring options for my son, and to build his independence skills in a way that felt safe and achievable for both of us.
"The one‑to‑one coaching gave me a supportive and non‑judgemental space to talk openly about my fears, responsibilities, and hopes. Together, we developed simple but meaningful changes to support my health. I started by parking further away from shops and appointments so I could get more steps into my day. I also created an exercise plan that felt manageable rather than overwhelming.
"At first, I didn’t think walking with other people was something I wanted to do. However, I decided to reach out to another carer friend and suggested a weekly nature walk followed by a coffee. Over time, this grew into a small group of three to four of us meeting every Friday for a walk in nature and a coffee afterwards. I didn’t realise how much connecting with other carers would help me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Having that time away from caring responsibilities and sharing the experience with others has made a real difference.
"The coaching also supported me to think ahead about my son’s future. We explored long‑term caring options, worked on building his independence skills, and put a safety strategy in place that allows us to track his movements. This has given him more freedom and confidence, while giving me reassurance and peace of mind.
"Through this program, I feel healthier, more supported, and more hopeful about the future. I now have practical plans in place for my own wellbeing and for my son’s independence. Most importantly, I no longer feel alone in my caring role and feel empowered to plan for both our lives with greater confidence and balance."
