Maureen welcomed Bob to PEP Therapeutic Centre for a great chat.
Caregivers in the Perth area are getting new opportunities to find support, practical information and connections through a growing speaker series at the PEP Seniors Therapeutic Centre.
PEP launched its Caregiver Guest Speaker Series this year, bringing professionals from local health and community organizations directly to caregivers.
Acting Executive Director and Program Coordinator Maureen Crook says the idea grew from recognizing some of the challenges families face while caring for a loved one.
The series began in June with Helene Arts, Bereavement Coordinator with the Hospice Hub. Her session focused on grief and drew a strong response from caregivers.
Crook says partnerships like the one with the Hospice Hub allow PEP to extend its support beyond people already taking part in its regular programs.
The speaker series is designed around subjects that can make a real difference in caregivers’ everyday lives.
The next scheduled session is Sept. 18, when ConnectWell Health promoter Gabe Thirlwall will lead a discussion called *Resilient Caregiving: Preventing Burnout Through Self-Care*. The session runs from 2 to 4 p.m. at PEP, 12 Elliot Street in Perth.
Crook says working together allows organizations with different areas of expertise to support a group that often spends much of its time supporting others.
More sessions are planned for October and November, covering care navigation and nature therapy for caregivers.
The program is also getting an important boost from the Perth and District Community Foundation.
For PEP, the goal is simple: make sure caregivers know there are people and organizations in their own community ready to stand beside them.
Learn more at morepep.ca.
