Tune in to Care

Through this season we’ve heard four powerful stories of resilience from four carers and explored the innovations introduced to help carers overcome everyday challenges. But how did we get here? And how much further can we go in supporting those who support others?

In this wrap up episode, we flipped the script and asked Director of Wellways Carer Gateway, Rachael Lovelock, to take a trip to the past and a look into the future. How did Carer Gateway begin? How has it grown? And why constantly evolving is essential to best support carers not only to continue to care for their loved ones but to thrive across their personal and professional lives.

Show links:

Watch on Tune in to Care on YouTube.

Tune in to Care is brought to you by Wellways Carer Gateway.

A chat, a friendly ear and some guidance can make all the difference to those who dedicate their lives to supporting their loved ones.

Emily, a nurse and mum of five, became her daughter Hope’s carer just a year ago. By the time she was referred to Carer Gateway, she was reaching a breaking point. Coaching changed everything – helping her find balance, practice self-care without guilt, and navigate the constant world of appointments.

In this episode, coaches Kseniia and Gerald share how coaching adapts to each carer’s needs, whether that’s practical advice, mental health strategies, or simply a safe space to talk.

Show links:

Watch Tune in to Care on YouTube.

Tune in to Care is brought to you by Wellways Carer Gateway.

Living in a rural area comes with unique challenges and no one knows this better than Alfina. After her baby boy Aiden was diagnosed with a rare connective tissue disorder, she found herself travelling constantly from her hometown Stanthorpe to Brisbane for specialist care.

With more than 20 appointments a year and many surgeries to go through, Alfina decided to make the move to Toowoomba, having to leave her family and support system behind to get Aiden the care he needed.

Her discovery of Carer Gateway has helped her rebuild a support system and learn to prioritise self-care.

In this episode, Louise Faulkner the National Manager Carer Gateway Services will introduce us to the innovative outreach van Wanda which exists to support people like Alfina by meeting them where they’re at so they don’t have to leave their support systems and homes to find the support they need.

Show links:

Watch Tune in to Care on YouTube.

Tune in to Care is brought to you by Wellways Carer Gateway.

Caring is the most selfless act of love, but it can also get in the way of projects and goals if those caring are not properly supported. Such was the case for Gerowyn, an inspiring mum with great aspirations.

During the pandemic, Gerowyn was overwhelmed caring for her mum who had a broken hip, supporting her neurodivergent children through homeschooling while nursing her own set of injuries and late autism diagnosis.

Burnt out, she put her dual IT degree and career on pause.

With the support of Carer Gateway coaching, Gerowyn has rebuilt her confidence and discovered a new passion – counselling. In this episode, she shares why having a career to return to is essential for every carer.

We’ll also hear from Kate Mulvaney, Vocational Navigation Coordinator, who introduces Wellways Carer Gateway’s vocational coaching service designed to help carers re-enter the workforce, change direction or pursue the job they’ve always dreamed of.

Show links:

Watch Tune in to Care on YouTube.

Tune in to Care is brought to you by Wellways Carer Gateway.

This episode we’re introducing you to Sally, an educator and carer. Three years ago, Sally’s life was turned upside down when her lifelong partner Greg had a stroke. On her journey of recognising herself as a carer and adapting to the new routine of not only being a wife but a 24/7 carer, she came to realise that there wasn’t a dedicated space for carers where they could find refuge and step away from the role to be themselves and unwind.

After seeking support from Wellways Carer Gateway, Sally became one of the co-designers of the Cairns Carer Hub, a dedicated space for carers or as she calls it, “A soft place to land”.

You’ll also get to know Donna, the navigator (or manager) at the Cairns Carer Hub as she speaks about the purpose of this space and why it’s improving the wellbeing of carers across Queensland and New South Wales.

Show links:

Watch Tune in to Care on YouTube.

Tune in to Care is brought to you by Wellways Carer Gateway.

This season, we’re exploring four stories of resilience and how innovation can shape a better future for those who support others.

In Episode 1, you’ll meet the four carers at the heart of this season. They share a glimpse into their day-to-day realities: the challenges, the strength it takes to care, and the deep love behind it all. We’re also introduced to the experts who will help us unpack our central theme: innovation in caring.

Guided by our new host, Billy Bentley, this opening episode sets the tone for a season focused on new ideas, better support, and helping carers thrive.

Show links:

Watch Tune in to Care on YouTube.

Tune in to Care is brought to you by Wellways Carer Gateway.

Tune in to Care – the podcast exploring the lives of carers – is back! Join new host, Billy Bentley, in Season 3 and embark on a journey to meeting carers where they are at, diving into their stories, challenges and triumphs and how innovation can transform the support they need. Listen to four incredible and unique real-life experiences while we explore how innovation has helped turn their challenges into opportunities.

Now available to watch on YouTube.

In this insightful wrap-up episode of Tune in to Care, host Adrian Plitzco and guest Lou Faulkner from Wellways Carer Gateway, reflect on the diverse experiences of carers highlighted throughout the podcast series. They engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the unique challenges faced by carers of varying demographics.

Topics covered:

Challenges and support for carers during the holiday season

Show links:

Tune in to Care is supported by Wellways Carer Gateway.

Gloria and Mossiearna, Indigenous caregivers from Mornington Island, share their experiences and challenges of providing care in remote areas. They discuss the support they provide to their communities despite limited resources. With insight from Lou Faulkner and Jannah Cruden of Wellways and North and West Remote Health, this episode explores community trust, traditional protocols, and the critical role of Wellways Carer Gateway in supporting remote carers. Discover the inspiring tales of resilience and community spirit as carers navigate caregiving in isolated regions.

Show links:

Tune in to Care is supported by Wellways Carer Gateway.

Explore the unique challenges faced by rural and regional carers, as Dawn and Julie-Ann share their emotional and physical experiences of caregiving in rural and regional areas. This episode delves into resource limitations, isolation, and community resilience. Adrian Plitzco guides the conversation with insights from experts Lou Faulkner and Jannah Cruden, who discuss innovative solutions and community support systems for isolated carers. Discover how these carers navigate the landscape of caregiving amidst technical difficulties and limited access to services, finding strength through community ties and personal strategies.

Topics covered:

Show links:

Tune in to Care is supported by Wellways Carer Gateway.