Have you ever stopped to consider the positive impact that your role as a carer makes? Heather Simmons, with over 30 years of experience in the Community and Health sector, has been tirelessly working towards this very goal.
Carers WA is excited to announce that Heather will be the keynote speaker at our 2024 Conference. Heather has a special connection to Perth, Australia, and is excited to be returning. While she looks forward to enjoying a good coffee and tasty food, her main goal is to share her valuable insights with you!
In her keynote speech, Heather will explore her personal journey navigating the world of community services as a carer and share her thoughts on the impact of designating roles within relationships. She will challenge us to consider how we can honour the work and love involved in caring while protecting it from the hardships that often accompany it.
Heather’s journey spans across many roles. She’s been a manager, an on-the-ground worker, and a freelance consultant. The guiding force behind her work? The values and principles of a person-centred approach.
This approach emphasises the importance of seeing and treating people as individuals with their own unique needs and rights. Heather has also co-authored a book with Steve Coulson, called ‘The Big Plan’. This guide outlines practical ways to deliver person-centred planning to groups of people with disability and those who care for them.
As part of her role, Heather often steps in to help families who are stressed and distressed about securing quality services for their loved ones. She ensures that the individual’s voice is heard, and their rights are respected. But what makes her insights even more powerful is her personal experience. Heather’s late husband had disability, providing her with firsthand knowledge of the delicate balance involved in receiving care and support from external services.
Interested in seeing a snippet of Heather speaking? Watch a clip from one of her TED Talks, here.
The Carers WA Conference 2024 is an excellent opportunity to connect with others in the caring community, learn from experts in the field, such as Heather, and contribute to the conversation about improving community services. The conference is set to cover a variety of topics, all designed to empower carers like you with knowledge, strategies, and a strong support network.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Heather Simmons and be part of this important conversation. Register for our in-person waitlist or online participation now for the Carers WA Conference 2024 to be part of this transformative conversation.
This event is proudly supported by Lotterywest and the Department of Communities WA. For more information about the conference, visit our Conference webpage.
