Honoring Carers with a Free High Tea
Caring for a loved one who cannot care for themselves is a demanding, ongoing commitment. To recognize and thank those who dedicate themselves to others, the Autism Community Network (ACN) is hosting a free high tea for carers on October 16. The event is a warm invitation to pause, reflect, and connect with people who understand the unique joys and challenges of caregiving.
ACN’s Mission: Support, Awareness, and Community
ACN supports people with autism and their families by promoting awareness, providing resources, and creating opportunities for the autism community. A central aim is to strengthen family bonds and reduce isolation through peer support groups, while helping individuals build confidence and develop new skills. The high tea event aligns with ACN’s broader effort to foster belonging and practical support in everyday life.
What Makes the High Tea Special
“At ACN, we understand that being a carer can be rewarding and incredibly challenging,” said a representative of the organization. “There are many great moments; however, there can also be times when things are tough.” The event, free of charge, offers carers a chance to share wins and challenges, to laugh and cry, and to feel seen and supported. It is a celebration of perseverance, patience, and the small moments of progress that mean so much—like a smile, a hug, or a breakthrough in care discussions.
Carer Perspectives: Why This Matters
Carers often juggle around-the-clock duties, hospital stays, and advocacy work, sometimes with little sleep. The event underscores the importance of self-care and emotional support. It also highlights the sense of pride that carers feel when the loved one they support receives appropriate resources and outcomes. By sharing experiences, carers can fortify each other’s resilience and sense of community.
Acknowledging the National Context
In New South Wales (NSW), nearly one million people provide unpaid care for family members, friends, or loved ones with disabilities, medical conditions, mental health challenges, or age-related needs. The theme for National Carers Week (October 12–18)—you are, know, or will be one—reflects the widespread, often under-acknowledged, nature of caring. ACN’s event responds to this growing need by offering a welcoming space where carers can gather, share, and receive individualised support in a comfortable setting.
A Place That Feels Like Home
Ms Gauci, who cares for her autistic son, described the event as more than a social gathering. It is a step toward building a network that helps families feel less isolated. “It’s about encouraging self-care, sharing our emotions, and building connections,” she said. The high tea aims to provide a home-like space where carers can seek guidance, access resources, and find ongoing peer support beyond the event itself.
How to Participate and What to Expect
The high tea is free and open to carers who support loved ones with autism or related needs. Attendees can expect a welcoming reception, tea and light refreshments, and facilitated opportunities to connect with fellow carers. The event is designed to be inclusive and informative, with potential for future drop-in sessions and ongoing community programs. For many, a simple cup of tea and a friendly conversation can relieve a moment of loneliness and remind them they are not alone in their journey.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Help and Connection
ACN is seeing growing demand for its services, prompting plans to establish a dedicated space—a home where carers can access drop-in support, receive tailored guidance, and find a steady place to turn whenever times feel tough. The goal is to create an ongoing, accessible hub where the autism community can gather, share, and grow together.
For carers who attend, the event promises not only appreciation but practical connection—to resources, peers, and a network that recognizes their essential role every day.
