Honoring Carers with a Free High Tea
In a gesture of gratitude for those who tirelessly care for loved ones who cannot care for themselves, the Autism Community Network (ACN) is hosting a free high tea on October 16. The event aims to acknowledge the dedication, resilience, and daily sacrifices of carers who balance care responsibilities with their own lives.
Why ACN Chose a High Tea
A high tea offers a warm, welcoming setting that mirrors the supportive role carers play in the lives of individuals with autism and their families. ACN’s leadership emphasizes that the purpose of this gathering is to provide more than a meal: it’s a heartfelt thank-you, a space for connection, and a moment of respite from the demanding routine of caregiving.
The Backbone of the Autism Community
ACN supports people with autism and their families by promoting awareness, sharing resources, and building opportunities for engagement within the community. A central mission is to bring families together to foster relationships, reduce isolation through peer groups, and empower individuals to build confidence and skills. As carers know all too well, the journey is filled with both challenges and meaningful rewards.
Carers’ Realities: The Tough Times and the Triumphs
“Being a carer can be rewarding and incredibly challenging,” says ACN spokesperson, a perspective shared by many who balance round-the-clock care with little sleep, hospital stays, and the complexities of advocating for loved ones. Yet, she reminds us of the moments that keep carers going—the small, yet monumental, achievements and the inevitable smiles and hugs that signify progress and relief.
For many carers, the journey includes confronting difficult behaviors or navigating systems to secure the support that families deserve. The high tea is designed to acknowledge these efforts, while also providing a space to decompress, share experiences, and learn from one another’s strategies for resilience.
National Carers Week: A Time to Reflect and Connect
Selected to align with National Carers Week (October 12–18), the theme this year—“You are, know, or will be one”—highlights the universal nature of caregiving. In New South Wales alone, nearly one million carers provide unpaid care across households. ACN’s response to this growing need is to expand programs, form new support groups, and advocate for accessible resources that affirm carers’ value and wellbeing.
Building a Welcoming Space for Caregivers
Ms Gauci, who cares for an adult autistic son, notes that the event is about more than saying thanks. It’s about encouraging self-care, sharing emotions, and building connections that last beyond the tea party. ACN is planning additional groups and a regular drop-in service to offer a home-like space where carers can pause, chat, and receive individualised support when loneliness or stress weighs heavy.
What to Expect at the Free High Tea
Attendees can anticipate a relaxed program featuring tea, light refreshments, and opportunities to mingle with fellow carers, volunteers, and ACN staff. The emphasis is on conversation, mutual support, and practical tips for managing daily caregiving challenges. The event also serves as a platform to share success stories, celebrate progress, and reinforce the message that carers deserve both recognition and practical assistance.
Joining the Conversation: How ACN Helps
Beyond the upcoming high tea, ACN continues to provide resources and community connections that empower families living with autism. Through awareness campaigns, information dissemination, and peer-led groups, ACN strives to create an environment where carers feel seen, heard, and supported—today and in the days to come.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Care and Community
The free high tea for carers is more than a social gathering; it is a public acknowledgment of the indispensable work carers perform every day. By pairing appreciation with practical support and peer connection, ACN reinforces the message that carers are invaluable members of the autism community and deserve moments of rest, relief, and celebration.
