CARRIE Spann works as the operations manager for the Goulburn and Ovens Murray regions at Life Without Barriers.
Being a local resident in the Ovens Murray region, Carrie is passionate about supporting the local community to ensure that children and young people who grow up in Goulburn and Ovens Murray don't have to leave the region when they come into care.
Carrie has been in this line of work for more than 30 years, and she still loves it as much as she did when she started.
“What I have learned from my experience is the importance of working together,” she said.
“For me, that means providing all kinds of support to a family rather than just one-on-one assistance from a case worker.
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“That’s why I am excited about the Mockingbird program, which brings together six to 10 foster care families in the local community, supported by an experienced carer called a Home Hub Provider.
“This group serves as an extended family, relying on each other for peer support and advice, just like grandparents, aunties, uncles, and cousins interact in other family units."
Carrie said they are currently on the lookout for more carers to join and be part of this community.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and that is precisely what the Mockingbird Family model is all about,” she said.
“Carers receive exceptional support in this model, unlike traditional models.
“They are not alone in difficult situations and crises.
“There is an entire team and community that they can draw on and receive support from, as everyone in that community is in the same situation as them.”
Life Without Barriers is currently reaching out to services, support centres and the community to let more people know about the Mockingbird model, how unique it is, and how it can benefit carers in Goulburn and Ovens Murray.
If you are interested in knowing more or becoming a carer, you can reach out via email at carers@lwb.org.au or phone on 1300 592 227.
You can also find them at the Nagambie market on April 5, where they will be talking to people who may want to consider becoming a carer or anyone who has experience but has left caring because they have not felt well-supported or had a community around them.
