Changing Minds to continue under the UMFC umbrella

After a decade of service to the Indigo Shire community with the support of Beechworth Health Service (BHS), the Changing Minds Carer Support Group will now come under the auspices of Upper Murray Family Care (UMFC). Changing Minds Carer Support Group is an informal, social group of people who care for family members or friends who are experiencing memory loss or living with a diagnosis of dementia.. The official changeover was held on Wednesday, 2 July at the Grand Oaks Resort at Mayday Hills. The group began as an initiative driven by local people when Beechworth became a 'Dementia Friendly Town' and since then the group has grown in experience and respect in providing a solid grounding of support by shared experience, education and knowledge. The group is guided by volunteer carers with first-hand experience of travelling the journey of dementia. BHS supported the work of the group and provided them administration support. The group works together with Dementia Australia and local allied health professionals to provide a comprehensive base from which carers can best manage their situation. One of the founders of the group, Penny Bingham, said the baton had been passed on to UMFC "due to the ageing of the current volunteer facilitators. "We were just a little group, unfunded but with plenty of knowledge who provided support for many care givers over the years," Penny said. "It started with three of us (Penny, Lorna Nash and Debbie Tully) in July 2015 and grew from there. "We were each family carers and were looking for support to deal with loved ones affected by dementia and decided to create our own group. "UMFC have the resources and salaried staff to continue that service into the future." Changing Minds started as a pilot project through Dementia Australia and the Municipal Association of Victoria and grew from there. "Changing Minds was a safe place for care givers to vent their feelings if needed; there was plenty of laughter and a few tears, and people felt secure," Penny said. "It lasted 10 years which proves its success." Penny thanked all the people who had been involved with the group over the last decade. "There was a wonderful camaraderie within the group and it helped turn my life around," she said. "I just need to thank each one of you for enriching my life over the past 10 years. "For me, the Changing Minds project and the carer group were life changing. So thank you all. "Each of you is a hero. Each is, or has been, the rainbow in someone else's storm. "Please know, that despite the difficulties, the frustrations, the sleep deprivation, ultimately, there is great solace in knowing you have done the best you could." UMFC said the Changing Minds Carer Support Group in Beechworth has been a lifeline for carers of people living with dementia. and has served as a vital source of strength and connection for carers of people living with dementia. They were also full of praise for the facilitators, whose unwavering dedication and compassionate leadership have shaped the group since its inception. As they step down from their roles this July, the community, along with UMFC expresses heartfelt gratitude for their remarkable contribution to the well-being of local carers and families. To honour their legacy and ensure continuity, the Support Options program through Upper Murray Family Care (UMFC) will take on the facilitation of the group. Kath Kerin, UMFC Executive Director, Child, Family and Community Services said this transition marks a new chapter—one that promises ongoing support, connection, and care for those navigating the challenges of dementia. "At Upper Murray Family Care, we believe that supporting carers is not just about services—it's about standing beside them, listening, and walking the journey together,” she said. "We’re proud to carry forward the meaningful legacy of Penny, Lorna and Debbie through Changing Minds—continuing to honour and support those whose dedication and compassion profoundly shape the lives of the people they care for." Do you care for a family member or friend experiencing memory loss or living with dementia? You’re warmly invited to join the Changing Minds support group: Time: 10:30am – 12:00pm When: First Wednesday of every month Where: The Grand Oaks, 22 Oak Ave, Beechworth VIC 3747 To learn more or get involved, please contact Support Options at UMFC on 02 6055 8000, or explore UMFC’s website: – umfc.com.au

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