Genevieve is a 36 year old woman who is a full-time carer for her 21 year old brother, Yagan, who has an intellectual disability and mental health problems.
Genevieve:” I started caring for Yagan in early 2011 as another family member couldn’t continue as his Carer. It was a big adjustment for me. I’ve had Yagan in my life for many years and looked after him but having him live with me full-time has been hard. I’ve been depressed and without any real support. I had to move house and try and get financial support from the government which is pretty impossible. I get $50 a week as a Carer and this really doesn’t cover anything – the government doesn’t help and it’s so hard to find any services at all that take the load off. Yagan has complex needs, including low self-esteem and depression as well as physical issues. I don’t have family support so I pretty much do it on my own and work full-time to support us.
Coming to train with Margie is my one outlet. It’s time each week where I get to look after me – let out stress and get stronger, physically and mentally. I don’t have much time for myself and I don’t have anyone looking after me. When I’m at VIBES I feel like I am being looked after and I’m starting to see the benefits – I’ve lost some weight and I’m feeling better about myself. I won’t be able to afford the training without the support and hope I can be a part of the program. I also hope Yagan can too – when he’s feeling positive my life is much easier!”
Yagan and myself would love this program to continue as we have both benefited so much. In order for us to continue this program “Celebrating Abilities” the program needs more funding so Margie may help so many. There is nothing like this program in Melbourne and it will benefit so many people complementary. Margie is currently doing her best to organise a weekend away for us all. Any help at all, donations, funding will be gratefully appreciated. Vibes Fitness currently funds all programming and needs assistance.
“I enjoyed training with Margie. It was really good. She is really nice and I felt comfortable. I really want to lose weight. I want to do this program. I found out that I have a lot of problems with my body. I want to fix them. ” I really want to keep working out it is fun and I feel good when i am working out.
