Key Points
- Robina Yasmin is a single mother of six and has been a carer for her disabled son for 20 years.
- A free government program called Carer Gateway helped Ms Yasmin overcome numerous challenges.
- Today Ms Yasmin provides various community support services, including to victims of domestic violence.
Robina Yasmin arrived in Australia from Pakistan in 1996 with her husband and four of her kids. Later she was joined by her eldest son, while a daughter was born in Australia.
She confronted several challenges before settling into a stable and manageable life in Sydney.
Robina Yasmin struggled to settle in Australia with her family after arriving in 1996. Credit: Supplied
Her 33-year-old son Ismail Khan Sadozai is disabled and needs care and support for most of his activities.
For more than 20 years Ms Yasmin has cared for Ismail with some support from her younger son.
My son needs constant attention and I must take care of his personal hygiene, washing, cooking, lifting him when he falls, and other care duties.Robina Yasmin
Ms Yasmin recalled how in 1997, Ismail was having challenges in learning at a suburban public school. Ismail's teacher recommended transferring him to another school with staff more capable of catering to his specific requirements.
While Ms Yasmin harboured some apprehension at the move after Ismail initially experienced loneliness, he soon began to adapt and she started to feel more confident about the quality of care he received.
In the past, I often experienced fatigue and required both a respite and support. Without these, I wouldn't have been able to fulfil my responsibilities towards my son and my family effectively.Robina Yasmin
With the assistance of family and caregiver services, Ismail is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business and commerce at the University of Western Sydney.
A new calling
When Ms Yasmin came to Australia, she found her anthropology qualifications from Pakistan were not recognised, meaning she had to pursue a new career.
After completing a degree in public health, she started working as a support provider for domestic violence victims.
Today, she possesses expertise as a domestic violence specialist, serving as a valuable member of the Muslim refuge "The House of Sakina". Furthermore, she brings her skills to bear as a trained mentor in the Diversity and Disability Alliance.
I feel comfort in assisting others in need and this gives me satisfaction.Robina Yasmin
In addition to these roles, Ms Yasmin actively contributes as a committee member for Immigrant Women Speak Out, focused on crisis accommodation solutions, and serves as a dedicated support worker for the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW.
Ms Robina with police liason officers. Credit: Supplied
A free government program helps the family
It was while struggling to manage work and responsibilities at home that Ms Yasmin saw a poster about a free government program called Carer Gateway.
This free program would change her life.
“I wouldn’t have been able to afford the service if there was a fee,” she said.
Ms Yasmin said Carer Gateway has helped her family tackle the enormous challenges they face.
When I contacted the service for the very first time, they understood my circumstances and expressed genuine concern.Robina Yasmin
Ms Yasmin finds the counselling sessions provided by the program instrumental.
“The carer’s service understands the needs of their clients and operates with confidentiality,” she added.
According to Carer Gateway, there are more than 2.65 million unpaid carers in Australia, or around one in nine people. The Department of Social Services reported that many people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) find it difficult to ask for help – often because they do not see themselves as carers.
"Many carers do not ask for help until they reach crisis point," a Carer Gateway spokesperson told SBS Urdu.
Carers can be of any age
Carer Gateway was first introduced in 2015 as a website and phone line to help carers find and access support to help them in their role.
With the Australian Government’s commitment to continue improving carer services, an extensive four-year consultation process with carers and the sector was undertaken.
Ms Robina pointed out that caring for a loved one is like a full-time job.
While caring for my child is a deeply fulfilling passion, it's essential to recognise that, like any other caregiver, it can take a toll on my health and necessitate support.Robina Yasmin
The Carer Gateway website states that carers can be of any age and could be caring for anyone.
After availing of the complimentary carers service, Ms Robina has actively promoted the advantages of Carer Gateway by providing different types of assistance including counselling to those in need.
She has benefited from complimentary counselling sessions, while her son, Ismail, receives diverse forms of support through NDIS and Carer Gateway programs.
These support services encompass podiatry, physiotherapy, and the assistance of workers who accompany him to the mosque, help with shopping and facilitate his participation in community engagement activities.
A Carer Gateway spokesperson told SBS Urdu that during National Carers Week 2023 (15-21 October), they showcased a featuring 10 CALD carers who are conveying their experiences through impactful photographs, case studies, videos, and written testimonials.
Carers can be of any age and could be caring for anyone – a parent, friend, child, sibling or neighbour.Carers Gateway spokesperson
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