By Hollie Harris
Sunshine Beach resident Adrienne Penny began doing Airbnb in 2015 when her children had left home. With an empty self-contained apartment downstairs which had previously been used to host homestay students, Adrienne decided to take her love for meeting people from different parts of the world one step further and earn an income as well.
With more than 100 visits and many returning a second or third time, Adrienne’s Airbnb apartment had become a success – but something was missing.
Two years ago Adrienne opened her door to a very special group within our community and not from a want of profit, but from the good of her heart.
“I wanted to do some form of community service, but having unscheduled, varied workdays and hours, I was unable to commit to a regular timeslot for volunteering. A good friend suggested using my downstairs self-contained apartment of my house.”
Inspired by the example and legacy of her mother, Adrienne decided to use the apartment to help carers who desperately need a few days’ respite by offering them a few days’ break for free.
There are approximately 45,000 unpaid carers providing support to family members or friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail aged on the Sunshine Coast.
At a Sunshine Coast Carers Forum held in April this year, the number one concern expressed by carers attending was the need to increase available respite options. Lack of access to regular and emergency respite was a great concern to many of the participants.
With the help of Carers Queensland putting Adrienne in contact with carers who were most in need of a few days’ break, The Carers Project had begun.
Adrienne has provided much-needed time out for about 14 carers over the past two years. The carers that have been able to take up an accommodation offer have been extremely grateful to Adrienne for her selfless support.
“My eyes have been opened, getting a glimpse into the world of a carer. I am in total awe of the resilience, unconditional love, enduring support and selflessness shown to others in the role as carer, on a daily basis,” she said.
“I have learned there are more than 2.5 million largely unpaid carers in Australia looking after family members with chronic physical and mental illnesses, disabilities, aged care.”
Adrienne is hoping that by spreading the word about The Carers Project, the many people in our community who are letting a space on Airbnb could perhaps consider the idea of giving a few days’ respite to carers.
“What is needed now is for there to be awareness – an awakening, followed by a call to action. I want to start the ball rolling and get it out there, so others can get on board and many more people – carers and respite givers alike – can reap the numerous benefits and make a positive difference to community and the world,” Adrienne said.
“What I have learned from carers who have stayed here, is that this opportunity for some time out has made a huge difference to them.
“It has inspired me, meeting such wonderful, selfless people and knowing I can help to make a positive difference in someone’s life.”
Many carers have had to give up work to look after their loved ones and financial circumstances mean paying for some time out for themselves simply isn’t an option.
“Each and every one has been so very appreciative of the opportunity for a break, which they otherwise wouldn’t have had and tell me how much a difference it can make to their ability to go on,” Adrienne said.
One of the carers who stayed at Adrienne’s said: “I felt acknowledged and supported by taking up this (Adrienne’s) offer. Having a few nights’ holiday was so refreshing and relaxing and it uplifted me immensely. It was a wonderful gift that was so much appreciated.”
Adrienne has recently been named as the winner of the Regional and State Carers Queensland, Carer Friendly Business Awards, in the Great Service Category.
She has made it her mission to get this initiative out there and inspire others who may have a similar space available to get on board and offer carers a few days’ break from routine spent in a quiet, relaxing environment to recharge and refresh.
“The carers coming to me are mostly from the Sunshine Coast, but have also been referred to me from other regions in Queensland, such as Toowoomba, Ipswich and the Gold Coast. I gather there is a waiting list of carers who would love to have a break and are given priority according to need.
“It is ideally suited to people doing Airbnb because they are well set-up and used to having people to stay and will often have times when their space is free. It could also work with anyone who has a spare room or part of their house not being used,” Adrienne said.
The process is simple. If you are interested in finding out how to get involved in The Carers Project, contact Carers Queensland on 1800 242 636. They can refer carers who need some respite the most and then it’s up to you to create a schedule during your Airbnb quiet times for carers to take a break.
“What you get back from being able to help such deserving people is immeasurable.
“Learning I have in some way helped to make another person’s life a little better. It may only be for a short time, but I’m told it has some continuing benefit. It’s made a difference to them.”
