First Ever "Time for Carers to Be Cared For" Event Held!

On Tuesday, July 7th, Toshima City held its first "Time for Carers to Be Cared For" event at the Tanita Shokudo Main Store on the 2nd floor of Toshima Eco-Muzetown, as part of the Toshima City Carer Refreshment Support Project.

Background and Overview of the Project

This project was funded through the fiscal year 2025 project proposal system by Toshima City residents. The aim is to provide carers and supporters who are constantly caring for others with a sense of security by allowing them to share their situations and concerns, thereby supporting their daily caregiving efforts. It also aims to provide a temporary break from daily caregiving, allowing them to spend free time and refresh themselves before fatigue and loneliness accumulate.

On the day of the event, participants received self-care advice from a Senior Professional Psychological Counselor*1 and participated in a "Sharing Session" where they were divided into groups to discuss their own situations. Feedback from the participant survey included comments such as, "It was easier to talk to people in the same situation, and many understood my feelings, which lightened my heart."

Future Event Schedule

The project is scheduled to be held on three more dates: Wednesday, September 16th, Tuesday, November 24th, and Tuesday, January 26th. For those who require caregiving or other assistance during the event, a portion of the cost for in-home helper services will be subsidized. Additionally, as a participation benefit, subsidies will be provided for the cost of using non-insurance services for personal refreshment*2.

*1 A Professional Psychological Counselor is a nationally unified certification qualification for psychological counselors accredited by the National Federation of Psychological Services.

*2 Both cost subsidies are capped at 10,000 yen per session. Participation benefits are only for city residents who are providing care, and not for service providers.

Comments from City Officials

Regarding the event, a city official commented, "Although it was the first time we held this event, all the participants actively shared their daily thoughts and concerns. Based on the feedback and opinions received, we aim to make the next session an even more meaningful sharing session."

"Time for Carers to Be Cared For" Event Details

Date and Time

Tuesday, July 7th (Held), Wednesday, September 16th, Tuesday, November 24th, Tuesday, January 26th, 2027

All sessions from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Location

Tanita Shokudo Main Store, 2nd Floor, Toshima Eco-Muzetown (2-45-3 Minami-Ikebukuro)

Eligibility

1. Toshima City residents who are currently providing daily care at home for individuals who fall under the following categories:

Individuals requiring care levels 1-5

Individuals with a Physical Disability Certificate (Levels 4-1), Ai-no-Techo (Levels 4-1), or Mental Health and Welfare Certificate (Levels 3-1), etc.

2. Individuals working at care or disability welfare service providers within the city.

Fee

300 yen (includes drink and cake at Tanita Shokudo)

Instructor

Kazuko Uemura (Senior Professional Psychological Counselor / Affiliated with Tokyo Mental Health)

Website

https://www.city.toshima.lg.jp/158/2603231330.html

Instructor: Kazuko Uemura

*You can download this press release in PDF format here↓

d165139-72-4990fb1c4b88cd65112214a8e4bb7e67.pdf