Recognising our carers during National Carers Week

This week from 10-16 October is National Carers Week, an opportunity to take the time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness about the diversity of carers and their caring roles.

There is an estimated 2.65 million Australians who provide care and support to a family member or friend with complex issues such as, mental ill-health, drug and alcohol abuse, chronic health conditions, terminal illness, disability or frailty due to age. This care and support is often voluntary.

The care and support sector, which includes veterans’ care, aged care, disability support and mental health, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It is unknown how many people provide care and support for those in the veteran community, but this week is a great opportunity to recognise and value their contribution to those looking after Australia’s veterans.

Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling offers help and support for carers including help to develop practical skills to support your own mental health and wellbeing, access to free and confidential counselling, free mental health training, and connecting you with a peer worker who has shared lived experience as a carer. Visit their website to find out more about the support services they can provide to you openarms.gov.au/who-we-help/carers. You don’t need to receive a DVA or other Commonwealth Government carer allowance to access support from Open Arms.

Support is also available for all those who provide informal care and support for a family member or friend through the Department of Social Services. Visit their website to find out more dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/carers

National Carers Week is an initiative of Carers Australia, funded by Department of Social Services, and coordinated with the assistance and participation of the state and territory carers associations

Thank you to all the carers in our community, especially to those looking after Australia’s veterans. Not just this week but every day, we commend you and your dedication is deeply appreciated.