Recognise and celebrate carers across Australia from 10 - 16 October 2021
From October 10 to 16 2021, National Carers Week is a time to recognise the 2.65 million Australians who provide care and support to a family member or friend with disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged.
About carers and National Carers Week
Carers are people who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged – anyone at any time can become a carer.
National Carers Week is an opportunity to raise community awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles.
National Carers Week is an initiative of Carers Australia, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, and coordinated with the assistance and participation of the state and territory Carers Associations.
Recently submitted carer stories
NSW
I care for my mother by doing her shopping, house cleaning and car cleaning. Recently she had an operation and I dressed her wounds every second day. I work and live 1/2 hr away from her, and I worry about her because she faints with her low blood pressure.
VIC
I care for my wife she has disabilities caused by spinal operations and also mental health problems. I give care on a daily basis, cooking shopping house work showing taking her to appointments. It is rewarding to know you make a difference to your love one.
NSW
Hi My son was diagnosed at 29 week’s with Spina biftda I’m single mum full time carer of a 9 year old boy I’m 33 my marriage ended shortly after my son was born he left and I have raised my son on my own since he was 2 years. My son is fully dependent on me he can’t talk or walk his name is Logan he make’s a lot of sounds to let me know is he is happy or sad I read his moods by his emotions . Happy he smiles or laughs sad he cries. I care because I’m a mother of a special need son and I care cause that is my job as a mother .
Where can carers get support?
Carer Gateway provides information and advice on the supports available to carers across Australia, and has a great range of online resources to help promote carer wellbeing. To find out more, and to access online support services, head to carergateway.gov.au