Recognise and celebrate carers across Australia from 11 - 17 October 2020
From October 11 to 17 2020, 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.
Tell us why you careLisa and Jess Origliasso, aka The Veronicas, care for their mum, Colleen, and you can find out more via our new video!
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.
Show you care by hosting or attending an event
We’re asking everyone to get involved in National Carers Week by attending or hosting a National Carers Week event. This can be a morning tea, afternoon tea, a walk or some other activity.
Recently submitted carer stories
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 .
VIC
I took care of my elderly father for 3 years staying with him weekly for 2 nights in the family home. I helped with his daily care, shopping, medical appointments and companionship. He is now in an aged care facility in Melbourne. He is 96 years old I have not seen him for several months due to the lockdown which is very hard. I am so glad that I had those precious times with him over those years and enabled him to stay in his home. He has been a widower for 25 years and has lived a very social and productive life. Companionship was his biggest want as he loves people. We would go out socialising with his friends and this had an enormous effect on his mental state. Even though I left my family for 3 days a week and travelled 1/12 hrs to his house, I wouldn’t have changed anything. I did grumble every now and then having to leave every week but I will cherish those times which have now stopped. It has brought us closer together and I know we both appreciate this. It is such as rewarding experience for everyone.
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