A new landing page on the Service NSW website for use by the State’s carers and a new awareness campaign, It’s Caring to help them get help if they need it have been announced during National Carers Week, this week.
The Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Gareth Ward said the initiatives were part of a new 10-year strategy to ensure NSW’s 850,000 carers receive better support and recognition to improve their financial and physical wellbeing.
“National Carers Week is a significant time to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution unpaid carers make to our communities,” Mr Ward said.
“Under the strategy, the NSW Government will make it easier for carers to access information and services, reduce financial stress and look after their own health and wellbeing.”
He said that carers in NSW provided care and support to a family member or friend who had a disability, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency, long-term health condition or were elderly.
He said Action Plans would be released every two years to set out the steps Government Agencies and the sector were taking to support and recognise carers better.
The new strategy was welcomed by Carers NSW with Chief Executive Elena Katrakis saying it would provide an important framework and direction for supporting carers over the next 10 years and help overcome the many challenges carers faced.
“Carers are providing more hours of care than ever before and this new strategy will make it easier for carers to access the information and support that they need to continue their vital caring roles,” Ms Katrakis said.
The 28-page NSW Carers Strategy 2020-2030 can be accessed at this PS News link.
