Across Victoria more than 726,000 carers give their time and effort to look after a family member or friend who needs them, whether due to chronic disease, mental illness, disability or old age.
The funding will allow The Centre for Continuing Education to support a range of activities to help carers connect, socialise and gain information while meeting other carers in relaxed informal settings.
The Centre’s Kerry Strauch welcomed the funding.
“Unpaid carers juggle the responsibilities of care with other obligations, such as work or raising children,” Ms Strauch said.
“It is wonderful that this program allows us to lighten their burden by getting them connected to their peers and mobilising help.”
That may include morning teas, support groups, sport activities and information sessions about services available.
The goal is to offer carers support from peers, community programs and other resources, to support their mental and physical health, while enabling carers to participate in their community.
Disability, Ageing and Carers Minister James Merlino said the Victorian Government had provided funding for this work to support carers’ wellbeing now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased.
“Carers do such an incredible job caring for loved ones and it’s critical they get the support and downtime they need to keep themselves well,” Mr Merlino said.
“Whether it’s a morning tea, exercise or peer support services, these initiatives will make a real difference in the lives of our dedicated carers once we start to open up safely.”
The Centre is one of 56 organisations that receive grants totalling $1.75 million through the Supporting Carers Locally Grants Program.
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