The Victorian Labor Government has announced a funding boost to benefit carers selflessly looking after a friend or loved one and helping them get the support they need to look after themselves and their loved ones.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan this week announced $450,000 in grants for Carers Victoria, Little Dreamers and Tandem as part of Victoria’s plans to give back to carers and make sure they get the help they’ve asked for.
“It can be difficult to make sure carers get access to the services they need to look after themselves – particularly since many don’t identify as carers,” Minister Luke Donnellan said.
“This funding will better support and recognise carers of all kinds right across the state, and help them get the help they need,” Donnellan added.
The Labor Government is investing $150,000 in Little Dreamers so they can continue their Dream Experience Program for young carers and their siblings, the School Holiday Program, and to support case management and education for young carers.
Funding of $160,000 will see Carers Victoria partner with other peak organisations to improve support for carers, and investigate appropriate respite services for Aboriginal, LGBTQI, culturally diverse, and rural and regional young carers.
This work will guide a way forward to best help these diverse carer groups.
Carers of people with a mental illness will also benefit, with $140,000 of funding being provided to Tandem to develop and operate a pilot information, referral and advocacy service to assist families to access the help they need, when they need it.
More than 736,600 carers across Victoria give their time and effort to look after a family member or friend who needs them, including 71,600 young carers.
“We know that caring for a loved one can be demanding – and carers deserve a helping hand,” Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Lizzie Blandthorn said.
“We’re making sure carers get the support they’ve asked for with this investment to increase access to services and support,” Blandthorn said.
These initiatives are an important part of the work the Victorian government is doing under the Victorian carer strategy 2018-22, the state’s first whole of government strategy that recognises and supports the important role of Victorian carers.
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