News and events for unpaid family and friend carers in WA.
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Caring Matters E-Bulletin | March 2023
Carers WA Advocacy
Carers WA is speaking up for you
As the peak body representing the needs and interests of carers in Western Australia, we work to achieve an improved quality of life for family carers in our state. One of the ways that we do this is by advocating on your behalf.
This month, we are delighted to share a new section of our website where you can see what we have been up to. You can now access our policy submissions and reports, as well as provide feedback on systemic issues directly to the Carers WA’s Policy Team.
Over the past few months we been working hard to ensure WA carers
are well represented in government policy development, including policy submissions on:
- A New Program for In-home Aged Care
- National Dementia Action Plan
- Inquiry into the Capability and Culture of the NDIA
- A New Act to Replace the Disability Services Act 1986.
We have also been involved in consultations on the WA Seniors Strategy, the implementation of the WA Hospital Stay Guidelines, the City of Armadale’s Social Priorities 2023-2026, and provided input into many of Carers Australia’s policy submissions here. In addition, Carers WA also recently held a tenancy focus group for carers with Shelter WA and the Building Tenancy Skills Project, the outcomes of which will feed into our policy and advocacy work.
How can you get involved?
Carers WA and Carers Australia have a range of exciting policy work in progress which carers can provide feedback on through our new online feedback form here.
This includes the Select Committee on the Cost of Living; the Review of the Impact of COVID-19 on school students with disability; The Early Years Strategy; the 2022 Review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002; and the NDIS Review.
To find out more click here.
Events
Lifesaving skills for the home
Join Carers WA for a quick two hour course that has been tailored to teach parents, families, and friends essential lifesaving first aid skills and information relevant to a home setting.
The course covers CPR, choking, asthma, anaphylaxis and allergies, fractures, sprains, strains, bites and stings.
This workshop is free to participants registered with Carers WA. A light lunch will be provided.
Location 1: Balcatta
Tuesday, 7th March 2023 | 10.00am - 1.00pm.
Register your interest here.
Location 2: Thornlie
Monday, 24th March 2023 | 10.00am - 1.00pm.
Register your interest here.
Art for Carers: Online
The National Gallery of Australia presents a free monthly, online program for carers from across the country. Take a deep dive into works from the National Gallery's collection with curators, conservators, educators, and invited guests.
You will need your own internet connected computer, laptop or device with webcam and in-built microphone. Bookings are essential.
When: Tuesday, 7th March 2023 | 10.00am.
Where: Online.
To register your interest click here.
Lifelong Learning College
The Lifelong Learning College (LLC) is a program that has been designed to build capacity for people with disability and their unpaid family carer/s.
The program encourages education, building informal networks, and creating relationships in an inclusive community-based setting. Some terms run in conjunction with an In-Person Peer Support group for carers.
The next program commences in March 2023.
Grief and You
Being a carer often involves ambiguous loss, a loss that cannot be reconciled or resolved, that is separate to the experience of bereavement.
Find a perspective on the losses you may have experienced in your caring role and explore the process of grieving, allowing it to be seen, experienced and shared as a part of your life.
Location 1: Bentley
Monday, 24th April 2023 | 10.00am - 12.00pm.
To register your interest click here.
Location 2: Morley
Monday, 3rd April 2023 | 10.00am - 12.00pm.
To register your interest click here.
Volunteer Group Coordinators Needed
Are you ready to use your lived experience as a carer to help support others in your local area?
As a Linking Together Group Coordinator, you’ll spend 3-4 hours a month facilitating a safe, welcoming and supportive social environment for carers from all walks of life.
You’ll be given all the training you need and any out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed by Carers WA.
Eligibility: Must be a carer living in or near Rockingham, Mount Lawley or Mandurah.
To find out more or to submit an expression of interest email socialsupport@carerswa.asn.au.
New Scarborough and Mount Lawley Social Support Groups
Taking a regular break and having a supportive social network helps carers to keep providing the best care they can.
Carers WA provide Linking Together Social Support groups for its members to take a short break from their caring role and to meet others in their local community.
Carers WA is now taking expressions of interest for two new groups in Scarborough and Mount Lawley. Attendance is free, however, you must be registered with Carers WA.
To find out more, or to express your interest in one of the new locations click here.
Advanced Care Planning Webinar
Following National Advance Care Planning Week, join Carers Australia's webinar and questions and answers (Q&A) session to learn how to support your loved one to prepare for future health care decisions.
Through advance care planning, you and the person you care for can talk about and write down their values and what quality of life means to them. You can explore what future medical treatments and care they would, or would not, want to receive if they are no longer able to make or communicate those decisions.
Learn how you can upload advance care planning documents to My Health Record or get support to upload. This will enable documents to be accessed when they’re needed most.
To register your interest click here.
WA Recovery College: Minimise Your Wardrobe and Maximise Your Time
Want to spend less money and time on your wardrobe? This free workshop will examine the benefits of minimising your wardrobe by introducing you to the KonMari Method and the capsule wardrobe.
To find out more click here.
WA Recovery College: Find Your Zen in Zentangles
Increase your focus and reduce stress with a free workshop on Zentangles, a form of modern meditation.
In discovering the origins of this practice, you'll dive into the benefits it can bring to your sense of wellbeing.
To find out more click here.
Be Job Ready - Bunbury
If you are providing unpaid care for a family member or friend and you want to gain skills to apply for work. Free support is available.
Carers WA are delivering a Be Job Ready Essentials two day workshop in Bunbury during May 2023. The sessions will provide realistic information and practical skills that can be used to apply for, secure and maintain employment.
To register your interest click here.
Great Southern and Wheatbelt Pit Stops
Come meet the team and have an informal chat about how Carers WA can help, and the services we provide.
When: February - April 2023.
Where: Moora, Northam, and Pinjarra.
View the full events calendar here.
Coral Coast Road Trip
We are delighted to announce our latest addition to the 2023 road trip calendar!
Save the date and stay tuned for more details as the team plan the trip.
When: 20 - 24 March 2023.
Where: Kalbarri, Northampton, Geraldton, Dongara, Jurien Bay, and Lancelin.
News & Updates
New resource for navigating the legalities of ageing
If you have been surprised by the legalities and intricacies of caring for someone who is frail or ageing, this new resource, developed by COTA Western Australia, is a great place to start.
COTA Western Australia says that, “This Guide will help you to untangle the intricacies of many issues which have already, or may confront you, as you continue your life’s journey.
It could have something to do with renting a house or apartment; your rights in dealing with a dispute in a retirement village; making sure a Will is valid or not open to interpretation or making sure that your end-of-life-wishes are readily available should you become incapable of communicating them if required.”
To download a copy of the resource click here.
Do you know a young carer?
Do you know a young person who is going above and beyond to help out around the home and take on extra responsibilities to care for a family member?
Carers WA has a program dedicated to amazing young people just like this. The Young Carer team work together with families to recognise the incredible work of young carers and provide extra support to help them reach their own goals.
Support could include the discovery of career ambitions, exploring different learning pathways, help pursuing personal interests and hobbies and even practical support like help getting a driver's license.
To find out more or to sign up a young carer click here.
Transitioning into High School
Do you know a young carer who has just started High School?
Come have a free "Chat & Check In" at Headspace Cannington. It will be a safe space to talk about the transition into high school.
Afternoon tea and snacks provided.
When: Monday, 20th March 2023 | 4pm - 5pm.
Where: Headspace Cannington | Units 1 & 2, 1468 Albany Hwy.
To find out more click here.
Palliative Care WA
Palliative Care WA’s highly successful Advance Care Planning Support Service pilot has been accepted for a presentation at the International Conference on Advance Care Planning in Singapore in late May.
The Advance Care Planning Support Service is a joint pilot project between Palliative Care WA and Carers WA that has been designed to support individuals to progress their Advance Care Planning. The personalised mobile service helps people have a say in what happens in the last part of their lives and is free and confidential.
To find out more click here.
Carer Wellbeing Survey
Did you know that in 2022 over 80% of carers rated access to in-home overnight respite care as very poor? And that over 50% of carers said it was becoming even more difficult to navigate systems, participate in paid work, progress in studies or education?
Information like this has already and continues to inform policy and drive change for carers across Australia.
By participating in the 2023 Carer Wellbeing Survey, you'll help provide invaluable insights into the impacts of rising living costs for carers, access to support services for yourself and for the person you care for and much more.
To contribute to this year's survey and to go into the draw to win one of 13 prizes worth $5,000 click here.
Connect Up!
Carers WA have teamed up with Curtin
University Research team, Health Redesigned and Eduka Web Design to develop an online social connection portal called ‘Connect Up!’
This portal will enable people with disability to;
• engage in the community,
• form social connections with peers,
• and increase opportunities for physical exercise, sport, and recreation.
Register your interest here.
Carers WA International Pen Pal Program
The program is almost 100% run by, and directed by, the carer.
As a participant, you are not only able to receive personalised support from someone who empathises with your specific circumstances, but you are able to lift one another up.
You can sign up now to receive your very own welcome pack, including your first three stamps and everything you need to get started.
Register your interest here.
Be the voice for all carers!
Only someone who has experienced caring for a family member or friend with health, mental health or alcohol and other drug dependency can truly understand the issues and barriers faced by carers. A Carer Representative voices the carer perspective and takes part in the decision-making process on behalf of the caring community.
As a Carer Representative you will:
- Have opportunities to participate in WA Department of Health and Mental Health committees and other forums.
- Be paid for your time and participation at committee meetings and associated travel costs.
- Use your lived experience as a carer to stand up for and represent the voice of carers, and provide a voice in policy development and service planning.
- Have opportunities to meet and discuss issues with other carers, learn new skills, develop confidence, and make a real difference to the way carers are treated in the health and mental health systems.
“The benefit of being a Carer Rep is that I have gained self-confidence and the realisation that my lived experience is important” - Sharyn, Carer Representative
To register your interest click here.
Carers Australia 2023-2024 Federal Budget Submission
In this 2023-24 Federal Pre-Budget submission, Carers Australia are calling on the Albanese Government to confirm the pre-election commitment to develop a National Carer Strategy within its first term.
“Labor recognises that carers have been too often overlooked in policy development and not treated as a vulnerable group in their own right. An Albanese Labor Government will develop a new National Carers Strategy, in consultation with carers, peak bodies and service providers, during its first term of government.”
– ALP response to the Carers Australia 2022 Federal Election Survey
To read the full submission click here.
Got a question?
Call 1300 227 377 or email info@carerswa.asn.au
If you are feeling overwhelmed or are seeking help with mental or emotional stress, we encourage you to contact Australia's helpline specialists that operate 24/7, built to support everyone, all year round.
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service:
1300 659 467
Immediate Risk of Harm:
Triple Zero (000)
