National Carer Survey 2024

2024 National Carer Survey - Now Open!

One of the most valuable resources we have in advocating for carers is the National Carer Survey. Conducted every two years, this survey offers a platform for carers across Australia to share their experiences and perspectives.

We kindly request that all carers participate in this important initiative. Your input is critical in helping us understand and address the needs of our diverse carer community.

Why respond? The National Carer Survey provides a platform for your voice to be heard by decision-makers. The results have been and continue to be instrumental in policy submissions, government reports, conference presentations, and academic publications. By responding to the survey, you are contributing to the broader understanding and recognition of carers' experiences and needs.

How to Respond? The 2024 National Carer Survey can be accessed online at www.NationalCarerSurvey.com.au using a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Alternatively, paper copies of the survey are also available and can be requested via phone call at 02 9280 4744.

Thank you for your continued support and participation. Together, we can work towards a better future for all carers.

Regional Events

Carers WA in the Regions

Practical and emotional support for family carers is available in every region of WA. Support services include counselling, tailored support packages, emergency respite and online supports. In Western Australia, Carers WA delivers Carer Gateway services and other supports alongside our regional partner, Helping Minds.

To stay up to date with events and supports available in regional WA, click here.

Perth Metro Events

Meditation and Restoration Workshop

Come along for a relaxing morning where we will share some simple practices that restore and replenish. Part of the Carer Wellness at Home workshops, this one will look at creating routines that reclaim sleep as a restful experience and learn how to bring meditation into any moment of the day.

The session will be facilitated by Erin Griffin, who combines her lived experience as a carer with her background and passion for community mental health, yoga, and meditation.

When: Wednesday, 12th June 2024 | 10.00am – 12.00pm (Arrive at 9.45am for registration)

Where: Thornlie Park Meeting Room | 50-60 Thornlie Ave, Thornlie 6108

This workshop is free to participants registered with Carers WA, and a light lunch is included.

Registrations are essential for this workshop. To find out more and RSVP, click here, or contact wellnessprogram@carerswa.asn.au.

Young Carers Dungeons and Dragons Group

Do you have a love for adventure, storytelling, and fantasy? Here's your chance to embark on a unique journey! Carers WA is excited to announce that we are forming an online Dungeons & Dragons group for young carers aged 16-25.

Whether you are a beginner just starting your D&D journey or a seasoned campaigner, everyone is welcome! The group will meet online once a month for around 3 hours, over the course of 6 months.

This is a great opportunity to escape into the world of D&D, while also connecting with other young carers.

Ready to roll the dice? Register your interest now and email youngcarers@carerswa.asn.au.

Blokes and Bridges Walk for Men's Health Week

Join ConnectGroups, men's health support groups, and community members, as they come together for this event, in recognition of Men's Health Week. It will be a time dedicated to more than just physical health - it's about men's mental and emotional wellbeing too!

Take part in a picturesque 7km riverside walk along the Canning Bridge and Mount Henry Bridge Loop in Mount Pleasant. Afterwards, gather for morning tea to highlight the significance of men's health and support the wellbeing of men and boys in our community.

If the walk isn't your thing, there is also a morning tea from 10.00am to 11:30am, alongside a chance to connect with other support groups. To register for the morning tea only, click here. 

Families, carers, and support workers are all welcome! Bring your friends to help raise awareness of men's health.

When: Saturday, 15th June 2024 | 8:30am - 11:30am

Where: Swan River Rowing Club | 2 The Esplanade, Mount Pleasant Western Australia 

To find out more about this external event, click here.

Get Social With Us

News & Updates

Read our Blog on the State and Federal Budgets

Do you want to explore the potential effects of the latest budgets on carers in Australia, but don’t know where to start? Our blog will guide you!

• The 2024-25 WA State Budget shows a surplus and a focus on cost-of-living assistance, housing supply, and economic diversification. However, Carers WA stresses the need for additional targeted support.
• The 2024-25 Federal Budget has disappointed Carers Australia due to limited immediate assistance, despite measures to stabilise prescription drug costs and support for Medicare.
• Carers Australia is now advocating for a National Carers Strategy and a superannuation contribution on the Carer Payment.

To read the full blog, click here.

Global Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Awareness Day

Each year, MND associations across the globe mark 21st June as Global MND Awareness Day. This is a special day of recognition acknowledging the impact MND has on people around the world. This date is chosen as it marks the solstice, a turning point in the calendar, the start of a new season of hope. Each year the MND community undertake a range of activities to express their hope that this day will be another turning point in the search for cause, treatment and cure of MND.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association of WA (MNDAWA) will be sharing this message throughout the week as well as hosting gatherings for their MND Community.

The blue cornflower is the symbol of hope for MND around the globe due to its fragile appearance yet hardy nature, as it survives well in tough conditions. A range of landmarks across WA will be lighting up blue on Friday, 21st June to show their support and raise awareness of MND. 

You can get behind this initiative and show your support by visiting the MND Association of WA website to donate or to purchase a blue cornflower item to wear on Global MND Awareness Day. 

Follow the Association on Facebook or Instagram so that you can help to share the message. 

WA Youth Awards

We are delighted to announce that Carers WA is sponsoring the Carers WA Milestone Award category at the esteemed WA Youth Awards this year. These awards have a rich 25-year history and are a significant platform celebrating the achievements, talents, and community contributions of young Western Australians aged between 10 to 25 years.

The Carers WA Milestone Award, like all other categories, will present the winner with a $1,000 prize. This award recognises and honours the achievements of young people who have successfully pursued their personal goals while fulfilling caring duties or who have advocated for those occupying caring roles. A young carer is anyone under the age of 25 who has a family member or friend that they support with disability, chronic illness, mental health challenges, drug, or alcohol dependency or who is frail due age. Young carers, demonstrate exceptional tenacity, commitment, and brilliance in managing responsibilities beyond their years and overcoming challenges and disadvantages. It acknowledges their ability to achieve personal, educational, or health-related goals while providing care to their family or community members.

Nominations for the awards are currently open and will close on Friday, 28th June 2024. The winners will be announced at the 25th WA Youth Awards ceremony, to be held on Friday, 20 September 2024, at the Ritz Carlton Ballroom.

  To find out more or to nominate a young carer, click here.

Young Carer Survey

A little reminder that the survey for young carers closes on Thursday, 20th June. Don't miss your chance to win a $50 voucher!

We want to make sure our activities and support services are the best they can be. And who knows better than you? So we're hoping to hear from you about what's awesome and what could be better. It will take about 10 minutes, and don't worry, your answers will be kept confidential – we won't use your name or any personal info.

To complete the survey, click here.

Paw Pals for Carers K9 Project Trial Underway

We have teamed up with Shenton Park Dog Refuge and would like to introduce an exciting new initiative: the Paw Pals for Carers K9 Program! This pilot program is designed to provide a rewarding experience for carers.

One of the unique aspects of this program is the incorporation of interaction with dogs, as well as an opportunity to connect with other carers, share experiences, and learn from each other in a supportive environment. Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of human-dog interaction. These include improved mental wellbeing, reduced stress levels, and enhanced social skills.

Six carers are currently trialling the program, with their participation and insights determining the potential expansion of this initiative in the future. Stay tuned!

Social Support Volunteers Week

National Volunteer Week is Australia's most significant annual event celebrating volunteering, featuring thousands of events and activities nationwide. Last week, we gathered all our devoted volunteer coordinators at the RAFFA Centre to honour their significant contribution to Carers WA and the carer community. They were excited to receive and sport their brand new Carers WA volunteer t-shirts for the first time!

Our volunteer coordinators run the Social Support Linking Together Program, a key initiative that helps carers like you stay connected and reduce the isolation often felt in their roles.

Currently, we are proud to have 39 groups across both metro and regional areas, supported by 33 Volunteer Group and Assistant Coordinators who generously dedicate their time each month.

We deeply appreciate their commitment and encourage carers who have attended these groups to also express their gratitude towards these coordinators who work tirelessly to run the support groups.

To find out more about our Linking Together social support groups, click here.

Grandparent North and Ishar Multicultural Groups' Social Gathering

Our social support Grandparent North and Ishar Multicultural groups hosted a gathering earlier this month, held at the safe and loved St Catherine's House of Hospitality, bringing together carers from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The event was filled with conversations, laughter, dancing, and pampering with an array of beautiful skin products from The Body Shop. Attendees indulged in delicious treats, while enjoying the tranquil settings of the cottage garden.

The benefits of this gathering surpassed our initial goal of uniting isolated and vulnerable women from the same geographical area. Comments such as "We have never felt so welcomed," "We don't want to leave," and "Can we do this again" truly encapsulate the positive atmosphere.

New friendships were formed, contacts exchanged, and there was an expressed interest in bringing more people into this safe space. The gathering provided our carers with a well-deserved break from their caring roles, creating an amazing and meaningful experience for everyone.

A special mention to Carers WA Wellness and Social Support officer, Martine, and Program Manager, Sean for supporting our carers.

To find out more about our Linking Together social support groups, click here.

Carers WA Conference 2024 - Save the Date!

Curious about the Carers WA Conference? Join us for the premier event in honour of National Carers Week 2024. With the theme 'Empowering Unpaid Carer: Navigating Identity, Belonging, and Change', the conference will explore the changing scene of caring in WA. It will address crucial trends, challenges, and viewpoints shared by industry professionals and carers.

While our Call for Abstracts has ended, official registrations will begin in early July.

Early expressions of interest are currently open.

When: Thursday, 17th October 2024

Where: Optus Stadium | River View Rooms

To express your interest, click here.

Please note that an expression of interest does not guarantee a spot, but it helps us to estimate the number of participants interested in attending. Stay tuned for more updates.