Merry Christmas from Carers WA 

It has been another significant year as we continue to work hard to remain connected and supportive of our family members and friends while navigating the changing landscape of COVID-19. 

Carers WA would like to take the time to thank you all for your continued support and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you all again in the new year. 

During the Christmas period, Carers WA and Carer Gateway services will continue to operate Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 5.00pm, with reduced services during the public holidays (27th December, 28th December and 3rd January). 

For additional support during the Christmas period please contact one of the helpline specialists below: 

Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 467
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Crisis Care Helpline: 1800 199 008
Family Helpline: 1800 643 000
Women's Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 007 339
NB: For immediate risk of harm to self or others, call the Police, Fire and Ambulance: 000. 

Events 

Young Carers Events 

The Young Carer Team will be holding a range of events for young carers over the January school holidays.   

These events are the perfect opportunity to have a fun day out and meet like-minded people.  Registration for the below events will be open within the coming week, keep an eye on the Carers WA Events Calendar for more information. 

• Rock Climbing (Young Carers 13-17 years only)
• Peaceful Painting Workshop (Young Carers 8-25 years)
• Family Day at the Zoo   
• Family Day at Shipwreck Cove
• Docking Up in Freo (Young Carer 10-16 years only)   

Get social with us

News & Updates

Be Job Ready 2022 Course - Expression of Interest 

Expressions of Interest for the next Be Job Ready Course are now open! 

The course is specifically designed to assist carers in the return to employment by providing realistic information and practical skills. 

This program runs over 10 sessions (2 hours per session) with key job-related skills and techniques covered in each session. 

To be eligible for this program, carers: 

• Must be in a caring role within the last 12 months  
• Be aged between 14-65 years 
• Live in or near the Perth Metropolitan area. 

For more information, including course outline please click here. 

For expressions of interest, please call Carers WA on 1300 227 377 or email bjr@carerswa.asn.au and a team member will contact you shortly.

Prepare to Care comes to Fiona Stanley Hospital 

The Carers WA Hospital Team has been busy launching the Prepare to Care program at Fiona Stanley Hospital. The team have created a 'Carers Corner' across the wards, providing a space for carers to find relevant information that will help them prepare for the transition of a loved one leaving hospital.

The Fiona Stanley staff have taken part in education sessions facilitated by our team, providing them with the skills to identify a carer and help them through their caring journey. 

The new Prepare to Care booklets can be found across the wards at Fiona Stanley Hospital, or can be downloaded from our website here 

If you would like to find out more information about this program, please visit the Carers WA website.

Looking to make a new friend?

Carers WA and Carers UK are looking for more people to join the exciting Pen Pal and Pen Partner programs that have been revived and re-designed to promote and encourage carer connections, peer support, friendships and literacy.

The program covers ages 8 - 80 years +.

If you would like to find out more information or to sign up for the program, please visit the Carers WA website.

Perth Festival is back 

Perth Festival is a not-for-profit festival that brings live music, dance, theatre and independent films to the Perth community throughout summer. A large variety of entertainment will be performed, suited to all ages and interests. 

This year there will also be a range of free events available. For discounted tickets across the festival, please use the code ACCESS22. 

For more information about ticketing and the program, click here

School Uniform Support - Secondary Assistance Scheme 

The Secondary Assistance Scheme (SAS) is available to parents/guardians with children enrolled in secondary schooling who hold an eligible concession card.  

The SAS comprises of an Education Program Allowance which is paid to the school, and a Clothing Allowance that is paid to the parent.  (If the student is enrolled in a public school, the parent may nominate the clothing allowance be paid to the school).

For public schools, the Educational Program Allowance (EPA) of $235 for students in Years 7 to 10 will be paid to the school and will be applied towards the voluntary contribution.  Any balance will be applied against charges or as negotiated with the parent/guardian. For students in Years 11 to 12 the EPA will be applied to cover charges in the first instance.

Alternatively – you may wish to talk directly with the Student Services / Chaplin at your school to find out what other assistance they can provide e.g. good quality second hand uniforms.

NB: Carers WA Young Carer team do not provide support for school uniforms and fees.