The federal government is investing $900,000 in a grants program to increase local support for the more than 700,000 unpaid carers across the state who selflessly look after loved ones.
The Connecting Carers in the Community grants program provides grants of up to $40,000 each to reduce the isolation experienced by many carers.
The government said Victoria’s carers provide essential and unpaid support to loved ones with care needs.
Many carers provide care around the clock, making it difficult for them to access the support they need to look after themselves or connect with others in their community.
The grants program will be administered by Carers Victoria and focus on prioritising support for carers in regional and rural areas.
Carers Victoria is the peak body for Victoria’s unpaid carers.
It provides advocacy, advice and information to help carers access support services by working closely with the community and the carer support sector.
Applications for the grant program are encouraged from carer support groups, community groups and grassroots organisations that connect with unpaid carers in regional communities, including First Nations, multicultural, LGBTIQ+ and other diverse Victorian carers.
Carer support groups, community organisations, health services, councils, neighbourhood houses and other organisations are eligible to apply.
The grant program is part of the governments efforts to support unpaid carers and aligns with the objectives of the Victorian Carer Strategy.
Applications close on September 15.
Disability, Ageing and Carers Minister Lizzie Blandthorn said, “There are more than 700,000 unpaid carers in Victoria, and for many of those people, caring is a 24/7 job that they do selflessly, these grants are one way we can help make their lives a little easier.
“In partnership with Carers Victoria, we’re making sure support reaches selfless carers so they can get the time out they need to look after themselves as well as those they are caring for.”
Carers Victoria chief executive Judith Abbott said, “The new grants program is another important step in recognising that opportunities to connect with others who have similar experiences is a valuable source of advice and support for carers.”
Details : carersvictoria.org.au.
