Recognising our carers

Carers make an enormous contribution to our communities, and their efforts will be celebrated during National Carers Week, from October 10 to 16, 2021.

National Carers Week recognises the 2.65 million+ Australians who identify as being a carer, providing care and support to a family member, loved one or friend who may be living with disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or drug issue, or frail aged.

They often do this in an unpaid capacity, generally without considering how it will affect their own lives.

A Carer’s responsibilities can be quite complex and performed over a sustained period. Many people accept a transitional carer role, which can be limited in time but still has complex demands.

At Intereach, more than a quarter of its staff identify as a carer. The community service provider has initiated a Carer’s Reference Group to support its staff who identify as carers year-round. The group gets together to share ideas, resources, provide support, and raise awareness of carers.

This year during Carers Week, the Carer’s Reference Group will also be involved in distributing information and resources about the role of carers to all staff, and special activities will be hosted in Intereach offices. However, these have been limited by COVID-19 restrictions, with many Intereach staff still working from home.

National Carers Week is an opportunity to show appreciation for the work of all carers and has been celebrated since 1992. It is about recognising carers and providing the opportunity to pause and say, “thank you”.

Intereach has more than 460 staff, working across its 17 offices, located in the Riverina- Murray region of NSW and north and central Victoria. The organisation supports children and families, people living with disability, mental health, and older people. If you, or someone you know, needs support you can contact the team at Intereach on the toll-free number 1300 488 226, or go to www.intereach.com.au.