'The Voice' Blog July 2024

Welcome To The July Edition Of The Voice

CEO Message

Hello everyone,

I want to start by saying how absolutely thrilled I’ve been at the overwhelming level of response to our recent round of Carer Support Group Activity Grants. We know how important these local groups can be for carers, particularly as it can take quite a lot of travel time to access many of the other supports available.

A portion of these grants will be allocated to assist Carer Support Groups to hold an event or activity during National Carers Week, which runs from 13–19 October 2024 (quick, add it to your calendar now). We look forward to hearing how you all celebrate – go on, party like it’s 1999!

In a similar vein, I want to draw your attention to the second Connecting Carers in their Community small grants round which was announced by Minister Spence on 21 June. This is a great chance for organisations or groups who want to bring carers together in their local communities. If you would like more information, visit our website, or see the longer article in this newsletter.

Take care all, and stay warm – why is it that every Victorian Winter seems a bit chillier than the previous one?
Judith

What’s On In July 2024

Whether you’re interested in social connection, knowledge building, or recreation and relaxation – we’ve got you covered with our carer-focused events and activities.

Visit our What’s On calendar to explore what we have on offer. All events are free of charge, but places are limited, so don’t forget to reserve your place.
 

Find out what’s happening:
 

Calling All Carers in the North-West Melbourne Metro Region

Carers Victoria is running a free online therapeutic program for carers, that is all about working with carers to enhance their connection and wellbeing.

The program runs over four consecutive weeks and consists of online group sessions of approximately 90-minutes each. The program is facilitated by an experienced mental health professional and group numbers are kept small to maintain a safe and supportive environment.

Morning, afternoon, and evening groups are available in August.

Register your interest now – spaces are limited.

Applications Now Open!

Connecting Carers in their Community Round 2 Grants

Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence recently opened applications for the Connecting Carers in their Community small grants program 2024-25.

Carers Victoria is pleased to be managing this program, providing grants of between $15,000 and $25,000 to local, regional and community groups delivering support to carers. The program aims to increase local community supports and provide opportunities for social connections for carers where they live and work.

Grant applications are encouraged from small community groups, particularly those delivering support to carers and their families in regional, rural and other areas in Victoria where carer supports are sometimes more difficult to access. Carer support groups, community groups, community health services, local councils, Neighbourhood houses and other grassroots groups are eligible to apply.

‘The evidence tells us that social connection is one of the most important things to maintain carer health and wellbeing. Grants like this are so vital because they create opportunities for carers who may otherwise not be able to make those connections,’ Judith Abbott, Carers Victoria CEO said in support of the program.

Previous funding rounds have supported projects that increase community connections, including carer support events in Auslan for the deaf community, a gathering in Mallacoota for carers in remote communities and a dedicated program for LGBTIQA+ carers and those that care for LGBTIQA+ people in Wangaratta.

Applications are open until 12 July 2024.

Walking Groups

Western Programs Walking Groups

Carers in Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Caroline Springs, Moonee Valley and Werribee are invited to come along to a walking group in your area. Catch up with other carers over a light brunch and find out about local supports and services for carers. Places are limited, so register your place now.

 
Heart Foundation Walking Groups: Australia wide

There's a reason why walking is one of the most popular forms of activity in Australia. Join a Heart Foundation walking group to reduce stress, be more alert, have a healthier body and build strong relationships.

Clark Rubber Donation Supports Carer Grants

Carers Victoria is pleased to announce a generous donation received by our partner, Clark Rubber, that will go directly to supporting community-based Carer Support Groups. The team at Clark Rubber identified that the role of carers across Victoria was vital, and banded together to make personal donations which enabled additional Carer Support Group Grants.

Key staff from Clark Rubber met with Carers Victoria CEO, Judith Abbott and Board Chair, Sue Peden, to present the extra-large cheque!

With Clark Rubber’s donation, we will be able to fund an additional 21 Carer Support Group grants, with at least one group supported in each of the 17 locations where Clark Rubber has stores, both metro and regional.

The funded support groups include a diverse range of carers of all ages and in all kinds of care relationships, including members who care for people with disability, and carers from a range of multicultural communities.

Thanks again to the team at Clark Rubber for this generous donation acknowledging the important contribution of carers.

Mental Health Connect Centre Opens in Sunshine

The Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centre opened in Sunshine on 26 June. Carers Victoria CEO, Judith Abbott, along with members of the Carers Victoria team attended the opening in support of the initiative.

The western Melbourne centre, established by Jesuit Social Services, is designed to be a warm and welcoming space for carers and supporters of people experiencing mental health challenges. It is staffed by people with lived experience and a personal understanding of what being a carer or support person involves.

Referrals are not required to access the services and supports, which include information and resources, counselling, individual support, and group programs for those who care for people with mental health and substance use issues.

The Mental Health Connect program is a direct response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System (2021), with findings highlighting the important role played by family, carers and kin in supporting the wellbeing of people experiencing mental health challenges. Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centres are being established in each Victorian region.

To get in touch with the Western Metro centre, email mhwc.west@jss.org.au or call 0429 564 269.

How Do You Find the Assistance You Need as a Carer? Contact Carers Victoria

Carers tell us that sometimes one of the hardest parts of being a carer is trying to find out how to get access to assistance – for themselves and/or the other people in their care relationship. Over coming months, we are hoping to feature information about the various providers operating in different places across the state, but in the first instance we wanted to tell you about our Statewide Carer Advisory Line, which can be a great place to start when you need some advice.

Carers Victoria runs a free, phone-based Statewide Carer Advisory Line, staffed by experienced staff many of whom have lived or living experience of caring. They can help you work through what you might need, and where you might get it. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 1 800 514 845 if we can help!

There is also a lot of information available on the Department of Families Fairness and Housing’s (DFFH) Carer webpage. We are lucky in Victoria to have a range of state government funded support and on that webpage, you can find out about things like:

• which organisations are funded to provide carer respite, through both the Support for Carers Program and the Additional Respite program
• the Victorian Carer Card, which provides a range of benefits for carers, including transport concessions
• grants and initiatives promoting carer health and wellbeing and other opportunities for unpaid carers, including support for employment and education.

And of course, carers can access Australian Government carer supports through the Carer Gateway, which can be accessed by calling 1800 422 737.

Wyndham Carer Support Group Celebrates Milestone

The Watton Carer Support Group in Wyndham recently celebrated a significant milestone - its ten-year anniversary!

Wyndham Mayor, Jennie Barrera, our Carers Victoria CEO Judith Abbott, and a range of representatives from other organisations were proud to join the group in a morning tea to mark the occasion.

The Watton Group is a not-for-profit organisation that supports carers in Wyndham, offering them an opportunity to socialise, meet other carers and share information. Since it was first established in 2014, the group has grown from supporting five people to 28 people!

The group owes much to facilitator Patricia Tot, who has managed to keep members connected over a decade, even through the difficult days of the pandemic.

In Patricia’s speech at the celebration, she acknowledged the valuable and economic contribution that carers make to society, and the importance of supporting them to enjoy good health and social wellbeing.

Judging by the turnout to their anniversary celebration, there is no doubting the impact the Watton Carer Support Group has made to local carers’ health and wellbeing. Here’s to many more years to come!

To find a Carer Support Group in your local area, take a look at our Carer Support Group Directory.

Pssst… Have You Had Your Say Through the National Carers Survey?

Hello, Judith here again – sneaking back into the flow of the Voice to remind you that if you haven’t already, it would be fantastic if you could complete the National Carer Survey before it closes on 31 July! Everyone who participates can opt to go in the running to win a $200 gift voucher. 

Competition Winner

Announcing our Accor Gift Voucher Winner

A big congratulations to the winner of our Accor gift voucher competition, Joanne M from Hazelwood. We hope you enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation.

To find out more about Carers Victoria’s partnership with Accor, and their special offers for carers, visit our Benefits page.

Competition

Take Off with our Flight Centre Competition

Wanting to escape to warmer weather? Good news! You can be in the running to receive a $1,500 Flight Centre gift card. The competition closes at midnight 31 August 2024.

Our competitions are open to all Carers Victoria members. Not a member yet? Don’t worry, becoming a member is free and easy. Visit our membership page to join our caring community and enter now!

Terms and Conditions apply.

Fundraising

Play for Purpose Raffle #24 – Win a $250K First Prize Pack

Have you heard? The new Play for Purpose Raffle is now open.

Get ready to hit the road less travelled, full of freedom, fun and outdoor lifestyle in your $139K Land Rover Defender 110. Plus, this incredible first prize pack includes $100K of cashable gold bullion and over $10K of shopping vouchers from some of Australia’s most popular retailers!

Carers Victoria participates in Play for Purpose raffles as part of our fundraising activities. That means every ticket purchased will raise funds to support Victorian carers like you. If you’d like to enter (tickets cost $10).

Terms and Conditions apply.

Membership

Do You Know Someone Who Hasn’t Connected to Carers Victoria Yet?

Do you know someone in a caring role who could benefit from being a Carers Victoria member? Membership is free and provides access to useful information and tips, fully funded events and activities specifically tailored to carer needs.

Membership benefits include:

• exclusive invitations to events such as our popular Mingles, carer workshops and programs
• championing for real change through consultations, focus groups and research
• our monthly eBulletin The Voice, jam-packed with important carer issues, events and stories
• digital access to the Australian Carers Guide magazine
• special member offers and discounts on goods and services including Hoyts movie tickets, Accor accommodation, and Meal Care (formerly Live Life Foods) pre-packaged meals.

Carer Story

Penny’s Story

Penny shares her journey caring for adult son Marcus, including the challenges she’s faced finding and accessing the right support, her decision to give up paid employment, and how she maintains her own health and wellbeing.

‘When Marcus came into the world, my husband and I found it difficult to embrace his Down Syndrome diagnosis. This was heightened by the lack of understanding and support from our traditional European parents,’ Penny explains.

In those early days, Down Syndrome Victoria was an invaluable source of information. As Marcus grew older, he also received an Autism diagnosis. He attended specialised centres focused on speech, occupational therapy, and basic learning skills. When Marcus suddenly became non-verbal, the family sought support through special schools, and disability day service providers. The introduction of NDIS funding was transformative, but despite the positive changes that funding brought, problems with transitioning Marcus to new supports persisted.

As Marcus's behaviour became more complex, Penny made the tough decision to leave paid employment as a school integration aide to be his fulltime carer.

Penny is aware of the toll her caring role can take on her health. To maintain her wellbeing, she actively engages in carer groups, participating in activities like arts and crafts, and day outings. Penny urges carers to be kind to themselves, emphasising the important part gratitude and positivity have played in her own self-care.

Carer Stories

Do You Have a Story to Tell?

You are welcome to write your story yourself or answer the questions below, which we will use to write your story for you. Not all stories will be chosen for the website.

• Topic: My carer story
• Length: No longer than 400 words
• Format: Type your story in an email or a Word document, addressing the following:
  - What can you tell us about your caring journey?
  - Are there particular challenges you face in your role?
  - Do you have any advice or tips you’d share with a new carer?
• Need inspiration? See other stories that have been written here. 
• Submission process: Please email your story to eBulletin@carersvictoria.org.au
• What if your story is chosen? Your story will be edited and returned to you to make sure you are happy with the final version before it is published on our website. We may also ask for accompanying images to be shared with your permission.

If you have any questions, please email: eBulletin@carersvictoria.org.au 

We look forward to hearing more about your experience as a carer.