'The Voice' Blog November 2024

Welcome to the November Edition of the Voice

CEO Message

Hello everyone,

One of the things I’ve been proudest of in my time at Carers Victoria has been the organisation’s concerted efforts to reach and support more carers in rural and regional Victoria. It’s something that we’re building over time, shaped by a strong board commitment to reach across the state. In the last financial year, almost 40% of our activities and support was delivered to carers living in rural and regional Victoria.

We have continued that commitment with funding allocated earlier in the year supporting National Carers Week activities for over 120 carer support groups, and announcement of the 2024 recipients of the Connecting Carers in their Communities Grants funded by the Victorian Government.

And to switch gears, I wanted to note that we will shortly see a changing of the guard on the Carers Victoria Board with Sue Peden and Guy Cavarlho retiring at the end of their terms. Between the two of them, they have contributed many years of service to Carers Victoria. Their contributions and unwavering commitment to improving understanding of carers and their access to assistance have been outstanding and, I’d like to add, they’ve been a delight to work with. On behalf of the many carers, partner organisations and Carers Victoria colleagues who have worked with you both, we say a heartfelt thank you.  

Have a good November, everybody and take care,

Judith

Applications for the Young Carer Bursary Now Open

Are you a young carer (or do you know someone who is)?

Young carers aged 12–25 who provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with a disability, physical or mental illness, substance dependency, or due to age, are encouraged to apply for the Australian Government funded Young Carer Bursary Program.

The bursary is a Carers Australia initiative that supports young carers to return to or continue with their education by providing financial assistance while studying and managing caring responsibilities. The program will offer 1,592 bursaries for the 2025 academic year, each valued at $3,768.

Applications are not income tested and are assessed by an Independent Assessment Panel.

The bursary can be used towards laptops and software, uniforms, school camps, extracurricular activities, transport, respite care and more.

Young carers across Australia can apply from now until 22 November 2024.

What’s On In November 2024

Our November calendar is jam-packed with carer events – whether you’d like to connect with other carers over a cuppa, take some time out to enjoy a movie, or want to learn about supports and services – we’re sure to have something to suit you!

Visit our What’s On calendar to explore what we have on offer online and in your local area. All events are free of charge, but places are limited, so don’t forget to register.

Find out what’s happening:
 

Ballarat Carers – Get Set to Mingle in 2025!

Carers in Ballarat and surrounding areas are invited to share, listen, connect and unwind at our upcoming Mingle in March 2025.

Join us for lunch, participate in a mindfulness session, and enjoy a live musical performance.

Mingles are a great opportunity to learn about services in your local area, connect with other carers, and focus on your wellbeing.

Pop it in your calendar now – your future self will thank you!

Tuesday 18 Mar 2025

10.30am – 1.30pm

Mercure Ballarat, Golden Point VIC 3350

Meet our Connecting Carers in the Community Grant Recipients

The 41 recipients of the Connecting Carers in their Community small grant round for 2024/2025 were recently announced at a special event to kick off National Carers Week. Funded by the Victorian Government and administered by Carers Victoria, this round follows the success of the previous small grant round in 2023/2024. 

It was fantastic to have the Honourable Minister Ros Spence, Minister for Carers and Volunteers speak at the event which was attended by representatives from many of the successful organisations as well as other carers and Tim Bull, the Shadow Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, who also spoke. The two MPs jointly awarded certificates to successful grant recipients – a real show of bipartisanship to recognise carers and importance of local responses.

Our 2024/2025 recipients are spread across Victoria, offering a vast network of supports for carers in a variety of locations, across language and cultural groups, and diverse cohorts. 

You can find a full list of 2024/2025 grant recipients, along with an overview of their projects on our website. We encourage you to take a look at some of these fantastic projects – you might find one near you!

Carer Support Groups Celebrate National Carers Week

As part of our 2024 Activity Grants program, Carers Victoria together with Clark Rubber funded 122 Carer Support Group activities across Victoria to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of carers during National Carers Week.

Across Victoria, groups enjoyed a variety of activities, with highlights including a sunset river cruise, a health and wellbeing pampering day, hand spa treatment, candle making, lantern crafting, calligraphy, musical performances and sound healing, and pastel Nagomi art.

But don’t just take our word for it! Here are what some of our Carer Support Groups had to say:

"The lunch helped our carers realise the work they do giving care and support to their family/friend and that they are not alone and how we have support out there, from each other and with the help of Carers Victoria. Carers Week is a great way to acknowledge this."

"It's been difficult for me lately, I'm glad I'm here with the group." 

"Have not been laughing this much since caring started in my life!"

A big thank you to our Carer Support Groups for all the work you put into holding these wonderful activities and events – they have clearly made a positive impact on the lives of carers in your community.

Upcoming Changes to the Carers Victoria Board

The October quarterly Board meeting was the final one for two of our long-standing directors. Collectively, Sue Peden (Board member since 2013), and Guy Carvalho (since 2015) see twenty years of service to the Board departing. Of these, they spent many years in the critical roles of Chair and Treasurer, with Sue also performing the role of Acting CEO in 2021.

Much has changed since they joined the Board, with notable achievements including moving from Footscray to the Melbourne city office, membership numbers quadrupling, a strategic plan with a stronger focus on advocacy for carers, and a more sustainable financial performance – all while traversing changes such as the NDIS and moving to online events through the pandemic.

Jointly, they have always had carers at the forefront of their thinking. This was reinforced through their tenure by a standing agenda item of a “Carer’s Story” in the Board meeting papers, ensuring our governance groups never lost sight of our organisational purpose.

Their insights, talents and experience will be missed, but thankfully for Carers Victoria, they will remain involved in an ambassador capacity. Sue will be remembered for her warmth, Ugg boots and keeping meetings on track as Chair. While Guy maintained a laser-like focus on the numbers and always asked the right questions.

The remaining eight directors will meet for the AGM on 14 November where new office holders will be determined. The continuing directors delivered a heartfelt thank you to those departing on behalf of the Board, staff and most crucially the 720,000 carers across Victoria.

2024 National Carer Survey Results Released

A big thank you once again to the 2,684 Victorian carers who took part in the 2024 National Carer Survey – considerably more responses than the last survey conducted in 2022. Having your voices heard is a vital element in our advocacy for improved carer policy and outcomes.

The 2024 National Carer Survey brings a detailed focus on carer recognition and inclusion for carers accessing service systems.

The data released shows that carers are significantly impacted by financial stress, poorer mental health and wellbeing, and high levels of social isolation.

Initial analysis reveals the following major themes for Victorian carers:

• Financial stress - 62% reported financial stress (up 6%) and 22% reported financial distress* (up 8%).
• Mental health and wellbeing of carers - 45% reported their wellbeing was either low or very low.
• Social isolation ​- 52% reported high levels of isolation.
• Lack of recognition - 60% reported they did not believe their caring role was recognised or valued by the government and 49% felt it wasn’t recognised by the community.

Many carers wrote open text answers to questions throughout the survey, providing detailed and personal examples of their caring experience, often conveying a great deal in just a handful of words.

A short fact sheet of initial results for each state and territory, as well as nationally, was published during National Carers Week, and can be viewed here:  https://www.carersnsw.org.au/about-us/our-research/carer-survey

The full report will be released in March 2025.

*Financial stress means difficulty meeting basic financial needs and commitments, such as housing and food. Financial distress is defined as four or more experiences of financial stress in the previous 12 months.

Source: Carers NSW, 2024: 2024 National Carer Survey. Summary tables for Victoria.

Reaching Regional Victoria 

The Victorian Additional Respite Program, managed by Carers Victoria and funded by the Victorian Government, is making great strides in reaching carers in key regional areas, including Bendigo, Shepparton, Geelong, and Latrobe.

Our goal is to provide flexible and innovative activities alongside traditional respite services that meet carer needs and are accessible and inclusive of multicultural and diverse communities.

Each regional area has designated Carers Victoria Regional Care Advisors (RCAs) who engage with carers and other stakeholders in the regions. The RCAs also run the groups in the regions.

Activities Offered in Regional Areas

Carers Victoria offer activities that not only provide relaxation and respite but also create a supportive community where carers can share their experiences and build lasting relationships.  Some of the activities we deliver in regional Victoria include brunch and lunch groups, movie nights, carer day retreats, family respite groups, and short breaks designed specifically for carers.

Partnerships with Local Organisations

To maximize our impact and reach within regional communities, we collaborate with local organisations and services. In Geelong, we partner with ermha365, Australian Multicultural Community Services, Flowwa, and Coco Support Services. In Bendigo, our partnerships include CatholicCare Victoria, Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services (LCMS), GreenConnect, and the Bendigo Special Developmental School. Shepparton is supported through collaborations with Gateway Health, Inspired Carers, and Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd. While in Latrobe, we work closely with The Latrobe Health Assembly, Interchange Gippsland and Gippsland Multicultural Services.

Reach out to Our RCAs

For more information about how to connect with your local RCA or access information, assistance or Carer events in your regional area, please reach out to Carers Victoria Carer Advisory line on 1800 514 845 or access@carersvictoria.org.au.

Save with a Coles Gift Card!

Has your grocery bill taken a hit with the rising cost-of-living? We’re offering Carers Victoria members the chance to win a Coles gift card.

Open to Carers Victoria members. Not a member yet? Join today – it’s easy and it’s free.

Click through below to find out more. Entries close 30 November 2024.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Play for Purpose Raffle #25 – Win a $250K Prize Pack

Would you like to win a feel good $250K first prize pack? Imagine cruising the open road in luxury or zipping around town in your brand-new BMW X4 or all-electric Mini Cooper SE!

Plus, this incredible $250K first prize pack includes over $60K of cashable gold bullion for you to spend, save or invest as you please.

Don’t miss your chance to win it all with a $10 ticket today! Every ticket purchased through Carers Victoria will raise funds to support Victorian carers like you.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Encourage Carers to Connect with us

Do you know someone in a caring role who could benefit from being a Carers Victoria member? Encourage them to connect with us!

Membership benefits include:

• access to events and workshops with other carers
• championing for change through consultations
• this monthly eBulletin full of carer news and resources
• digital access to the Australian Carers Guide magazine
• special member offers and discounts on goods and services.

Tania’s Story

Not long after their mother died, Tania and her sister Nadia moved into the family home to care for their father. One morning he woke up unable to walk and was rushed to hospital. What followed was a steep learning curve; in navigating the hospital system, the sisters became advocates not only for their father, but also for other carers struggling in a complex system.

Do You Have a Story to Tell?

You are welcome to write your carer story yourself or answer some questions, which we will use to write your story for you. Not all stories will be chosen for the website. However, with your permission, we may share your story in future campaigns, policy and advocacy work.

Follow the link to find out how you can share your story.

• 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. 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.