'The Voice' Blog September 2024

Welcome to the September Edition of the Voice

CEO Message

Hello everyone,

Hard to believe that it is September already, which means our plans are well advanced for National Carers Week. This year, it falls between 13–19 October.

One of our aspirations at Carers Victoria is for caring to be everybody’s business — so that a carer doesn’t need to constantly explain their role because our whole community understands and values what they do, and everyone does their bit to support people in caring roles.

Our 2024 National Carers Week theme, "Care for a Carer", is about building that understanding and encouraging people across Victoria to check in and connect with a carer in their own lives. We know that at times, being in a care relationship can leave people more socially isolated, and this is just one of many strategies we are pursuing to promote opportunities for connection.

We are always looking for new ways to promote awareness of carers, so if you’re connected to an organisation who might be willing and able to raise awareness of carers during National Carers Week, we have a range of materials that can help with that – see the Get Involved article below.

National Carers Week is fundamentally a chance to recognise and celebrate carers – though at Carers Victoria, we aspire to a future where carers are routinely recognised and appreciated and will keep working towards that goal.

Best regards,
Judith

Seeking Input on the National Carer Strategy

The Australian Government has issued a discussion paper seeking the views of carers to help shape its carer policy for the next five years.

Their vision – of an Australian community in which all carers are recognised, valued and empowered with the support they need to participate fully in society and fulfil their caring role – was co-drafted with carers themselves.

The Australian Government is seeking carer input on a range of areas including:

• what principles should be in a National Carer Strategy
• what your caring role looks like
• your awareness and access to support and respite
• the impact of caring on your ability to work and or study
• priority challenges you face
• peer support available
• how diverse needs of carers could be better addressed
• assessment and administration of payments such as Carer Payment and Carer Allowance.

There are lots of ways to respond, including completing an online questionnaire, or making a video or audio submission. Thirteen language translations of the discussion paper are also available.

To access the discussion paper and share your views, go to the Department of Social Services engage website: engage.dss.gov.au and make your submission by 11:59PM on 13 September 2024.

What Are You Doing for National Carers Week?

National Carers Week is 13–19 October 2024, and we encourage everyone who works with or supports carers – including our partner organisations, local businesses and community groups – to start planning now!

In Victoria we are looking forward to seeing some iconic venues being lit up to put a spotlight on the remarkable role of unpaid carers - stay tuned for more details.

These lights will support our “Care for a Carer” campaign, reminding organisations and individuals to acknowledge and assist carers, especially at this time.

If you are a carer, we encourage you to seek support—this is the perfect time to ask for assistance if you need it.

National Carers Week Tips and Resources

Some tips to support carers include checking-in with them, offering a break from their caring role, acknowledging and appreciating what they do, initiating support, and encouraging them to prioritise their own wellbeing.

If your organisation or carer support group is holding a free public event for carers week, don’t forget to submit an Event Form via our Calendar for Carers page to promote it to carers in your region.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit: carersweek.com.au or to receive a stakeholder kit including downloadable social media tiles, please email our Marketing and Communications team: marcomms@carersvictoria.org.au

We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing carers in the spotlight in October.

What’s On In September 2024

Whether you would like to meet like-minded carers in a social setting or want to build your knowledge and skills online – we’ve got something for you!

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 register via the links below.
 

Find out what’s happening:
 

Ask an Expert

Our free Ask an Expert online series is an opportunity for carers to hear from and engage with subject matter experts. You will have the option to submit a question at the time of registration. The guest speakers will also respond to as many live questions as possible during the session. This month, we are pleased to announce two new events in the series.
  

Ask an Expert: Financial Supports for Carers

This session delivered in partnership with Financial Counselling Victoria, will provide carers with advice on how to stay on track of bills, and outline the financial resources and assistance available.

Ask an Expert: Mental Health and Wellbeing

This session is designed for carers supporting a person experiencing mental health challenges, psychological distress or substance use issues. Guest speaker Nick Pace from Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect, will discuss available services and how to find support near you.

Victorian Carer Strategy Refresh

Carers Victoria CEO, Judith Abbott was part of a Ministerial Roundtable hosted by Minister for Carers and Volunteers, Ros Spence in August to kick off the Victorian Government's Carer Strategy refresh process. The current Victorian Carer Strategy was released in 2018. Since that time, many things have changed, both for carers and the systems they operate in. Carers Victoria is keen to see the Strategy refreshed to better reflect who carers are now, and what they need.

The Ministerial Roundtable was attended by CEOs from a range of peak organisations, and focussed on exploring systemic challenges and opportunities.

Carers Victoria will now be working with other organisations in the sector to gain insights from the carers they support on the challenges they face, and opportunities available. They will also ensure that insights and information carers have provided through other feedback, surveys and engagement shapes the refresh process.

Thank you to the carers who expressed interest in joining our online carer consultations in early September. If you would like to be contacted about future opportunities to share your thoughts, and haven’t already registered your interest, you can do so via the link below.

Competition

Take a Break with a $500 Accor Gift Card!

Looking after your own wellbeing is essential when you’re a carer.

Carers Victoria has partnered with Accor, the world leading hospitality group, to provide discounted accommodation for unpaid carers in Victoria. Visit their dedicated Carers Victoria search and booking page to access the discounts on offer to our members.

In September and October, we’re offering one lucky carer the chance to win an Accor accommodation gift card to the value of $500! The gift card is valid at any of Accor’s participating hotels across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Enter now to be in the running for a well-deserved break. Don't miss out on your chance to win!

The competition closes at midnight 31 October 2024.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Competition

Play for Purpose Raffle #24 – Last Chance to Win Big!

Don't miss your chance to win the $250K First Prize Pack in the Play for Purpose Raffle 24, which closes at 8pm (AEST) 12 September 2024.

With just over a week left, you could be taking home the $250K First Prize Pack which includes a $139K Land Rover Defender 110, $100K in cashable gold bullion and over $10,000 in shopping vouchers.

This incredible first prize could be yours for only $10!

Carers Victoria partners with Play for Purpose raffles as part of our fundraising efforts. That means a portion of every ticket you purchase will go directly towards supporting Victorian carers like you.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Membership

Encourage Carers to Connect with Carers Victoria

Do you know someone in a caring role who could benefit from being a Carers Victoria member?

If you have a friend, colleague or family member who is a carer, please encourage them to connect with us.

Membership is free and provides access to useful information and tips, fully funded events and activities specifically tailored to carer needs.
Benefits include:

• access to events where you meet other carers such as our popular Mingles, carer workshops and programs
• championing for real change through consultations, focus groups and research
• this monthly eBulletin 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.

Australian Carers Guide Spring Edition – Out Now!

The Australian Carers Guide Spring edition is loaded with great articles and activities to support carers.

In this edition: National Carers Week activities in Victoria, tips to help you ease the cost-of-living pressure, nine essential tools every carer should have in their toolbox and firsthand insights from Jean Kittson on what she learned about caring for her mother and father.

You can also enjoy some relaxation with puzzles, quizzes, brain games and a fun colouring contest!

Read the magazine online or pick up the latest edition at your favourite newsagent. The Australian Carers Guide is circulated to more than 80,000 readers and subscribers and it is the go-to magazine for unpaid carers around the country.

Carer Story

Alison’s Story

When Alison’s daughter Violet* was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it came as a relief. After years of feeling unheard, Alison was finally able to advocate for Violet and access the support they both needed.

‘As a baby and toddler, Violet was meeting all her milestones. However, as her mother, I could sense there was something different about her around the age of two.’

It was a long wait, but when Violet was four years old, she finally received a diagnosis of autism (level 2), as well as childhood apraxia of speech and sensory processing disorder.

‘Her diagnosis came as a relief for me. At long last, I was able to confidently advocate for my daughter’s needs, because I felt like my initial concerns weren’t taken seriously,’ Alison says.

Through the help of early intervention, funded by the NDIS, Violet is now attending a mainstream primary school and doing well. Alison has also found support via a local Autism Carers Group.

Alison encourages others seeking a diagnosis or caring for a loved one with ASD to join a similar group in their local area, or online.

‘Remember that you aren’t alone, there are other people who are experiencing the highs and lows too, you just need to reach out to find them.’

*Names have been changed by request

Carer Stories

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.