The Allan Labor Government is helping Victoria's unpaid carers create social connections and improve their work and study opportunities with funding for activities across Victoria.
Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence today announced the recipients of the 2024 Connecting Carers in their Community program grants at an event celebrating National Carers Week.
The program provides grants of between $15,000 and $25,000 to grassroots and community groups for activities that help carers with social connection, wellbeing and achieving their personal goals - especially in relation to work readiness and employment.
Many carers provide care around the clock, making it difficult for them to access the support they need to look after themselves, engage in work and study or connect with others in their community.
Grants have been provided for more than 40 projects across Victoria, supported by an investment of $900,000 from the Labor Government, with just over half the grant recipients based in regional and rural areas.
Latin Stories Australia will receive a grant to expand its delivery of online and in-person workshops that connect Latin American and Spaniard carers with their peers, provide tools to maintain their wellbeing and help them advance their personal goals including career advancement.
Kirrae Health Service will be supported to create a local support group for First Nations carers in regional Victoria, helping them form lasting social and supportive connections, to combat social isolation and foster cultural connection.
Nourish to Flourish in Colac will provide educational sessions and self-care activities for people caring for a loved one with an eating disorder, aiming to reduce social isolation and upskilling carers to become advocates for themselves and loved ones.
National Carers Week will run from 13 October to 19 October and is an important opportunity to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness about carers and the vital role they play in our community.
For more information about the Connecting Carers in their Community program, visit carersvictoria.org.au.
To find out more about National Carers Week, visit carersweek.com.au.
As stated by Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence
"We are proud to be supporting and recognising carers through this important grant program."
"This funding will assist carers across key areas of life and provide opportunities to those who give so much to their loved ones and communities."
As stated by Carers Victoria CEO Judith Abbott
"Importantly the grants allow carers from minority language groups, including those who use Auslan, to connect in their community language. This means we are reaching people who are often overlooked."
