New Australia-wide, carer regional delivery services announced

The successful tenders for the regional delivery of the new Integrated Carer Support Services were announced in late August by the Minister for Social Services, Senator Anne Ruston.

The announcement followed a four-year consultation process with organisations delivering services to carers around the country and an extensive survey of Australia’s carers.

“Carers will have a single point of entry within their region to have their needs assessed and be referred to supports,” said Ara Cresswell, CEO of Carers Australia. “They will also be assisted to develop carer plans to help manage their existing and changing circumstances.”

The new Regional Delivery Partners will begin operations in April 2020. Existing service providers will ensure continuity of support to carers during the transition.

Young Carer Bursary – final chance to apply

Applications for the Young Carer Bursary are closing soon.

The Young Carer Bursary, which is a $3000 scholarship, helps young carers under the age of 25 who are currently studying or training, or will be in 2020.

This is your last chance to apply! Applications close 3 September 5pm AEST. Head to the Young Carers Network now!

Raise The Rate – Newstart Inquiry

The rate for Newstart hasn’t increased in real terms in 25 years. Meanwhile the costs of the necessities of life, including accommodation and energy, keep rising. While there are small increases built into the payment to reflect rising costs, the CPI index is not fit for purpose in this content.

Many carers who have given up work to care find themselves on the Newstart Allowance for many years after their caring journey ends.

The Australian Council of Social Service and many other community and professional organisations are campaigning for an immediate increase of Newstart of at least $75 a week. You can register your support for the Raise the Rate campaign here.

If you have direct or indirect experiences of living on Newstart or Youth Allowance, you may want to write to the Senate Inquiry into Newstart by 13 September.

Carers Australia very is interested in the experiences of carers who are reliant on Newstart and Youth Allowance, and ex-carers who have transitioned to Newstart after their caring role has ended. If we use these stories as part of our advocacy work, we would not use any details which would identify you. Please send your commentary and stories to [email protected].

Dementia Action Week

Australians are being challenged to think differently about dementia for Dementia Action Week 2019, which takes place next month.

Running from 16-22 September, this year’s theme ‘Dementia doesn’t discriminate. Do you?’ asks people to consider how discrimination impacts people living with dementia, their families and carers.

Dementia Australia is inviting the community to join in Dementia Action Week by hosting an event with friends, family, their local club or community group, or at work.

You can download a DIY Dementia Action Week kit here.

Shout Out To Young Carers

Shout Out To Young Carers is back for 2019!

It’s a chance to celebrate the outstanding contribution young carers make to our nation. Shout Out To Young Carers will run during National Carers Week from 13-19 October, and we encourage you to join us by hosting an event.

You can register your event on the Young Carers Network to receive a free celebration kit which includes soft frisbees, temporary tattoos and phone grips.

Financial assistance for young carer resources

Carers Australia has produced informative videos on the different types of financial payments available to young carers.

The videos outline the payments available to young carers who are caring full time, and those available to young carers currently studying full time.

Visit the Young Carers Network to view the videos.

A Better Visit app

Dementia Australia has created ‘A Better Visit’, a free app that enables families and loved ones to better connect and communicate with a relative who has dementia.

Available on Apple and Android tablets, the app features simple two-player games designed to facilitate positive social interactions between people with dementia and their visitors.

CEO of Dementia Australia, Maree McCabe, said family members often don’t know how to communicate and interact with a loved one who has dementia, especially as their symptoms advance.

“By playing the games in the app, carers and other family members will be inspired to engage with the person with dementia through interaction, images and sounds, enhancing their enjoyment and discussions,” she said.

Time Counts

Embracing Carers has launched a new initiative dedicated to recognising and supporting carers.

Time Counts encourages people to commit their time to connect with and support a carer in their lives. This could involve a five-minute phone call or spending half a day helping with errands.

Embracing Carers hopes to reach a million minutes to support unpaid carers. You can donate your time by heading to their website.