Who’s Behind National Carers Week?
National Carers Week is made possible through the initiative of Carers Australia. Primary activities are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS). State and territory Carer Associations also participate and assist with the organisation of National Carers Week.
What is National Carers Week About?
National Carers Week is a week dedicated to recognising the responsibilities faced by Australia’s unpaid family and friend carer community. It is the official awareness-raising week and has been held every year since 1992. National Carers Week is the first of its kind to raise public awareness of the important and challenging roles faced by carers.
It also provides carers with the opportunity to bond and form alliances within the carer community.
Why is National Carers Week Important?
A lot of us know people with disabilities. Mostly they range from quadriplegics to dementia sufferers, people with a mental illness, the aged and frailed. The patients themselves often inspire feelings of sadness but quite often their stories are also inspirational.
Everyone will acknowledge the hardships endured by patients with physical and mental disabilities. But how many of us spare a thought for the people who give up so much to make the lives of those who are disabled more bearable. The Carers!!
National Carers Week is important for raising public awareness of the adversity faced by Australia’s 2.65 million unpaid carers. Outside of the information it provides, National Carers Week also gives carers the welcoming feeling of NOT being alone in their battle. It unites carers from all over Australia offering them a chance to console and inspire each other.
If you are a carer then share your story. This is the opportunity to be a voice and to be heard. Through the stories shared, this is the week where the general public also has a chance to learn about what life is like for an unpaid carer and how they can help.
When is National Carers Week?
This year National Carers Week runs from the 11th to the 17th of October in all states and territories. Please keep in mind that because of the COVID pandemic some states and territories may change these dates. For the latest information and updates please visit
https://carersweek.com.au/ or https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/
National Carers Week Promotion.
Promotions for the National Carers Week can be found on the Carers Australia website
https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/.During your visit to this site you might like to consider donating. Carers Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. Donations from business, other organisations and the general public are used to directly help and support carers via our programs and advocacy work.
This page also provides you with a say in where your donation goes. You can nominate:
- National Carers Week
- Carer’s Australia On-going work
- Raising Community Awareness
There is also the Carers Week website where you can view all relevant information and events.
How You Can Support National Carers Week?
Often at great personal sacrifice carers make an enormous contribution to our communities as well as our economy. This is your chance to show your appreciation for carers. It’s also a chance to learn and at the same time, raise awareness about carers.
Register an Event
Through the assistance offered on the Carers Week website, you can register an event. By inviting friends, workmates and family to an event you will help recognise carers and what they do. This will also aid carers in how they can access services and support networks.
Such events might be in the form of a morning or afternoon tea. Perhaps a fundraiser or workshop to raise awareness of the diversity of carers and caring roles in Australia.
Please Note
Under the current COVID-19 conditions most events will be restricted to online video. The National Carers Week website (register an event) tab does provide you with an option to host an event online.
Attend an Event
All events associated with National Carers Week will be registered online through the Carers Week website. This website also provides a search function that will enable you to find an event in the closest proximity. However, please note that under the current COVID-19 conditions most events will be restricted to online video.
Please Note
Due to the risks associated with COVID-19 pandemic, some people will likely be safer attending just online events. It is for this reason, event organisers are encouraged to support online attendance via video calling.
Share Your Story
Are you a carer with a story to tell? Then tell Australia why you care. Provisions have been made on the National Carers Week website for carers to relay their stories and images. The more stories that are shared the greater the voice of the carer will become. Even if you’re not a carer you may have a related story worth telling.
