Carers Victoria

Over 700,000 Victorians are caring for a family member or friend with a disability, mental or chronic illness, or who is frail aged. Family carers save the Australian government over $40 billion per year, yet many carers are in poor health, and face financial hardship and social isolation. To improve the lives of carers we need: changes to the way the community sees caring; reforms to our income support, taxation and superannuation systems; and better services for carers. While most carers would agree that these changes need to happen, most can’t spare the time and energy from their caring role to push for these changes. That’s where Carers Victoria comes in. We work to build awareness of carers’ needs and issues. We do this through our research and policy submissions, by representing carers in meetings with politicians and policy makers, and by working with the media. We offer a range of services and programs to help caring families, such as providing information, counselling, workshops, respite, as well as referrals to other services and supports. We can help you find the support you need to keep on caring. We are also continually improving and developing our programs and services to meet the changing needs of carers. And we set an example of carer-friendly practice to other services. 'So when you are busy caring for someone else, we are here to care for you'.