CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS INTO EXTENDED CARER LEAVE

OPEN UNTIL 24 AUGUST 2022

The Productivity Commission has been asked to examine the economic and social costs and benefits of providing an extended unpaid leave entitlement to informal carers of older Australians under the National Employment Standards (NES). The Commission has released an issues paper to assist individuals and organisations to prepare submissions.

It outlines:

- the scope of the inquiry

- the Commission’s procedures

- matters about which the Commission is seeking comment and information

- how to make a submission

Carers Australia will make a comprehensive submission in response to the issues paper on behalf of all carers in Australia. We encourage all interested carers to make an individual submission or a brief comment of up to 500 words to let the Commission know how access to carer leave would assist you to balance work and care. Submissions close on Wednesday 24 August 2022.

More information and instructions on how to make an individual submission can be found here. 

YOUNG CARERS GET UP! STAND UP! & SHOW UP!

A group of young carers celebrated NAIDOC Week with Carers ACT recently in a jam-packed day including a cultural workshop with Wiradjuri Echoes, a game with Oztag ACT, and a painting workshop with local talent Darren Rix. It was great to see this group of young carers make connections with each other, learn new things, and have fun! This group of young carers were enthusiastic about celebrating the history, culture and achievements of First Nations peoples. This included learning about those who have driven change over generations, fitting with the 2022 NAIDOC Week theme of ‘Get up! Stand up! Show up!’

Carers ACT organises regular events and social groups for young carers. Young carer events offer respite and a chance to connect with others in similar circumstances. If you would like to learn more about young carer supports, please email Young.Carers@carersact.org.au or call 1800 960 990. You can also keep up to date by following Young Carers ACT on Facebook and Instagram. 

DISABILITY & PUBLIC TRANSPORT - HOW DOES IT IMPACT YOU? 

FEEDBACK OPEN UNTIL 9 AUGUST 2022

The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards) are being reformed to ensure they remain efficient and effective, are fit for purpose and meet the current needs of Australian society.

Stage 1 of the reform process identified 16 areas of reform, confirmed on 11 February 2022.

Stage 2 includes 54 reform areas which are open for public consultation until 9 August 2022.

The Department is seeking feedback on whether the proposed reform options will improve public transport accessibility for people with disability and enhance the public transport experience for all Australians.

Contact DisabilityTransport@infrastructure.gov.au or telephone (free call) 1800 621 372 for more information

Have your say here. 

APPLICATIONS OPEN - YOUNG CARERS EDUCATION SUPPPORT

Are you a young carer or do you know a young carer? Applications for the 2023 Young Carer Bursary Program are open from the 19 July to 13 September 2022 and are available to young carers aged 12 to 25.

There will be 1,000 grants of $3,000 available nationally to support young carers in their education.

Further information can be found on the Young Carers Network website youngcarersnetwork.com.au.

If you would like assistance completing the application please let us know by dropping an email or calling Imogen Kennard, the Carers ACT Young Carers Care Planner on (02) 6296 9900 or imogen.kennard@carersact.org.au.

NEW PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA AND CARERS

Would you like to participate in a new therapeutic program for people with dementia and carers?

Canberra Health Services and the University of Canberra are currently recruiting participants for a new program to evaluate its effectiveness for people living with dementia and carers.

• The program is called SPICE: Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care & Engagement

• SPICE includes: physical activity, nutrition assessment, group activities, education and carer support

• SPICE runs over 12 weeks at the University of Canberra Hospital with some services provided at home

• You will have access to a range of allied health professionals and you may withdraw at any time • The design of the SPICE program has been informed by Dementia Australia Advocates and supported by a grant from the Dementia Australia Research Foundation

To participate in the program all you need to do is contact the SPICE team:

Dr Nathan D’Cunha at 02 6206 8585 or 0437 709 355 or email nathan.dcunha@canberra.edu.au

WINTER RETREATS A WELCOME TREAT 

On the 28^th – 30^th June a wonderful respite retreat was held at the Sebel at Kiama.  Retreats provide the opportunity for carers to relax, recharge and learn helpful information to assist with their caring role.  Some highlights of this retreat for carers were the massage and art therapy.  Carers really appreciate the day program provided for the family member they care for and the opportunity to unwind.  The dinners at night provide a place to make new connections, to share valuable stories as well as have some fun.  Carers ACT run respite retreats in the ACT and in the Illawarra for carers aged over 65.  If you would like more information you can email group.programs@carersact.org.au or call (02) 6296 9982. 

COTTAGES ON SHOW AND NAIDOC YARNS

On the 17^{th of} June staff and clients of Deakin Cottage and Naraganawali dusted off the glad rags and spent the day in front of the camera raising awareness about the many services that the Cottages provide.

Kate and her crew from Coordinate spent the time interviewing and chatting with the clients that attended that day.  They captured many special moments and interaction between staff and clients that typify the family we are.

Prior to this Kate and her cameraman interviewed several carers who sang the praises of the Cottage staff and second to none they all agreed that the benefits of respite had a positive and beneficial impact on their lives.

We celebrated NAIDOC week in the true Cottage way, starting off the week dot painting on gum leaves and followed by sharing Aboriginal dreamtime stories.  By the middle of the week, we were really testing our craft skills by making miniature rain sticks that let to impromptu dance session.   One of our staff members bought in her father’s precious didgeridoo and shared the story of it’s origins and meaning to her family.

CARER COACHING

In 2021 Carers ACT in partnership with the Carer Gateway launched our Carer Coaching program. Carer Coaching offers you the opportunity to work one on one with a trained coach to reflect on your experiences and needs, identify personal goals, and take the necessary steps to move towards those goals. In conversation with your coach, you can reflect on how things are going for you and whether there are areas in your life where you might like to make some changes. Together, you can explore possible steps that move you in the direction of your goal. It is a great way to help you find the balance between your needs as a carer and your responsibilities.

If you would like to a work with a Carer Coach, please contact us on 1800 422 737, email carer.support@carersact.org.au or speak directly with your Carers ACT care planner.

CARER GATEWAY

The Carer Gateway (delivered by Carers ACT) provides a range of tailored supports and services for carers that are personalised to your unique situation and outcome. Services include counselling and peer support groups, respite care, equipment, home help and even support in home emergency respite. You can get the support you need to manage your daily challenges, reduce stress, plan for the future, and improve your wellbeing.

Call the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 between 9am and 5pm and speak to one of our local care planners who will talk through what you need and help organise the right services and support to help you.

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