Caring is a shared community responsibility. Copyright  Carers Association Victoria 2010 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from Carers Victoria. About Us Carers Victoria

2 Who are we? Peak body representing and providing support to family carers Operate state-wide Carers Associations in each state and territory

PURPOSE OF CARERS VICTORIA To improve the health wellbeing, & resilience of carers

PURPOSE of Carers Victoria To promote the recognition of caring as a shared responsibility of family, community, business & Government

5 Who is a Carer?

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8 Demographics 2.6 million carers in Australia More than 700,000 in Victoria In one of five households, someone has a care responsibility

9 Economic value of unpaid care Family carers save governments of Australia about $40.5 billion annually

10 Carer Wellbeing Carers have been found to have the lowest health and wellbeing of any group yet discovered (Deakin University, 2007)

11 Services we provide Services we provide:

12 Carer Advisory Service Freecall Guided referrals to services Emotional support Referral to the carer Counselling Program Referral to Carer Support Groups

13 Counselling Program By telephone Face to face Group counselling

14 Carer Education Programs Focuses on health and wellbeing for carers Key information for carers Free for carers Delivered statewide Delivered in partnership

15 Professional Development Raising awareness about carer issues Working in partnership with carers Accredited training and professional development

16 Research, Policy Development & Advocacy Identify and research emerging issues Gather data to promote the long term interests of carers Represent carers – meet with politicians & policy makers,

17 Membership FREE to carers Benefits include - Free use of library Free quarterly newsletter Invitation to members and special events Voting rights

18 Contact Details Carers Victoria Phone: Level 1, 37 Albert Street Footscray, Victoria 3011 © Carers Association Victoria 2010