Carers (Recognition) Act 2010  The NSW Government introduced the Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 in May 2010  Provides strong legal recognition of carers  A carer is someone who provides ongoing help to another person who needs it because of a disability, long term or life-limiting illness, mental illness, dementia or ageing  Established the NSW Carers Advisory Council

Why carers  Around 1 in 10 people in NSW are carers  People who need help prefer to live in the community, with support from carers  Most people can expect to both give and receive care in their lifetime  Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 (NSW)

About carers  Anyone can become a carer, any time  Carers are family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours  A carer may help one or more people  Carers come from all cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds  Carers can any age – young carers are under 25 years

NSW Carers Charter Contains 13 principles based on the following themes: Recognise and support carers’ valuable contribution to the people they care for and their community. Include carers in decision-making - take into account their views and needs in assessment, planning, delivery and review of services for the person they are caring for. Carers’ health and wellbeing must be considered and support should be responsive and appropriate, including making carers aware of services that will sustain them in their caring role. Referral to such services should be made after assessing their needs. Recognise and support the choices carers make in their caring role. Consider carers’ diversity (including cultural background, age, disability) and their unique knowledge and experience. Recognise and acknowledge the additional difficulties faced by carers living in remote and rural locations and children and young people who are carers – support them to overcome them. Carers have the same rights, choices and opportunities as others.

Carers and the workplace  Carers value being able to combine caring and work  All staff have access to the following flexible options: [insert options]

Resources and more information  Select the relevant resources from the speaking points to list here  More information [insert your agency’s contact here]