Support for Wimmera carers

Carers living in the Wimmera will have more opportunities ‘to be healthy, active and well’ after a State Government grants package announcement.

Labor Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said Wimmera Carers Group and Wimmera Parent Support Program had received funding to support carers.

Wimmera Carers Group will receive $13,500 to support networking opportunities for carers in the Wimmera including facilitating regular meetings, activities, speakers, resource information and respite, and crisis support referral.

Wimmera Parent Support Group will receive $13,500 to establish a Pathways for Carers project in Horsham for carers of children and adults with a disability or mental illness, as well as subsidise meals for seven Wimmera Parent Support Network groups.

Across the state, 94 community organisations and groups are receiving funding from the Supporting Carers Locally Grants Program to support carers to be physically and mentally healthy, socially active and better connected with other carers, support programs and resources.

The program focuses on support for carers in regional areas, as well as under-recognised groups such as young carers.

More than 736,600 Victorian carers give their time and effort to look after a family member or friend who needs them.

Ms Pulford said it could be difficult for carers to access services they needed to look after themselves and make sure they are supported in their care role.

She said the grant would help carers connect with other people dealing with the same challenges.

“We’re very proud to fund these two projects in Horsham to help make sure carers in the Wimmera get the support they need and have asked for,” she said.

The government is investing almost $50-million to help carers with extra respite, transport concessions and grants to support projects.

Supporting the health and wellbeing of carers is a priority of the government’s Victorian carer strategy 2018–22 – the first whole-of-government plan recognising carers.