About Carers NSW

Carers NSW is an association for relatives and friends caring for people with a disability, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependencies, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail.

We are the peak organisation for carers in New South Wales and the only statewide organisation that has carers as its primary focus.

We are a non-government, non-profit, non-political organisation incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act (NSW), governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

We are part of a national Network of Carers Associations and work collaboratively to lead change and action for carers.

Our vision
• Caring is accepted as a shared community responsibility.
• All carers in NSW are recognised, valued and supported by the community and by governments.

Our Goals and Outcomes
For carers in NSW to have improved opportunities and access to services that meet their needs regardless of their age, gender, circumstances, location or cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

The outcomes Carers NSW seek for carers include:

• Increased independence and choice related to their caring circumstances.
• Improved health and wellbeing.
• Expanded opportunities to participate in the community, including access to appropriate housing, employment and education.
• Financial security, access to advice and capacity to plan for their future.
• Ability to influence change in their lives, and in the lives of people they support.
• Access to:

• high quality and timely supports and services delivered on a equitable basis.
• a coordinated community care and health system able to identify carers and respond their needs and those of the people they support.
• an effective network of professionals, services providers, and support groups which collaborate and support carers and the people they support.

• A society where carers are valued and recognised for the important roles they perform, and where there are positive attitudes and perceptions of carers throughout the community.

Our Core Business and Roles
To address our goals and outcomes, Carers NSW performs a range of roles that are culturally and age-appropriate to the diversity of carers in NSW.

The core business of Carers NSW is to:

1. Deliver services direct to carers including providing information, referrals, emotional support, and counselling.
2. Provide leadership and develop policy on major issues affecting carers.
3. Provide strategic input and systemic advocacy into key government, non-government, academic and corporate sector initiatives related to carers.
4. Develop, pilot and deliver education and training to assist carers, service providers, health professionals and other stakeholders.
5. Develop, promote and distribute information, resources and publications to carers and other stakeholders.
6. Promote carer issues through events, media and other public activities.
7. Build partnerships and alliances and provide expert advice on ways to better support carers.
8. Foster research, and collect and analyse data to provide a sound evidence-base on which carer issues can be progressed.
9. Strengthen Carers NSW’s efficiency and effectiveness as a peak organisation.
   
   

Friends of Carers NSW
The board of Carers NSW has established the initiative "Friends of Carers NSW", whereby a diverse range of professionals are invited to contribute professional advice to Carers NSW in an honorary capacity. Friends work in a wide range of sectors, including the arts, financial services, health, legal and media.

NSW Carers Action Plan 2007-2012
Carers NSW supports the vision, principles and priorities for action in the NSW Carers Action Plan 2007 – 2012.

The priorities for action are fundamental to improving the quality of life for carers and the people they care for. They are:

1. Carers are recognised, respected and valued
2. Hidden cares are identified and supported
3. Services for carers and the people they care for are improved
4. Carers are partners in care
5. Carers are supported to combine caring and work
   
   

The following government departments help fund Carers NSW:

Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing Carer Information Packs National Carer Counselling Program 1800 Information & Support Line Carers Week

Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Department of Human Services NSW Carers News Aboriginal and Torres Strait Carer Project Multicultural Carer Project Support Coordination for Older Parent Carers Program Young Carer Project Carers Week

Use of the information contained on this site is governed by Australian law and is subject to the disclaimers which can be read on the disclaimer page. View the Carers NSW Privacy Policy.

page updated 10 February, 2010