Win the chance to attend a new musical!

Breast Wishes is a new Australian musical about love, life, loss and silicon; a witty and heart-warming journey of courage and determination through laughter to triumph.

In January 2005 AFI award winning actress Anne Looby’s sister, Amanda, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Amanda was at the time a healthy, vibrant 37 year old mother of two. The impact this illness had on her family was devastating and incomprehensible yet empowering, inspiring and ultimately positive. Anne decided that, because laughter can be the best medicine, a prescriptive cure was in order! So, inspired by her courageous sister, she initiated the creation of a theatrical vehicle in celebration of breasts (and those who support them) in order to raise awareness, and in support of research for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (a royalty recipient).

Breast Wishes is written by some of Australia's most respected comedic and dramatic writers including Merridy Eastman, Jonathan Gavin, Richard Glover, Wendy Harmer, Sheridan Jobbins, James Millar and Debra Oswald, with music and lyrics by Bruce Brown. Original concept by Anne Looby.

Carers NSW has two double passes to give away online to Breast Wishes, for Wednesday 15 April at 8pm at the Seymour Centre in Sydney.

To be in the running, send in the 50 words or less explaining why you want to see Breast Wishes. Be quick! The best entries will be selected on Friday 3 April. Email ninao@carersnsw.asn.au

Carers of people with Bi-Polar Disorder invited to complete survey

The University of Melbourne is inviting carers, consumers and clinicians with experience and expertise in dealing with bipolar disorder, to share what they have learnt and help to develop guidelines for family, partners and close friends of people with bipolar disorder.

Many family, partners and close friends of people with bipolar disorder have little information about bipolar disorder, what they can do to help, and how to cope with the illness.

Your input could help to provide useful, publicly available information to benefit people with bipolar disorder and their loved ones, and to maintain positive relationships.

You will be asked to rate statements on Internet based (or postal if you prefer) survey questionnaires about what information to include in the guidelines, and to add your own comments and suggestions.

More information about the project can be found here.

Please contact Lesley Berk at lberk@unimelb.edu.au if you are interested in helping with the guidelines. The closing date for registering your interest is 31 March 2009.

Indexation increases carer payment

Indexation will deliver an increase of $7.70 a fortnight in the maximum single pension and $6.40 in the maximum partnered rate for each member of a pensioner couple.

The single pension is rising in line with its benchmark of 25 per cent of Male Total Average Weekly Earnings, with a proportional flow on to partnered pensions.

The maximum single pension rate will now be $569.80 and the maximum partnered pension rate will be $475.90 a fortnight for each member of a pensioner couple.

Indexation will also raise the Utilities Allowance by $1.20 per quarter.

Click here for more information about payment rates.

ABC’s Catalyst looks at children with Asperger’s Syndrome

If you missed it, Catalyst recently had a very interesting segment on Asperger’s syndrome in children called ‘Trains, Trams and Autism’.

The story looks at the world of children with Asperger’s. Often highly intelligent, these children are just not hardwired to understand other people's feelings.

So can a child with Asperger's learn to understand a world that's
alien to them - the world of human emotions? That's exactly what scientists are now trying to find out - and their results are definitely inspiring hope.

Click here to watch a podcast of this story, or read a transcript.

Sailors with disABILITIES

Sailors with disABILITIES is a not for profit organisation operated by volunteers, which gives the disabled and disadvantaged members of the community (and their carers), the opportunity to experience sailing with an integrated disabled crew.

Sailors with disABILITIES is committed to changing society's perception of people with disabilities and giving disabled and disadvantaged youth the opportunity to develop their skills. Harbour sailing, ocean racing, and the inshore and coastal training programs are just some of the ways of achieving this. Our disabled volunteers and crew are successful in their own sporting and professional endeavours so thereby provide examples to young people of what can be achieved.

Sailors with disABILITIES had a crew in the 2008 Sydney to Hobart race included one visually impaired, one hearing impaired, one amputee, two dyslexic and one post-polio participant. The team came fourth in their race category.

The service SWD provides to all participants is free of charge.

For more information on Sailor with disABILITIES go to www.sailorswithdisabilities.com or call 02 9437 1896

MS Australia Peer Support Program (PSP) – Connecting You to Others

Are you caring for someone with MS? Would you like to share your experiences and skills to assist others in the same situation? Then MS Australia wants you to sign up to become a volunteer Peer Support Worker!

The PSP is a telephone support program that allows people with MS and their carers/family members, to be supported via the telephone, by other individuals who are also living with MS, and who have completed a specific Peer Support Training program.
As a Peer Support Worker you will be given the opportunity to use your life experience as an MS carer. You will receive comprehensive training and be supported in every aspect of your role.

Being a volunteer Peer Support Worker is a rewarding role as you know that you are making a difference to other individuals just like you.

If you are interested in becoming a Peer Support Worker, please contact the MS Peer Support Coordinator on 02 9646 0757 or rcommisso@mssociety.com.au for an Application Pack. Applications close Thursday 19 February 2009.

Young carer participates in Sydney to Hobart

As part of a Carers Australia initiative and partnership with Amgen, a young carer recently won the opportunity to join the professional crew of a maxi yacht for the famous Sydney to Hobart sailing race.

Chantelle Murray from the Northern Territory, who cares for her brother who has autism and epilepsy, won herself a spot on board.

With combined Carers Australia and Amgen branding, the yacht sailed into Constitution Dock in Hobart in 14th place – a great achievement for the crew and especially Chantelle. Thank you to Amgen for their sponsorship and support.

Chantelle on the journey

To read other young carer news, click here.

Young carers profiled on ABC’s The 7.30 Report

In a recent edition on The 7.30 Report program, one of Carers NSW’s young carer representatives was profiled as part of an examination of the issues that young carers face and possible future directions for policy and study.

Featuring comment from academics Bettina Cass, from the Social Policy Research Centre, who is leading Australia’s largest study of young carers, and Saul Becker, the UK’s leading expert on caring, the story also talks to young carers themselves and addresses issues of education, accessing services and how we may best serve young carers in the future.

To view a vodcast of the program, or to see a transcript, go to
www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2008/s2458331.htm

NSW Health Community Health Review Bulletin

The latest edition of the Community Health Review Bulletin takes a look at 2008 and provides information on the Review of Community Health Services in NSW. Features include information on the evidence base and the ‘state of play’ of the Review into Community Health Services in NSW, as well as an analysis of Non-Government Organisations and how they interact with state-based community health services.

Further information on the Review can be obtained from Paul Armstrong at the NSW Department of Health on 02 9424 5901 or parms@doh.health.nsw.gov.au

2009 National Motor Neurone Disease Conference

The conference will be held Tuesday 23 June, 2009
at the SMC Conference and Function Centre, 66 Goulburn Street, Sydney.
The conference venue is located in the CBD, 15 minutes from
the airport by train or car.

If you are interested in registering for the conference, presenting a paper/poster or for further information contact MND NSW:

Locked Bag 5005
Gladesville NSW 1675
Ph: 02 8877 0999
Fax: 02 9816 2077
conference@mndnsw.asn.au

Pension increase to accompany Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme

Pensioners, carers, seniors, and people with a disability will receive a 2.5 per cent pension increase, including upfront indexation to meet the expected overall increase in the cost of living flowing from the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme announced by the Australian Government.
The Government will bring forward the expected increase in indexation of pension payments of 1.1 per cent and pay it upfront from 1 July 2010. On top of this, the Government will provide a further ongoing 1.4 per cent pension increase, above indexation, from 1 July 2010 to provide further assistance.
This will represent a yearly increase of about $382 for singles and $320 for each member of a couple, based on current levels.

To read how the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme will affect you, go to www.treasury.gov.au/cprs/

New dementia resource

Lost Words
Gunilla Denton Cook

There are a lot of people who, for different reasons, have difficulty finding the right words for things. There are also many, like some dementia and stroke patients, who have completely lost the ability to speak.

Lost Words is a resource for both patients and caregivers. It has more than 290 pictures and their corresponding words, is spiral-bound for ease of constant use and has plastic pockets for keeping photographs in, plus a few pages for personal notes.

The book came about as a result of author Gunilla Denton Cook’s difficulties communicating with her mother, who died from Alzheimers at the age of 64 – an experience that Gunilla is happy to come and speak to carer groups and budding writers about.

Lost Words is available at book shops for RRP $24.95. Or it is available to order at
www.booktopia.com.au/lost-words/prod9780731813759.html

Projection of health care expenditure by disease, 2003 to 2033

This report by The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare examines projections of Australian health care expenditure by disease for the period 2003 to 2033. Total expenditure on health is projected to increase from 9.4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2002-03 to 10.8 per cent of GDP in 2032-33. This is an increase of 15 per cent in the health to GDP ratio (or an annual growth of 0.5 per cent greater than growth in GDP).

The report presents expenditure projections to 2033 for 20 disease groups; and examines the main components contributing to change in expenditure for seven major disease and injury groups.

The report is available at www.aihw.gov.au/publications/hwe/pahced03-33/pahced03-33.pdf

Queensland passes new legislation to support carers

More than 500,000 Queenslanders are set to benefit from new legislation passed which enshrines the contribution of carers in the Bligh Government’s Tomorrow’s Queensland vision for the future.

Communities and Disability Services Queensland Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr announced the new Carers (Recognition) Bill 2008 formally recognised carers, with a Queensland charter requiring government departments and statutory bodies to take action and report annually on how they are providing services to carers and the people they care for.

“This legislation is an important step in supporting carers as it formally recognises their role as key partners in the delivery of care, she said.”

Ms Nelson-Carr also announced a new Carers Advisory Council would be established to advise government on the interests of carers and promote compliance with the legislation.

The NSW Government is yet to pass legislation supporting carers.
To see the bill, go to www.legislation.qld.gov.au/Bills/52PDF/2008/CarersRB08_AinC.pdf.

New online discussion board for mature aged workers with caring responsibilities

An ageing population, low fertility rates and a shrinking workforce means businesses will increasingly need to employ mature aged workers. Many older workers care for elderly parents, children or grandchildren which means that businesses need to consider offering more flexible conditions to accommodate their workers.
The NSW Office of Industrial Relations has set up a webpage offering information to help businesses start looking at ways in which they can provide a more flexible workplace that suits both their needs and their workers, including the Caring Works video and factsheets.

The NSW OIR is also inviting carers to participate in a new online discussion board, looking at the issues around successfully balancing caring responsibilities with paid work.

To access the Mature aged workers with caring responsibilities resources webpage, go to www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/workandfamily/caringworks/index

New young carer research project

Carers NSW and the NSW Government will conduct a three year project to identify the needs of young carers.

Professor Bettina Cass from the University of New South Wales’ Social Policy Research Centre is leading the research effort.

“The findings will assist the NSW Government to better understand how best to support young carers as they seek to combine caring with school, further education or employment,” Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, Paul Lynch, said.

Click here to see the media release.

$3.61 million for Leisure Link program

The NSW Government has dedicated more than $3.61 million to provide a leisure program for people with a disability, announced Minister for Disability Services Paul Lynch.

The program will provide weekend and evening programs for people with a disability to spend time with others in cultural, social and recreation activities.

People with a disability and their carers, will benefit greatly from the program, particularly those socially isolated and with limited access to the community. It also has a focus on young people with challenging behaviours.

“A component of Leisure Link will support young people’s positive behaviours to improve communication skills and expand friendships through community-based programs,” said the Minister.

“Leisure Link will supplement school-based support and offer a respite effect for families,” Mr Lynch said.

Activities that form part of the Leisure Link program include art, drama, fitness programs, dance, team sports and holiday camps.

To see your local service providers, click here.

New personal account of caring for someone frail aged

Caring for Coco - A Carer’s Diary, by Vicky Marquis, is a new book that looks at the issue of aged care, through a personal account of one woman’s journey caring for her elderly mother. The book follows author Vicky Marquis’s experience caring foer mother over a period of four years - from Coco living at home, to moving into institutional care and living in a hostel, to finally moving to nursing home accommodation before her death in June 2006.

Caring for Coco provides insight into a situation that more and more families find themselves facing as the population continues to age.

Available at Gleebooks or email Vicky Marquis on vickymarquis1@bigpond.com.

New Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report on intellectual disability

This latest AIHW report, Disability in Australia: intellectual disability is an analysis of data from the 2003 ABS Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers.

Some key findings include:

* In 2003, 2.5 per cent of Australians under the age of 65 had an intellectual disability
(436,000 people), and the vast majority of them (423,000) were living at home.

• Over half (60 per cent) of people with intellectual disability living in households needed help with things like learning, making decisions, and managing emotions; 33 per cent needed help with mobility, 27 per cent with communication and 24 per cent with self-care.

• In 2003, more than half of the 184,200 school students with intellectual disability were either attending a special class or a special school that offered special support. The remaining children were in ordinary classes.

To view Disability in Australia: intellectual disability go to
www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10582

More people accessing Disability Support Services

The number of people using disability support services in Australia has increased by 24 per cent over the past four years, according to a report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

The report, Disability Support Services 2006/7, showed that 232,000 people used disability support services in 2006/7, up from 188,000 in 2003/4. This is an average annual growth rate of 7 per cent.

The largest increases over the past four years were seen in respite care (46 per cent), community support (25 per cent) and employment services (25 per cent).

For a copy of the full report, go to http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10654.

More Australians now have mental health plans

A new report has found Australians are accessing mental health care at unprecedented levels with the cost of the new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Items for mental health services now three times higher than the initial budget estimate.

Mental Health and the New Medicare Services - 2nd Report November 2006 - August 2008 released by the Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) also revealed that since the introduction of the new MBS Items for mental health services:
• Demand for mental health services continues to increase with over 5 million MBS payments being made since November 2006
• Over 900,000 Australians now have mental health plans prepared by GPs
• Women are twice as likely as men to get care under the new MBS services
• People living in rural Australia have less access to the new MBS services, indicating a lack of appropriate health professionals and mental health specialists in rural Australia
• Young people, and particularly young men, are under-represented in the new services despite their high level of need

COAG Mental Health Reform – Mental Health and the new Medicare Services – 2nd Report November 2006 – August 2008 can be found at: www.mhca.org.au

International Day of People with a Disability

International Day of People with a Disability takes place on 3 December, with more than 150 events planned across NSW to coincide with the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care’s Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign.

Former Paralympian Tracy Barrell was chosen as the face of the 2008 campaign, with a further 21 ambassadors from the worlds of sport, arts, education and business also announced.

Minister for Disability Services, Paul Lynch, said about 1.2 million people in NSW have a disability and that the ambassadors were inspirational role models.

“By sharing their stories, our ambassadors will help break down barriers and dispel the myths around disability,” Mr Lynch said.

This year’s United Nations theme is “Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us.”

Highlights of this year’s Don’t Dis My ABILITY program include two events to be held in Sydney’s Martin Place on 3 December. These are:

• Access All Areas Film Festival – the first fully-accessible travelling film festival in NSW
• The Dog Square Dance – a fully-choreographed demonstration of the skills of assistance dogs

For further information about the Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign, events and activities, please visit www.dontDISmyABILITY.com.au

New radio segment for carers

‘Homereach’ is a new weekly SBS radio segment providing practical information for the frail aged, people with a disability, and their carers. The segment will take place on SBS’s World View program each Wednesday at 5pm, starting 19 November.

The segment will cover issues such as: preparing wills, home maintenance, respite care, and remaining healthy and active. It also includes one episode on Carers NSW.

The program is available in several languages and by podcast. Download or listen again by visiting www.sbs.com.au or listen live on the following frequencies around NSW:

Bathurst – 88.9fm
Newcastle and Hunter Valley – 1413am
Sydney – 1107AM / 97.7fm
Wagga Wagga – 103.5fm
Wollongong - 1485 am
Young – 98.7fm

Happy Carers Week 19-25 October

As Carers Week draws near, the staff and Board at Carers NSW would like to take the opportunity to pass on our best wishes to carers across the state for a happy week.

We hope as many carers as possible can participate in the events happening during this time (see the Carers Week Events Calendar).

Carers NSW appreciates the funding it received from the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) to provide grants for over 200 carer support groups or organisations to hold events for carers across the state during Carers Week.

Carers Week is all about celebrating and raising awareness of the contribution carers make to the lives of the people they care for and the wider community. The 2008 theme, “Because I care…” is in recognition of the impact of caring on individuals and society.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd launched the National Carers Week on Monday 20 October. Click here to read his speach at the launch.

Australian Government says carers are unsung heroes. The Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said Carers Week 2008 is a time to reflect on the vital role carers play in our community and to acknowledge the enormous personal and financial sacrifices carers make. She also said that this year's Carers Week theme - because I care, is a fitting description of the selfless service that carers give every day. Carers are unsung local heroes. The Australian Government recognises and values their incredible devotion, sacrifice and hard work. Click here to read media release.

Click here to read Carers Australia's media release about national Carers Day to recognise carers.

For more information about National Carers Week see www.carersweek.com.au

NSW Carers to Benefit from Federal Government Lump Sum Payment

Carers NSW welcomes the Federal Government’s $4.8 billion down payment announced today for carers, seniors and other pensioners. Under today’s announcement, carers receiving the Carer Payment will receive a one-off lump sum payment of $1,400 for singles and $2,100 for couples. Carers receiving the Carer Allowance will also receive $1,000 for each eligible person being cared for. All payments will be made automatically through Centrelink and the Department of Veterans Affairs in the fortnight beginning 8 December 2008.

To read Carers NSW media release click here.
To read the Carers Australia media release click here.

New resource for carers of Alzheimers patients

There are a lot of people who, for different reasons, have difficulty finding the right words for things. There are also many, like some dementia and stroke patients, who have completely lost the ability to speak.

Lost Words is a resource for both patients and caregivers. It has more than 290 pictures and their corresponding words, is spiral-bound for ease of constant use and has plastic pockets for keeping photographs in, plus a few pages for personal notes.

The book came about as a result of author Gunilla Denton Cook’s difficulties communicating with her mother, who died from Alzheimers at the age of 64 – an experience that Gunilla is happy to come and speak to carer groups and budding writers about.

Lost Words is available at book shops for RRP $24.95. Or it is available to order at http://www.booktopia.com.au/lost-words/prod9780731813759.html.

If you would like Gunilla to come and speak to your carer or writing group, email her at dentoncook@bigpond.com.

New book launched on aged care homes

Aged Care Homes - The Complete Australian Guide is a new book being released this month. It’s written for carers seeking a place for a loved family member.

The authors Val Nigol and Anthea Wynn claim it is Australia's first-ever book on accessing residential aged care and that it guides the reader through the whole process - from recognising the initial signs, through the assessments, what to look for in a home, moving-in day, and on-going care right through to death. It includes checklists for assessing homes, directories of all the homes in Australia and loads of links to resources and support services.

Available from bookstores by the end of October or online at www.litehousebooks.com.au.

Call for input into a National Arts and Disability Strategy

Australian and New Zealand Cultural Ministers have released a discussion paper calling for community input on the development of a National Arts and Disability Strategy.

The national strategy will look in particular at ways of improving cooperation between governments and at ways of developing and implementing nationally based initiatives and programs. The initiative will feed into the National Disability Strategy and the Social Inclusion Agenda and be coordinated through a Cultural Ministers Council (CMC) Working Group chaired by the Australian Government.

The CMC Working Group would like to hear from a wide range of people with disabilities and mental illness, including people of all ages living in urban, rural and remote areas, as well as organisations and individuals who work or live with people with a disability.

The discussion paper is available for download from the CMC website www.cmc.gov.au and will be open for public submissions until Monday 3 November 2008. Submissions can be emailed to contact@cmc.gov.au. Single copies of hand-written or typed submission can be mailed to:

Secretariat, Cultural Ministers Council
Arts Division
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787, Canberra ACT 2601

SMART Trial to Reduce Risk of Dementia

The Australian SMART Trial into the prevention of memory decline in older people at risk of developing dementia has begun.

The SMART Trial – the Study of Mental Activity and Regular Training – conducted by a group of Australian medical researchers, will determine whether mental and physical exercise interventions can reduce the risk of older people developing dementia.

Participants in the SMART Trial will be asked to carry out one of four combinations of mental and physical activity over a 6-month period. They will then be assessed in the 12-month period following.

Currently there are an estimated 227,000 people with dementia in Australia, and this number is set to grow to 731,000 by 2050 unless there is a medical breakthrough.

Individuals interested in volunteering for the SMART Trial (which will take place at the University of Sydney campus in Lidcombe) may contact Brooke McMahon on 9351 9138.

2008 Working Together for NSW Implementation Meeting

Directors-General and representatives from the Departments of Health, Housing, Education and Training, Community Services, and Ageing, Disability and Home Care met with the Forum of NON Government Agencies (FONGA) representatives on 5 August 2008 for the annual meeting of the Committee overseeing the implementation of the Working Together for NSW agreement.

Notes from this meeting can be found on the NCOSS website at the following link:
http://www.ncoss.org.au/resources/080902-WTFNSW-Communique-Aug08.doc

New respite centre open in northern Sydney

Carers living in the suburbs of northern Sydney may be interested to know that New Horizons Northern Sydney Respite Centre has opened in Thornleigh.

The centre is aimed at giving carers of people with a psychiatric and/or intellectual disability a break from their caring duties while the person they are caring for comes to the centre to be involved in a range of activities and recreation programs. The care recipient must be 18 years or older to access the service.

The centre is located at Unit 2/2A Railway Parade Thornleigh - a very short walk from the train station. It is open Monday to Friday from 9am – 3pm.

For more information, please contact Stephen Stap, respite coordinator at the centre, at sstap@newhorizons.net.au or phone the centre on 9875 3205

New electronic newsletter from the NSW Ombudsman

The NSW Ombudsman Bruce Barbour has launched Ombo Info - an electronic newsletter that will be distributed three times a year.

The role of the NSW Ombudsman is to promote good conduct and fair decision-making in the interests of the NSW community. Ombo Info has been devised to keep people informed about the various activities, reports and resources available from the Ombudsman.

The first issue of Ombo Info includes information on the deaths of people with disabilities in care (2006/2007) and child deaths in NSW (2006/2007), a report on complaint handling in family support services, upcoming training opportunities, news of a new resource helping agencies deal with complaints from young people as well as tips for making a complaint and case studies.

Subscription is free to both organisations and individuals. To subscribe contact Alexandra Lai at alai@ombo.nsw.gov.au, call 9265 0400 or 1800 451 524 (toll free).

Carers Australia issues urgent relief for single pensioners statement

Carers Australia has called for a $700 lump-sum payment as an urgently needed measure to assist people receiving the Carer Payment or Disability Support Pension until the findings of the Federal Government's Pension Review are known in February next year. To read the full statement click here.

New book of carers stories being launched this month

‘Open Hearts - Hidden Lives’ is a new book of carers’ stories to be launched later this month. Compiled by John Hockney for the Katoomba Volunteer Home Visitors and Community Visitors Scheme, the book includes 12 personal stories from a variety of carers. ‘Open Hearts - Hidden Lives’ is due to be launched on September 23.

For further information please contact Marlene Churn at the Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre on 4782 1117 or email kvhv@kncinc.org.au.

Volunteer grants program for petrol, small equipment and sporting items open

The Federal Government's Volunteer Grants Program 2008 is now open for applications. The program provides funding for eligible non-profit organisations to support their volunteers and encourage volunteering by:

• purchasing small equipment and sporting items to help their existing volunteers and to encourage more people to become volunteers, and/or
• contributing towards fuel costs incurred in their volunteering work, such as when using their cars to transport others to activities, deliver food and assist people in need.

The program is one way the government can thank community groups and their volunteers for their contribution to Australian society. Applications open on Saturday 6 September and close on Friday 17 October. Successful organisations will receive funding by the end of the year.

More information on the program, including application forms and guidelines, is available at
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/Internet/facsinternet.nsf/News/vgp08.htm
or by calling the toll-free hotline on 1800 183 374.

Join the on-line 'Who Cares?' National Conversation

From Saturday 6 September, Carers NSW, Macquarie Group Foundation and St James Ethics Centre are undertaking an online survey, conducted by St James Ethics Centre, to continue the national conversation around the ethics of caring in Australia. Click here to read more from Carers NSW. Click here to read media release.

Respite funding for carers of young people with a disability announced

The Federal government has announced $2.1 million respite funding for carers looking after somebody with severe disabilities to access emergency, unplanned respite. The expanded respite will be delivered through the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres. For information call 1800 059 059 or read the government's statement here.

Shoulder-to-Shoulder ATSI resource launched

The NSW Minister for Disability Services, Kristina Keneally has launched ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ an information booklet for Aboriginal families with a child or young person with a disability. It contains information about disability services, respite services and Aboriginal organisations that can support families. It also includes stories on how Aboriginal families have been able to cope with caring for a child with a disability. Sheree Freeburn, Carers NSW ATSI Policy and Development Officer, was a member of the publication's reference group. To view or download please follow the links below.

Information for Aboriginal families who have a child or young person with a disability Shoulder to Shoulder - booklet: Contents - Getting the Facts 894 K - You're not alone 1.5 M - People who can help 1.9 M Shoulder to Shoulder - brochure 578 K Shoulder to Shoulder - poster 397 K

2008 Carers Week

The NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care again funded Carers NSW to coordinate the Carers Week grant application process for carer support groups. Over 200 grants of up to $250 were provided for special activities for carers during 2008 Carers Week from 19-25 October.

To download information on how to promote your 2008 Carers Week event follow the document links below.

• Media kit
• Ideas for activities

Carers, carer support groups and other organisations can order free 2008 Carers Week posters and postcards from the Carers Week website.

Click here for the 2008 Carers Week calendar of events.
Click here to view SESIH Carers Week calendar of events.

New Health FAQs released by Office of Privacy Commission

Seven new health FAQs (frequently asked questions) are available on the Office of Privacy Commission website to help people understand privacy issues relating to their health care. An example is If I am injured and unconscious, can my doctor share my health information with my loved ones?

Changing minds website

This new website aims to promote positive mental health and wellbeing by encouraging you to promote mental wellbeing in your own life and in the lives of others. It is coordinated by the Mental Health Association NSW.

Office of the Public Guardian launches publication for people with disabilities

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) has recently launched a new electronic publication, How will my guardian make an accommodation decision for me?

The Public Guardian is appointed to make decisions for approximately 1,700 people with disabilities each year. Many people who come under guardianship are unfamiliar with the role of a substitute decision maker and may be confused by the involvement of a government agency.

The OPG has developed a short pictorial story to explain to people with disabilities what a guardian does, which focuses on a young woman with a disability who lives in a group home and needs a substitute decision made by the Public Guardian about her accommodation.

This is designed to be accessed by people with disabilities with the assistance of a support worker, family member or friend. When the Public Guardian is appointed, the person with a disability will be made aware of this resource via our welcome letter.

This new publication is available at www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/opg

NSW Seniors Card to provide transport concessions across Australia

The Federal Government has announced pensioners and people eligible for NSW Seniors Card can use it across Australia for transport concessions from early 2009 . Click here to read more.

Practical guide for mental health well-being

The Wellness Guide: A Resource to Support the Recovery Journey, is a new guide for people with a mental illness, their families and carers. The guide was developed in consultation with people who experience a mental illness and includes: • useful contact details within Western Sydney
• information on different mental health disorders and illness
• an evaluation of the benefits and side-effects of medications
• detail on the Mental Health Act 2007
• information on care planning and the recovery process
• advice on how to establish and maintain mental well-being

The Wellness Guide is available at www.wsahs.nsw.gov.au/documents/WellnessGuide.pdf

Capacity Toolkit The Capacity Toolkit, developed by the NSW Attorney General, is a guide to help community workers, professionals, families and carers to correctly assess a person's capacity to make legal, medical, financial and personal decisions.

The Toolkit provides information on what capacity is, capacity assessment principles, and tips on assessing capacity. More specifically, it sets out (in plain English) some of the more common legal tests for capacity in areas such as personal decision making, health decisions and financial decision-making. There are also some questions that you may want to ask the person when you are assessing their capacity in a particular area.

Carers NSW put together a submission about the Toolkit to recognise the importance of the issue of understanding and assessing capacity, and to advocate for carers. The main themes in our submission were:

• use of the term carer throughout the document (as separate to 'care worker' as the document is a tool for paid care workers and non paid carers) diversity of carers and the need to use appropriate plain English language
• for information to be made available in appropriate and accessible languages and formats, and be presented in an accessible way

Click here to download the Toolkit.

New directory of mental health practitioners

National depression organisation beyondblue now has a directory of mental health practitioners available on their website.The new directory includes an interactive map to make it easier to find the relevant mental health practitioner in your area.To use the new directory, there are three steps:

1. Please read the Disclaimer, then click on the directory link
2. Please read and accept the Terms of Use
3. Use the interactive map to search for mental health practitioners in your area Use the interactive map to search for mental health practitioners in your area

Click here for more details.

Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment

Did you know that since 1 January 2008, if a spouse dies they can pass on any unclaimed Pension Bonus to their surviving spouse as a non-taxable Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment?

The Pension Bonus Scheme allows people who reach pension age, but defer claiming the Age Pension, to receive a tax-free lump-sum bonus payment when they eventually claim and receive the pension.

The maximum benefit available under the Pension Bonus Scheme is $32,853.50 for a single person and $27,440 for each member of a couple. The amount of bonus payable depends on how long people are members of the scheme and the rate of pension they are entitled to when they ultimately claim the Age Pension.

Bonuses can accrue under the Pension Bonus Scheme for a maximum of five years.

For more details or to register for the Pension Bonus Scheme phone13 23 00 or visit www.centrelink.gov.au

Guide for carers of people who are blind or have low vision

A new publication by the Macular Degeneration Foundation, Family, Friend and Carer - A Guide, provides information and advice for family members, friends and carers of a person who is blind or has low vision.This guide is the second in the series of publications on low vision produced by the Macular Degeneration Foundation. Low Vision - A Guide, offers a practical approach for people of all ages who are blind or have low vision. It is helpful to read Family, Friend and Carer - A Guide in conjunction with Low Vision - A Guide.

Download these publications from the Macular Degeneration Foundation’s website.

Free DVDs on mental illness now available

The Mental Health Association (MHA) NSW and beyondblue: The national depression initiative have formed a partnership to place DVDs on depression and other mental illnesses in video/DVD stores. A set of 6 DVDs is available to borrow free of charge from most video/DVD stores throughout NSW, including many Blockbuster, Civic Video and Video Ezy outlets.

For more information on the DVDs or to find mental health support services in your area call the Mental Health Association NSW on 1300 794 991 or visit www.mentalhealth.asn.au

Carers needed to help develop cancer care toolkit

People with cancer and their caregivers may have a range of unmet needs in relation to physical, emotional, social and spiritual issues. Unfortunately, not everybody receives the type of help they need with such issues at the time they most need it. A national team of researchers from The Cancer Council NSW, the University of Newcastle, the Hunter Medical Research Institute and Flinders University will be developing a "Consumer Toolkit" to help people with cancer and their caregivers identify their own needs and to discuss the most suitable type of care with their health professionals. The Toolkit would include information about cancer, the types of care available and when it might be most appropriate to access other health services.

The researchers are keen to hear the views of people who have advanced cancer, their partners and caregivers, about what information the Toolkit should include and how best to present this information so that it is most useful. If you want to know more about this project or you are keen to participate, please telephone 1800 766 016, or email Claire.Johnson@newcastle.edu.au.

New DVD challenges stigma of mental illness
The New South Wales Consumer Advisory Group - Mental Health Inc (NSW CAG) has produced a new DVD entitled It’s only 1/100th me: stories of six people challenging stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. The DVD presents personal experiences of stigma, discrimination and the impacts of these. The DVD also describes experiences of inclusion and the importance of being accepted and valued.

The DVD can be viewed at www.nswcag.org.au (click on ‘Projects’ then ‘challenging stigma and discrimination’). Copies of the DVD can also be purchased for $5 by calling NSW CAG on 9332 0200 or emailing ycotton@nswcag.org.au

New translated summaries of the NSW Carers Action Plan 2007-2012
A summary of the NSW Carers Action Plan 2007-2012 has now been produced and is available for download from the NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service website in the following languages:
• English
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Greek
• Italian
• Korean
• Macedonian
• Vietnamese
Visit: http://www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au/mhcs/topics/Caring_for_others.html

For people unable to access the internet, a limited number of hard copies are available from the Better Health Centre on 9816 0452.

New Mental Health Act
The new Mental Health Act was proclaimed on 16 November 2007.

The objects of this Act are to make provision with respect to the care, treatment and control of mentally ill persons and mentally disordered persons and other matters relating to mental health. This new Act results from a review of the legislation initiated by the Government and carried out through extensive consultations with consumers, carers and service providers. It retains many of the significant principles of the Mental Health Act 1990, builds on patient and carer rights and protections and provides for modern models of service provision.

Click here to download the guide to finding more information on the Mental Health Act. The NSW Institute of Psychiatry has produced a brochure to help people understand the key changes in the NSW Mental Health Act 2007.http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/members/nswcag/News/Key%20changes_brochure_final_version.pdfA six-page summary of the NSW Mental Health Act 2007 is now available on the NSW Health website: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/ib/2007/pdf/IB2007_053.pdf To access a copy of the Act please go to the following website: 
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/mha2007128/ 

Click here to download the guide to finding more information on the Mental Health Act.

More support needed for working carers, report finds
A report by the Taskforce on Care Costs (TOCC) released on 16 November 2007 provides clear evidence for the need to support working family carers.

The report, entitled The hidden face of care, found that although public rhetoric acknowledges the need to help carers of the aged and people with a disability to balance their work and caring responsibilities, in reality tangible support is insufficient or ineffective.

To view the media release and full report click here

Carers News
Carers NSW produces a newsletter called Carers News for its members six times a year containing current news, events and information relevant to carers. To sign up to receive Carers News please click here.

New multicultural mental health resources

Multicultural Mental Health Australia (MMHA) has released a series of mental health fact sheets in over 20 languages, covering issues surrounding mental illness, anxiety, bipolar mood disorder, eating disorders, depression, personality disorders, schizophrenia, challenging behaviours and suicide. The fact sheets are available in Amharic, Arabic, Assyrian, Chinese, Croatian, Dari, Dinka, English, Farsi, Greek, Italian, Khmer, Korean, Krio, Macedonian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swahili, Turkish and Vietnamese. The series has also been adapted for people who are visually challenged. MMHA and Vision Australia have produced the series into braille, large print, electronic text for the internet and audio formats such as CD, cassette and DAISY for those with a print disability. MMHA has also released a new series of depression fact sheets including: The Depression Checklist, Understanding Depression, Living and Caring for a Person with Depression, How Can You Help Someone with Depression? Depression and Antidepressant Medication and Emotional Health During Pregnancy and Early Parenthood. These fact sheets are available in Arabic, Assyrian, Bosnian, Khmer, Croatian, Dari, Farsi, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Lao, Macedonian, Polish, Punjabi, Russian, Serbian, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Somalian, Spanish, Tamil, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese.

These new resources are all free and can be ordered directly from the MMHA office, telephone 02 9840 3333 or downloaded from here.

Self-help recovery program for people with long-term mental illness

Researchers at the University of Wollongong have developed a self-help package, called “Flourish”, for people with long-term mental illness working towards recovery. This will be a trial to help researchers evaluate the “Flourish” program. The program runs for 11 weeks, and includes four parts:
• A self-help manual based on recovery and positive psychology principles. Each module contains exercises to practice applying the principles learned to your own life.
• Audio recordings (on an MP3 player supplied by the researchers) in which experts explain the principles behind the exercises, and consumers describe the role these ideas have had in their own recovery process.
• A fortnightly consumer facilitated group discussion for participants to meet informally.
• Telephone reminders/coaching to help people to stay involved with the program.

How can I find out more?
Call Retta Andresen 02 4221 5605 (Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays) or
Dr Trevor Crowe 02 4221 4207

Commonwealth Government's $1.8 billion disability assistance package
Click here to read more.

Carers and the 2007-2008 Federal Budget
What carers received in this year's Federal Budget. Click here to read more.