"We need to recognise unpaid carers in terms of their contribution to maintaining care of others, relieving stress on health care and social welfare system, and building the community."
Carers are a vital part of the fabric of our Canberra community. There are around 48,000 carers in Canberra. These people provide unpaid care to family members, friends, or neighbours. The people they care for may be living with disability, a physical or mental health condition, or are frail aged. Some carers provide care to children and young people who are unable to live with their families.
The Living Well in the ACT Region survey (2020) showed that Carers had ‘lower than average’ wellbeing across the following areas:
- personal wellbeing,
- overall and mental health,
- housing suitability,
- feelings of safety,
- sleep quality,
- community participation,
- quality of time use, and
- work-life balance.
From 2019 to 2020, carers’ personal wellbeing levels dropped, and their loneliness and psychological distress rose. They also experienced greater difficulty accessing health services and transportation.
The ACT Carers Strategy 2018-2028 (the Strategy) establishes a strong vision for carers in the ACT:
- A community that cares for carers and the people they care for.
- Supporting carers is investing in Canberra’s future.
Current work under the Strategy is supported by the first three-year Action Plan (the Action Plan). This includes 25 actions under five themes:
- services and supports,
- recognition and awareness,
- inclusion,
- young carers, and
- workforce and skills recognition.
The Action Plan sits with the ACT Government directorates and the community sector organisations responsible for leading progress under actions. These actions include improving wellbeing support for carers, particularly young carers.
The ACT Government is committed to supporting and recognising the work of carers. This includes acknowledging the difference carers make in our community and responding to key challenges they may experience. Through data that measures carer wellbeing, we can realise our vision of a community that cares for carers and the people they care for.
