Carers NSW: The Leading Non-Government Organisation

Carers NSW is the leading Non-Government organisation who collaboratively works with a variety of organisations such as Cancer Council and Mental Health Association advocating for young carers’ individual rights and support. Carers NSW offer flexible education, counseling and government funding attempting to limit overbearing roles and responsibilities of carers. As being a primary carer has the potential to negatively affect an individual’s wellbeing through limiting personal time to engage in leisure activities, socialization and education, Carers NSW effectively offers a range of emotionally engaged activities, such as; talking to trained professionals, free counseling sessions and practical support groups. Although, Carers NSW is extremely
Other responsibilities can include; personal care; ensuring intake of medication and mobility. Domestic duties; shopping and meal preparation. Emotional support; accompanying the individual to medical appointments. Administration duties; paying bills, and applying for support networks. There are very few young carer programs in Australia attempting to minimise responsibilities. This ultimately increases barriers experienced by young carers when attempting to access services including; lack of awareness, limited number of services targeting young carers and the inability to recognise the complexities, demands and disadvantages associated with this role. In order for carers to fulfill these responsibilities, Carers NSW offers carer support groups, which support individuals who care for people with particular disabilities, or who are looking for support to limit emotional responsibilities. Emotional and mental wellbeing are critical to being able to adequately take care of an individual with a disability. Therefore, Carers NSW offers The ‘Young Carers Program’ which consists mainly of ‘The Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres’ while offering specific programs such as the ‘Mental Health Respite’ to deal with specific illnesses. This program is an Australian Government initiative that offers; individual support, education for carers and the opportunity to undertake respite care. This is significantly important as being a carer is challenging, and having the opportunity to be relieved from these pressures allows for the carer to adequately fulfill their responsibilities and care for the dependent as well as being able to stay connected to friends, family and