Every day across the ACT, around 58,000 people provide unpaid care for a family member or friend living with disability, chronic or terminal illness, mental health conditions, frail and aged or are in a kinship and foster care arrangement with a young person. They are parents, partners, siblings, children, neighbours and friends whose support helps others live with dignity, independence and connection.
While caring can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be physically, emotionally and financially demanding. Many carers juggle work, study, family commitments and their own wellbeing alongside their caring responsibilities. Too often, they put their own needs last.
That’s where Carers ACT comes in.
For more than 30 years, Carers ACT has been supporting unpaid carers across the ACT by providing practical services, emotional support, education and advocacy. Our role is to ensure carers are recognised, valued and supported throughout every stage of their caring journey.
We understand that every caring situation is different. Whether someone has just started caring or has been providing support for many years, our experienced team works alongside carers to connect them with the right information, services and opportunities to help them continue in their role while maintaining their own health and wellbeing.
Through The Carer Gateway, we deliver a range of free supports including counselling, coaching, peer support, practical assistance and emergency or planned respite. These services are designed to reduce the pressures of caring and give carers the confidence and support they need.
Carers ACT also offers wellbeing and social connection programs, educational workshops, support groups, opportunities to connect with other carers, and advocacy to ensure carers’ voices help shape policies and services across the ACT.
At Carers ACT, we believe that when carers are supported, the people they care for benefit too. Supporting carers strengthens families, builds more connected communities and creates better outcomes for everyone.
If you care for someone with disability, you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. Whether you’re looking for practical advice, a chance to connect with others, or simply someone who understands, we’re here to help.
To learn more about the services and support available, visit www.carersact.org.au or contact our friendly team on (02) 6296 9900 or email [email protected].
Together, we can share the care.