National Carers Week 2021
National Carers Week is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution unpaid carers make to our nation.
There are over 2.7 million unpaid carers in Australia providing care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency, long term health condition or who is frail due to age.
Anyone at any time can become a carer. National Carers Week is an opportunity to educate and raise awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles.
This year, National Carers Week will be held from Sunday 10 to Saturday 16 October 2021.
Carers Week Grants 2021
Thanks to funding from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, Carers NSW is once again offering grants to organisations and carer support groups to run events or activities, either online or in person to support and celebrate carers across NSW as part of National Carers Week. This year, National Carers Week will be held from 10-16 October 2021.
Grants of up to $300 are available to help carer support groups and organisations across New South Wales put on an activity or event, online or in person, to acknowledge family and friend carers in their local community.
Grant recipients must ensure their events and activities comply with the COVID-19 health regulations and guidelines in place at the time. Please check the NSW Government website at www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 for the most recent information on COVID-19 restrictions.
Grant application window
Grant applications will open from Monday 12 April 2021.
Grant applications close 5:00pm Monday 14 June 2020. All applications must be received by this deadline.
How to apply for a grant
Applications are submitted via an online application form (available from 12 April 2021).
If you have any issues submitting your application, please contact commsteam@carersnsw.org.au
If you do not have access to the internet during the grant application window, you can request an application form to be sent to you via mail by emailing commsteam@carersnsw.org.au
Application advice
1. The event or activity must have COVID safe measures in place and run in accordance with COVID-19 health regulations and guidelines in place at the time.
2. Ideally the event or activity should be held during or close to National Carers Week (10 – 16 October 2021), however due to COVID-19, to allow flexibility, events may be run at a later date if necessary, with the funding to be spent by December 2021.
3. Organisations/individuals can apply for grants for up to 10 different carer support groups.
4. The grant cannot be used for regular activities that would occur anyway.
All grant recipients must ensure:
- no more than 20 people attend events (unless NSW Health reduces gathering sizes below 20 people)
- all attendees maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres from each other
- indoor events adhere to the 1 person per 4 square metres rule. Consider holding your event outdoors if possible to better assist with social distancing.
- a COVID-19 safety plan is in place, with a QR code check-in
- anyone who is unwell, has COVID-19 symptoms, or has recently been in a COVID-19 hotspot does not attend your event
- the event organiser has accurate names and contact details of all people attending the event or activity
- hand sanitiser is available at your event or activity.
For more information about COVID-19 rules, requirements and safety plans visit the NSW Government website at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
When will I find out if my application has been successful?
You will be notified via email by the end of July 2021 if your application has been successful. For successful applicants, your grant will be awarded by cheque which will be issued in August 2021.
We look forward to receiving applications from all over NSW and hearing about the great opportunities that will be available to celebrate and support carers in their local communities across NSW.
Proudly funded by
Carers NSW held a range of online events during National Carers Week 2020
To celebrate carers and recognise the significant contribution carers make each and every day, Carers NSW hosted a range of online wellbeing workshops and webinars during National Carers Week, 11 – 17 October 2020.
Carers from across NSW were invited to join a range of free online webinars and self-care and wellbeing workshops for carers during Carers Week 2020.
Workshops included mindfulness meditation, tai chi, strength and balance and an art workshop which were available online through Zoom conferencing for carers across NSW.
Webinar sessions included a carer panel discussion with television and news presenter Georgie Gardner, a Carers + Employers webinar for developing carer friendly workplaces and other webinars during the week to raise awareness of the incredible work carers do.
Sunday 11 October, 11am on Facebook @CarersNewSouthWales
Launch of the 2020 National Carer Survey results and welcome to National Carers Week
Carers NSW CEO, Elena Katrakis launches the 2020 National Carer Survey results and welcomes you to National Carers Week 2020. Acknowledging the outstanding contribution carers make and highlighting the online events Carers NSW hosted over the week to say thank you to carers across NSW.
To watch this session click here
Monday 12 October 2.00pm - 3.00pm
Tai Chi
Improve your circulation, balance and health with these simple tai chi movements and gentle breathing guided by professional tai chi teacher Stephen Procter from Tai Chi Health for Life, in the comfort of your own home. All you need is a small space, comfortable clothing and a willingness to relax and enjoy yourself.
To watch this session click here
Tuesday 13 October 10:30am - 11:30am
Sector panel discussion: What is the Aged Care Royal Commission doing for carers?
The panel features invited speakers to highlight the carer related issues and recommendations that have been put forward by key stakeholders throughout the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and explores how the coverage, findings and outcomes of the Royal Commission may benefit carers.
To watch this session click here
Tuesday 13 October 2.00pm - 3.00pm
Recognising and Supporting Young Carers
Join our Young Carer team to learn more about young carers, the challenges young carers face and supports available. A young carer will share their caring journey and answer questions about their lived experience.
To watch this session click here
Wednesday 14 October 10.30am – 11.30am
Strength and Balance
Gently develop Strength & Balance from head to toe with a range of simple moves. A rejuvenating experience with simple to follow exercises for everyone. The emphasis will be to go at your own pace and set the tone for how you want to exercise, release tension and most importantly feel better through your whole body. Led by experienced instructor, Stephen Gammack from Soulfit. Stephen has been involved in fitness and wellbeing for over 20 years and has a philosophy of a relaxed and calm approach to physical fitness. All you need is a dining chair (no arms if possible) and a drink to stay hydrated.
To watch this session click here
Wednesday 14 October 12.30pm – 1.30 pm
Carers + Employers webinar: Developing a carer friendly workplace
Learn about some of the steps organisations can take to develop a carer friendly workplace. Australian Employers will share real examples of what they have done to recognise and support carers in their workplaces.
To watch this session click here
Wednesday 14 October 2.00pm - 3.00pm
Mindfulness Meditation
Feeling stressed or anxious at this time? Join professional meditation teacher Stephen Procter from Meditation in The Shire within the comfort of your own home, as he guides you in mindfulness meditation techniques to help you to relax and release stress.
To watch this session click here
Thursday 15 October 10.30am – 11.30am
Carer Panel: Caring in 2020 – Georgie Gardner speaks with carers
Australian television and news presenter and journalist, Georgie Gardner hosts a discussion with carers about their experiences during 2020. Hear from carers personally on how caring has changed, the challenges, impacts of health and wellbeing, positive and negative aspects of the experience and strategies for coping and managing.
To watch this session click here
Thursday 15 October 12.00pm – 1.00pm
wecare: Caring for the Carers
A panel of family carers share their stories to paint a real picture of caring for people with severe injury and illness. The wecare team discuss maintaining well-being and caring for yourself while caring for others.
Thursday 15 October 2.00pm - 2.30pm
The Gentle Breath Meditation
We can all benefit from taking a moment to relax and unwind and there are some simple techniques we can use to really allow our body to relax and let go any tension we hold. This meditation class can be done seated or lying down and is 30 minutes of time to yourself to reconnect and rejuvenate through some very simple guided breathing and very gentle movements. Led by Stephen Gammack from Soulfit.
To watch this session click here
Friday 16 October 10.30am – 11.30am
Art workshop: Nourish and Flourish - the Art of Self-Care
Explore your creativity and join Art Therapist, Sally Swain for a workshop on the art of self-care. Use your own art medium and paper (coloured pencils, pens or paint would be ideal, however any drawing instrument will be ok).
To watch this session click here
Friday 16 October 2.00pm - 3.00pm
Music with Miriam Lieberman and her trio
An award winning singer songwriter, Miriam has an unmistakable voice and is known for her own unique style on the kora – a West African harp, the guitar as well as her songwriting. Miriam plays beautiful melodic music and is joined by the lushious vocal harmonies and soaring string arrangements of trio members Lara Goodridge and Susie Bishop. This performance, as a special thank you to carers is not to be missed. About Miriam
To watch this session click here
For more information about National Carers Week please visit www.carersweek.com.au