The McGowan Government has joined Western Australians in recognising the impact made by carers – particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic – to mark the launch of National Carers Week.
National Carers Week, which runs from today (October 11) to Saturday October 17 this year, is held annually to highlight the contribution made by carers and ensure they seek the support they need to fulfil this important role.
It is estimated 320,000 people provide care for a loved one in WA. Carers come from all walks of life, backgrounds and age groups, with each caring role being unique and having different needs.
In 2020, Carers Week has a #ShareYouCare theme and related social media campaign, encouraging Western Australians to share their support for a family member or friend in an unpaid caring role, or voice their support for the contribution that carers make to the community.
Community Services Minister Simone McGurk acknowledged that the importance of carers had been especially highlighted this year, with carers and the people they care for facing additional challenges as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the 2020 Carers Week celebrations, Minister McGurk co-host a virtual afternoon tea with the Carers Advisory Council on Monday at Connect Victoria Park Inc. The function will involve a live internet broadcast to help connect carers in seven different regions across the State, with further representation and advocacy provided by Carers WA, HelpingMinds and Alzheimer’s WA.
Celebrations for Carers Week will also feature prominently in the Perth CBD, with dedicated content to screen several times a day at Yagan Square on its digital tower display.
The State Government is committed to assisting carers, and provides more than $1 million to Carers WA each year to ensure carers have access to support services and programs, including counselling and training, social support, advice, respite, employment and engagement activities.
As stated by Community Services Minister Simone McGurk:
“Carers make a positive and significant difference to the lives of families, friends and the people they care for.
“They provide love, care and compassion for those in need and can often feel like their role is hidden or unrecognised.
“Our reliance on carers has been especially highlighted this year, with carers and those they care for facing additional pressures as a result of COVID-19.
“I encourage all Western Australians to #ShareYouCare and acknowledge carers’ important role to mark National Carers Week 2020.
“The State Government is committed to ensuring that carers receive the support and recognition they deserve, and I thank carers and the organisations that support them for their valuable contribution to our community.”
