The Victorian Government is delivering on its commitment to give Victoria’s hard-working and dedicated carers the boost they need for well-earned respite.
Victorian Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan announced a package of nearly $50 million to go towards extra respite, transport concessions and grants for initiatives that support carers.
One in five carers give up work to care for someone and young carers drop out of school at a higher rate than their peers, meaning carers tend to have lower incomes or chronic health conditions because they’re too busy caring for their loved ones to worry about their own health.
That’s why the Victorian Government is providing an additional 5,000 Victorian carers with 100,000 hours of respite each year. The big boost will increase the number of carers helped by the Government’s Support for Carers program by 60 per cent.
The Government is also providing $4 million to make sure more carers get the emotional support they need and can access the local services that they count on, with grants for grassroots and statewide carer support groups.
Many grants will go towards groups in regional areas, or for those who look after under-recognised groups such as young or LGBTI carers.
The package also includes $3.5 million for half price public transport for Carer Card holders and free travel during Carers Week in October (2019).
The package is part of the Victorian Government’s Victorian Carers Strategy 2018-22 – our blueprint to ensure Victorian carers get the care that they deserve.
Source: Vic Government