Grants of up to $500,000 are available for initiatives that better identify, reach and support carers, with the NSW Government’s Carers Investment Grant Program now accepting Expressions of Interest. 

Carers provide ongoing, unpaid support to people who need help because of disability, mental illness, chronic or life-limiting illness, dementia or frail age. 

“Caring for a loved one takes enormous dedication and strength, and it is vital work that needs to be recognised and celebrated,” said Minister with responsibility for Carers Jodie Harrison. 

They can come from diverse backgrounds and be found in all communities, across all age and socio-economic groups, and areas throughout NSW. 

Of the 958,500 unpaid carers of family members or people in their community in NSW, more than 131,000 are aged 25 years or younger and one in five come from non-English speaking backgrounds. 

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring carers are recognised included and supported in our community. Our vision is for an inclusive and supportive community that understands that caring and supporting each other are fundamental parts of life. 

The NSW Carers Investment Grant Program will fund the development and implementation of training and education programs to help service providers and professionals – such as medical and mental health staff, allied health workers and teachers – identify, reach and support carers. 

The total amount of funding available is $3.122 million over 2 years. Eligibility 

Projects should align with the NSW Carers Strategy, which aims to improve carers’ access to services and supports and ensure that carers are better respected and empowered, have improved economic opportunities, and enjoy better health and wellbeing. 

Grant funding will be open to: 

• Government human service agencies used by carers 

• Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations 

• NSW local councils operating under the Local Government Act 1993 

• Peak organisations representing Carers 

• Organisations representing GPs, psychiatrists, hospitals, neurologists, allied health providers, dentists, pharmacists, teachers, principals 

• Other representative organisations. 

Eligible providers that meet the program’s objectives will be invited to proceed to the next stage, and applications for grants will open via SmartyGrants in October 2024. 

“The NSW Government recognises the resilience carers continue to show and is committed to ensuring you have access to meaningful support,” added Minister Harrison. 

“We know that many carers don’t consider themselves carers, so that continues to be a major barrier to receiving support. As a result, these ‘hidden carers’ don’t reach out for help because they don’t know that they can or know what is available to them.” 

“The Carers Investment Grant Program aims to equip and educate organisations who are in direct contact with carers to better identify carers and support them in helpful and effective ways.” 

Related: Calls for higher allowances for Victorian foster carers

Menchie Khairuddin

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Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.

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