Celebrating Western Australia’s unpaid carers

Celebrating Western Australia’s unpaid carers

As National Carers Week gets underway, Community Services Minister Simone McGurk would like to acknowledge the carers who make an enormous contribution to our State that often goes unnoticed.

Ms McGurk said the week was an opportunity to show support and highlight the significant difference carers make to people’s lives and the broader community.

A number of events for carers will be held across Western Australia this week, ranging from morning teas to yoga classes and pamper sessions.

Among the events is a comedy evening being held for young carers over the age of 18 on Saturday, October 21 at the Comedy Lounge in Perth. The event is being hosted by Carers WA and tickets are available free to carers through the organisation.

A full list of all the Carers Week 2017 events occurring across WA is available on the Carers WA website.

The McGowan Government invests $1 million in Carers WA support services and programs including counselling and training, social support, advice and information services, respite, employment engagement activities, a young carers program and a community education program.

“There are about 320,000 unpaid carers in Western Australia looking after family members and friends with a huge range of needs,” said Community Services Minister Simone McGurk.

“Carers make an enormous contribution to our State that often goes unnoticed, and National Carers Week is about showing our support and giving thanks for all that they do.

“The theme for Carers Week this year is ‘Carers Count’ and it’s a great opportunity to recognise the work of a carer we may know in the community – giving them a break, or even just sitting down with them for a chat.”