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Contact Us

Carer Advisory Service
For information, referral, advocacy, problem solving, developing options, counselling appointments and workshops.
1800 242 636*

Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre
For information on community aged care and disability services in your area and all respite enquiries.
1800 052 222*

Carers ACT Northside (Main office)
2/80 Beaurepaire Crescent
HOLT ACT 2615

Ph: (02) 6296 9900
Fax: (02) 6296 9999

The Cottage
Dementia Respite - Low Care
117 Denison Street
Deakin ACT 2600

Ph: (02) 6285 2082
Fax: (02) 6282 5784

Fraser House
Disability Respite for Mature Carers
30a Kerrigan Street
Fraser ACT 2615

Ph: (02) 6259 9555
Fax: (02) 6259 9333

If you are interested in Membership please click here 

*An Australian Government Initiative. Free local call. Mobile phones charged at mobile rates.

News and Events

Position Statement on National Mental Health Reform – Posted 20/2/12

The National Network of Carers’ Associations released its National Policy Position Statement on mental health reform on 19 February. 

While recognising heightened government and community appreciation of the need to address mental health issues, Carers and Mental Health Reform makes a number of recommendations to strengthen the reform process. These include calls for bolder initiatives and clearer targets for the recently released Ten Year Roadmap, a more inclusive National Disability Insurance Scheme and further development of the National Carer Strategy.

 Media Release: Carers’ Voices Must be Heard on Mental Health Reform


National Policy Position Statement: Mental Health Reform

 

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Roadmap for Mental Health Reform – Posted 5/2/2012

 
The Australian Government released a draft of the ‘Ten Year Roadmap for Mental Health Reform’ on 17 January and is currently seeking public feedback through an online survey.

According to Government, the Roadmap aims to provide a measurable, long-term national reform plan for mental health to ensure Australia’s mental health system ranks as one of the world’s best. The Network of Carers Associations will release a statement on ‘Carers and Mental Health Reform,’ including the Roadmap, in the coming weeks.

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After Hours Primary Care Community Survey – Posted 12/1/2012

ACT Medicare Local is working with the community to understand and help address the after hours primary health care needs of the ACT region.

This 10 minute survey is for community members and will provide ACTML with valuable information about your experiences and requirements for after hours primary care health services.

Click here to access the survey

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Submission to the ACT Government’s 2012–2013 Budget – Posted 4/1/2012
In December, Carers ACT presented its submission to the ACT Government on its 2012–2013 Budget, focusing on two key priority areas for people with disability and those with mental health needs:

1) Supported accommodation:  More and better options to ensure current and future need is met.

2) Quality of life activities and programmes for young people with disability: Particularly for those who are unable to access employment.

Among the recommendations and strategies we propose is a stakeholder summit to identify models for supported accommodation and a subsequent economic analysis to investigate the cost implications. We also make a number of specific recommendations toward improving the quality of life for young people with disability.

Read the full budget submission here.
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 Carers Voice e-Bulletin – Posted 3/1/2012

To read about the latest news and events of importance to mental health carers,  take a look at our Carers Voice e-Bulletin.

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Carer Issues Forum December 2011 – Posted 3/1/2012

 
The Mental Health Carers Voice program held its final Carer Issues Forum for 2011 on 15 December at the Belconnen Arts Centre. Tim Moore, president of Carers Australia, gave a  moving talk on his own experience of being a mental health carer, and his commitment to working for a better mental health system in the ACT as well as at the national level.

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Carers Voice E Bulletin – Posted 8/12/2011
To view our latest Carers Voice e-Bulletin click here

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ACT Charter of Rights – Posted 9/11/2011
Last month, the ACT Government launched the ACT Charter of Rights for People who experience mental health issues. The aim of the Charter is to promote people’s rights, raise awareness and reduce discrimination. Ultimately, it is hoped the Charter will lead to higher quality health and social care services.
Read the Charter here.

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Aged Care Conversation with Minister Butler – 07/11/2011
Older Australians, their families and carers are invited to participate in a conversation on aged care with Federal Minister for Mental Health & Ageing, Mark Butler, in Canberra on Tuesday 8 November.

Part of a national series of ‘community conversations,’ the event is an opportunity for the public to discuss the Productivity Commission’s recently released Caring for Older Australians report as well as the broader ageing agenda.

Location: Southern Cross Club, Phillip
Time: 2pm – 4pm

To request an invitation please call 1800 182 324

Further details : www.agedcareconversations.govspace.gov.au/

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The Cottage – Open Day
All are welcome to come and see why The Cottage in Deakin is regarded as Canberra’s premier short-term respite option for Carers of People with Dementia.
Date: Saturday 19 November 2011
Time: 10.00am-3.00pm
Address: 117 Denison Street, Deakin
Contact: 6285 2082

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ACT Carers Charter Launch at Carers Luncheon – Posted 24/10/2011
More than 110 carers attended our Carers Week Luncheon on Wednesday 19 October to celebrate National Carers Week and see the launch of the ACT Carers Charter.
Read more here

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Expo for People With Disability – Posted 24/10/2011
To help celebrate International Day of People With Disability and promote the abilities and interests of people with disability, the ACT Community Living Project is holding an Expo and Fair at Lyneham High-school on 3 December.

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Notice of Annual General Meeting - Posted 17/10/2011

Carers ACT invites members to attend the 2011 Annual General Meeting.
Date: Friday 18 November 2011
Time: 12 noon
Location: 80 Beaurepaire Crescent, Holt, ACT.
RSVP: By 15 November to Karen Gosper: 6296 9933 or kareng@carersact.asn.au

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Carers Week 2011  - Posted 24/08/2011
To celebrate Carers Week, we are putting on two special events – we hope to see you there!
Find out more here

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Fight Dementia Campaign  - Posted 24/08/2011
Alzheimer’s Australia are calling for support to their Fight Dementia Campaign, which aims to see dementia become a greater national health priority. The campaign will include a march on Parliament house in Canberra on Thursday 13 October.

Find out more here  

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CIT Course for Family Carers Dealing with Depression - Posted 18/08/2011
‘When Caring gets you Down’ is a short course offered by CIT for Family Carers experiencing depression. Its three sessions will consider the ongoing stress of caring and the connection to depression, and explore ways to find some balance and move forward. Find out more here.

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Government Supports Report on NDIS - Posted 10/08/2011
On August 10, the Australian Government released the Productivity Commission’s report, Disability Care and Support, and announced that it will begin work on building the foundations for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS has the potential to greatly improve the lives of around 410,000 Australian who have a disability and ease the burden of support provided by their Carers.

More Information:

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National Carers Strategy - Posted 9/08/2011
On 3 August, the Australian Government released the National Carers Strategy in an important step forward for the country’s 2.6 million Carers. The Strategy identifies six key focus areas and announces $60 million of funding towards its implementation.

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Crazy Night - Posted 9/08/2011
Radford College is hosting ‘Crazy Night’ on 20 August to raise funds to support young Carers in the ACT. George Huitker and Junk Sculpture will be playing greatest hits from the 60s through to the 90s. Find out more here.

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Mental Health Week 2011 – Posted 28/07/2011
National Mental Health Week is celebrated in Australia and in more than 100 other countries each year. The aim is to increase public understanding of mental illness, encourage the reduction of stigma and discrimination, and promote positive mental health. This years’ Mental Health Week runs from 9–15 October and has the theme ‘No Health Without Mental Health’. ACT Health’s Small Grants Program  is currently accepting applications from community organisations for up to $1500 to reimburse mental health promotional activities undertaken during Mental Health Week. To find out more about Mental Health Week and the Small Grants Program, click here.

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Carers and Climate Change – Posted 13/07/2011
In its analysis of the Government’s just announced Climate Change Package, Carers Australia expects that tax cuts or payments will mean most Carer households will face few or no additional costs under the carbon pricing scheme.
To find out more, read Carers Australia’s Information_Note on the Climate Change Household Assistance Package.

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Members for the ACT Disability Advisory Council – Posted 12/07/2011
Expressions of interest are being sought for membership on the 2011­-2013 ACT Disability Advisory Council. The Council provides independent and strategic advice to the ACT Government on issues affecting people with disability and the people who support them. People with disability, young people, older people, people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those who support people with disability are encouraged to apply.

Applications close on Friday 22 July 2011. Find out more here

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Nominations for 2011 ACT Older Persons Assembly – Posted 29/06/2011
The ACT Community Services Directorate is currently seeking nominations from ACT residents aged 55 years or older to participate in the upcoming Older Persons Assembly.
The Assembly will be held on 30 September 2011 and provides a unique opportunity for older Canberrans to raise issues and concerns that affect them and to propose solutions.
Nominations close on 30 June 2011. To find out more click here

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Better Start for Children with Disability – Posted 14/06/2011
From July, Carers ACT will be implementing a new initiative that provides increased support to children who have a disability. The Better Start for Children with Disability initiative will provide up to $12,000 for early intervention services for children up to the age of six who have been diagnosed with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Fragile X syndrome, deaf-blindness and eligible hearing or vision impairments.

Better Start will also provide new Medicare items for the development of a treatment and management plan for eligible children under 13-years old.


Parents and Carers will be able to register from July 1st via freecall 1800 242 636

The initiative is funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and will be implemented throughout Australia by state and territory Carer Associations.

http://www.betterstart.net.au/

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Sally’s Story – Posted 7/06/2011
On Friday 3 June, ABC’s 7:30 shared the compelling story of Sally Richards, a Canberra Carer who has overcome tragedy to continue the fight for more government support for her severely disabled son and others like him. View the segment here

In the story, Sally discusses the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme.
To learn more about this important initiative we suggest:

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Carers Voice E Bulletin – Posted 20/10/2011
To view our latest Carers Voice E Bulletin click here

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Carers Circle Newsletter – Winter Edition – Posted 1/06/2011
In this issue we report on the ACT and Federal Budgets, feature the story of a Carer’s advocacy efforts for more out-of-school hours care, and provide information on Carer services and events. To view the Carers Circle Winter Edition click here.
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DHCS Older Persons Assembly – Posted 1/06/2011
The ACT Legislative Assembly has recognised the contribution of older persons by passing a resolution to hear key issues that affect them and encouraging participation in policy development. The Older Persons Assembly is an opportunity for older Canberrans to raise their issues and concerns, and to propose solutions and future directions.

Participants will be selected through a nomination process to ensure representation by a broad cross-section of ACT older citizens.
For further information, please contact the Office for Ageing on 6205 5365, by email to communitypolicy@act.gov.au or by visiting the website at: www.dhcs.act.gov.au/wac/ageing/OPA.

DHCS_Older_Persons_Assembly

 Nominations close 30 June 2011.
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Media Release – Carers must be included in mental health investment
Posted 10/05/2011
Carers Australia welcomes the increased investment in the mental health sector as announced in the Federal Budget… to read more click 20110510_Budget 2011
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Media Release – Recognition of Carers needs in ACT Budget – Posted 4/05/2011
Carers ACT welcomed the announcement of a number of initiatives in today’s ACT budget that would see more, much needed support for Carers and their families…to read more  click here

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2011 Quality of Life Grants
Disability ACT has recently advertised the commencement of the 2011 Quality of Life Grants Round.
These are one-off grants allocated for goods and services that may make a real difference to the lives of people with disabilities and their families and carers. These grants are also allocated to people under 65 years of age living in residential aged care in the ACT.

Additional information and the Application form are available on the following website http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/disability_act

If you have further questions about this grant please contact Mr Edwin Camporedondo, Grants Officer on 6207 4437 or Edwin.Camporedondo@act.gov.au. Alternatively contact the Disability Information Service on 6207 1086 or DisabilityACT@act.gov.au.

 

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