- Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers
Carers are getting more opportunities to be healthy, active and well with applications now open for grants to help local carer groups across the state, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today announced the opening of applications for $4 million worth of grants at the First Annual Carers Forum in Melbourne.
Grants of $1000 to $20,000 are available for both informal groups of local carers, or more formal organisations, to assist with activities that help improve carers' physical and mental health by strengthening connections with family, friends and other local carers.
Also announced today was the opening of applications for Carer Organisations Statewide Partnership Grants, offering $100,000 to $250,000 to enable partnerships between carer organisations and other groups to deliver large-scale projects for carers across the state.
Across Victoria, more than 736,000 carers give their time and effort to look after a family member or friend who needs them.
The Labor Government's Victorian Budget 2019-20 is also providing an additional $49.5 million over four years to support carers, through an extra 100,000 hours of respite for 5000 carers a year, year-round transport concessions and free travel state-wide during Carers Week in October for Victorian Carer Card holders.
Grant applications close 5pm, Monday 19 August 2019. For full guidelines and to apply, visit www.health.vic.gov.au/victorian-carers
Carer groups seeking help with their applications should contact Carers Victoria on 1800 514 845.
As noted by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
"Our hard-working carers deserve our support, which is why we've invested almost $50 million for extra respite, transport concessions and grants for local carer groups."
"Carers have told us they need help making social connections and accessing services, so this is our way of giving local groups the funding they need to provide this support."
"We want carers in all parts of Victoria to be able to access support in their community and have the opportunity to connect with others and improve their health and well-being"
As noted by Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Anthony Carbines
"Maintaining physical and mental health can be very tough for carers, which is why we are providing these much-needed funds to support local carer groups."
