More support for Lismore carers

LISMORE carers will benefit from a new $400,000 project to improve access to support services and resources across the Northern Rivers.

The New South Wales Government has awarded the funding to Healthy North Coast to help identify and support unpaid carers through tailored education, training and outreach.

The project will work with Primary Health Networks from Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads to build capacity among healthcare professionals, service providers and community organisations. It will particularly focus on supporting Aboriginal carers, carers in rural and regional areas, and those looking after people with chronic or mental health conditions.

Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said the need for carer support was increasing with the region’s ageing population.”The number of people over 85 will almost double in the next 20 years,” Wheeler said.

“Carers play a huge role in supporting loved ones with illness and disability, particularly in the later years of life. “Being a carer can often take a toll on physical and mental health.

“This funding will allow us to enhance the capability of health providers to recognise and support carers, making sure carers are supported in their role while maintaining their own health and wellbeing.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said Healthy North Coast did fantastic work in the community.

“Many carers don’t self-identify themselves, and this often leads to them missing out on support that could ease their burden,” Saffin said.

“This project aims to address that gap by increasing carer awareness across the North Coast.”

NSW Minister with responsibility for Carers, Jodie Harrison, said carers played a vital role in the community.

“Carers across the North Coast make an incredible contribution. This funding will help ensure they are better identified and connected with essential services through local healthcare networks,” Harrison said.

“We know that many carers are not aware of the support and services available to them, and these grants will help organisations reach out to carers and connect them with the support they need.”