​Federal grants put expansion plans in motion for Carers SA services

The grant is from the new $700 million Integrated Carer Support Service, bringing together all the funding for different carer support organisations to ten delivery partners across Australia.

The ten not-for-profit organisations will receive nearly $493 million over five years to establish a new network of 16 Carer Gateway service providers.

The new services from Carers SA will include carer needs assessment and planning, tailored financial support packages, in-person and phone-based counselling, access to emergency respite care, and assistance with navigating local services available to carers.

Minister for Families and Social Services, Anne Ruston, recently named Carers SA as one of the successful grant recipients.

Carers SA, along with Dementia Australia, Skylight, NPY Women’s Council and Life Without Barriers, will provide support services to unpaid carers through this new Government system.

David Militz, Chief Executive at Carers SA says the organisation is thrilled to be receiving this funding, which will able Carers SA to continue providing much-needed support services to the State’s carers.

“Carers SA’s success in the grant selection process for both South Australian regions affirms our place as the leading carer organisation in the State,” says Mr Militz.

“Carers SA has been supporting unpaid carers in this state for nearly 30 years, and we are pleased the Federal Government has recognised the importance of carer support services. 

“In South Australia alone, around 245,000 people are providing unpaid care for a relative or friend with a physical condition or mental illness, meaning that one in seven South Australians are in a caring role.”

The extra services will include tailored supports focussing around early intervention, preventative and skill-building supports, improving wellbeing and long-term outcomes to help carers manage their daily changes, reduce stress and plan for the future.

Mr Militz says, “Research shows that carers are among the least financially resourced and most disadvantaged groups in society, with two-thirds of carers requiring health and wellbeing support.

“As a Regional Delivery Partner, Carers SA will provide face-to-face services to carers to complement the online services currently available through the Carer Gateway.”

Mr Militz adds that while consolidating carer support providers was a good step for the Government, he acknowledges all the hard work and dedication from organisations that have provided quality support services to carers over the years.

“Winning these competitive grants means that Carers SA will be taking over some of the work that other organisations have done with care and dedication, and I want to thank them for their passion and hard work supporting carers,” Mr Militz says.

“Carers SA will work with other organisations who provide carer services to ensure a seamless transition for their carers as we move to the new system.”