MCCI wins funding for carers, joins call for simple recognition
MCCI has won an Endeavour Energy grant to support older carers and signed a joint letter calling on the government to make lives easier with a Carers Card
A Multicultural Communities Council of the Illawarra (MCCI) program to reduce loneliness and help older carers has won funding through Endeavour Energy’s Powering Communities Grant Program.
Announced in October, the grant will help carers aged 65 and over find services, connect with peers and attend a respite retreat in February.
MCCI, a not-for-profit charity, has supported migrants, former refugees, older people, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities for more than 50 years.
“Our multicultural carers program continues that commitment by supporting older carers who often face social isolation while dedicating their time and energy to caring for loved ones,” said Chris Lacey, MCCIs CEO.
“This support from Endeavour Energy’s Powering Communities Grant Program will help us deliver culturally safe peer support, wellbeing activities, information sessions and a respite retreat, giving carers opportunities to connect, access practical support and focus on their own wellbeing.
“The program will help ensure older carers feel informed, supported and valued, while strengthening the resilience of individuals, families and communities across the Illawarra.”
MCCI joins call for Carers Card
More support could be on its way, with calls for a new Carers Card to ease the daily frustrations people face in having to prove who they are.
Last week MCCI joined 11 organisations in signing an appeal to the state government.
“Too many carers remain invisible to the very systems that rely on them, with no consistent way to have their role acknowledged or supported,” the joint letter says.
“We call on the NSW Government to introduce a NSW Carer Card: a free, government-verified card that formally recognises carers and connects them with everyday support and concessions.”
The peak body for unpaid carers, Carers NSW, says the concept has already worked in Victoria and Queensland.
“We know carers carry a heavy and unnecessary administrative burden on top of the care itself,” said Carers NSW CEO Kristen Hannah.
"Whenever they walk into a hospital, school, or government service, they have to repeatedly explain and justify themselves because there’s no formal recognition of their care. They are worn out from having to prove their worth."
Carers NSW estimates the card would cost $13.1 million to $22.9 million to set up in the first year, then $4 million to $7 million a year after that.
With the NSW Election less than five months away, the peak body is urging MPs and candidates to back the new card.
There are nearly a million family and friend carers in NSW.
