Over $12m for carers of young people with disabilities

Carer Respite Centres throughout Australia will receive more than $12 million funding Federal Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony, announced today.

“This funding, part of the $20 million promised in the 1999-2000 budget, will be provided through the national network of sixty-two Carer Respite Centres over the next three years,” Mr Anthony said.

“More families caring for young people with severe or profound disabilities will now be able to get the support they really need.”

Commonwealth-funded Carer Respite Centres offer families short-term relief from their carer responsibilities, access to information and alternative support services.

“The vital contribution carers make in the community sometimes goes unnoticed, but the availability of family and friends to provide care is often the key reason for some people being able to stay at home,” Mr Anthony said.

“This is all about giving carers a well earned break, and importantly, helping to keep families together

“This funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to help carers, both in terms of providing some respite from their stressful carer responsibility and linking them to other support services.”

For more information about the initiative for carers of young people with severe or profound disabilities, contact the Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services on 1300 653 227 (local call cost). TTY: 1800 672 682.

For more information on Carer Respite Centres, contact the Carers Association or the nearest Carer Respite Centre in your State or Territory on 1800 059 059.

Carers can also contact their local Centrelink office on 13 2717 to find out if they are eligible for a Carer Payment or Carer Allowance.