Next week is the 29th National Carers Week, and with the theme “A Million Reasons to Care”, it’s a great opportunity to thank the millions of carers in Australia.
Around 2.65 million Australians provide unpaid care and support to family or friends, and even before the pandemic, were providing more than 42 million hours of care per week – care worth around $78 billion per year, according to Carers Australia and the National Carer Network.
According to Carers Australia CEO Liz Callaghan, the pandemic has placed extra strain on carers, and highlighted just how important a role they play.
“Anyone at any time can become a carer and National Carers Week is a time to raise awareness among all Australians of the enormous contribution carers make to our nation.
“Carers have been doing a tremendous job throughout this difficult time, not only maintaining their caring roles in trying circumstances, but often going above and beyond to ensure the safety of those they care for,” she said.
Events will be held around Australia next week, with National Carers Week set to run from 10-16 October.
