National Carers Week 2015

National Carers Week is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution unpaid carers make to our nation.

There are approximately 2.7 million unpaid carers in Australia who make an amazing contribution to our country.  Without them, taking care of their loved ones it would cost the country $40.9 billion per year to replace those supports!

Now is the chance to give recognition to all of the carers that put other people before themselves, that sacrifice their own lives for the comfort and well-being of others and that put their loved ones first.  Their tireless work usually goes unnoticed and without thanks so this is an opportunity to say a simple "thank you" to all of these wonderful people.

As a carer myself to my three beautiful, autistic boys I can vouch for how hard and isolating it can be to be a carer trying to help my sons live a happy, healthy life.  But it is so worthwhile when they reach bigger and better milestones and make me so proud.  I never expected this to be the life that I would have but anyone can become a carer at any time and this is the life I have been given.

You don't need to be a carer to be part of National Carers Week, see how you can get involved today.

National Carers Week is an initiative of Carers Australia, with primary activities funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS). Carers Australia organises and coordinates National Carers Week with the assistance and participation of the state and territory Carers Association.

It only take a minute to say thanks and it won't cost you a cent :)