Mental Health Rights Manual
An online guide to help explain your legal and human rights in the mental health and human services systems in New South Wales.
Read moreRecovery Oriented Language Guide
Words are important. The language we use and the stories we tell have great significance to all involved.
See the guide
Mental Health Coordinating Council recognises and celebrates the work of carers across Australia. October 11 to 17 is National Carers Week, an initiative of Carers Australia to raise awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles.
MHCC CEO Carmel Tebbutt said National Carers Week is an opportunity to recognise the 2.65 million Australians who provide care and support to a family member or friend.
“Carers Week is a chance to raise community awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles. We pay tribute to the many carers supporting people living with mental health conditions and coexisting conditions, who may also be frail because of age of physical health difficulties,” Ms Tebbutt said.
Carers unflinchingly provide care, many sacrificing their own careers, financial security and compromising their own emotional and social wellbeing to support the person they care for. Their support is a huge financial contribution to the cost of supporting people to stay well in the community.
Carers not only provide practical help and personal care but also give emotional support. These demands can bring significant levels of stress for the carer and can affect their overall quality of life.
Research into the impact of care-giving shows that one-third to one-half of carers suffer significant psychological distress and experience higher rates of mental ill health than the general population.
Over the past few decades, research into the impact of caregiving has led to an improved understanding of the lived experience of carers including the interventions that best support them.
It has now been acknowledged that developing collaborative working relationships with carers, and considering their needs, is an essential part of service provision for people with mental health conditions who require and receive ongoing care from their relatives and friends.
MHCC thanks carers across Australia for their work. We also thank the many carer advocates and supporters who find the time to assist MHCC in their work as the peak body for mental health community managed organisations in NSW.
