YourLink and Carers NSW partner to connect carers online
YourLink are thrilled to be partnering with Carers NSW for the Connecting Carers Online project. Connecting Carers Online is a digital education project to help carers learn the online skills to connect with friends and family, access information and support services online and discover new ways of self-care. The project is specifically for carers who need support in developing basic digital understanding and skills, and who are living in the Hunter New England, Central Coast and North Coast regions of NSW (known as Carer Gateway NSW 4 Region).
The project will provide 100 carers with three interactive education sessions, an iPad to use, technical support and internet data. The training will show participants how to use communication tools such as video, messaging and email, download and access information and services and engage with online leisure activities.
With more than 2.65 million carers in Australia, the role carers play in our community is essential.
Findings from the Carers NSW 2020 National Carer Survey showed that more than one third of carers in Australia are highly socially isolated and one in four carers have low levels of social support. The survey also found that carers in regional and rural areas of NSW have lower confidence accessing online services.
Carers NSW, CEO, Ms Elena Katrakis said “by partnering with YourLink for this project, we will be supporting these carers who may not have had the confidence, skills or resources to engage online with friends, family and support services, up until now.”
“Learning to connect online can greatly improve carers’ wellbeing and reduce feelings of isolation by connecting them with friends and family and to access information, services and interests without leaving home,” Ms Katrakis said.
The project is being delivered alongside Carer Gateway which provides in-person and online services to support Australia’s 2.65 million unpaid carers. Free in-person and online services available for carers though Carer Gateway include counselling, peer support, carer directed support packages, planned and emergency respite and online coaching skills courses. Carers can access these services by calling 1800 422 737.
“I’m so pleased to be working with Carers NSW for this project. I have seen first-hand how challenging being a carer is and how important it is that we provide the support to remain connected and look after their health and wellbeing,” Richard Scenna, Director, YourLink said.
“Many people reading this will be, or have been, a carer or they will know someone close to them who is a carer. They most likely don’t consider themselves a carer though. We need to champion this role more and help people understand there is support out there like Carers NSW and Carer Gateway,” Richard said.
Application to the project is open to those who:
are caring for a family member or friend who is living with a disability, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency, chronic condition or who is frail due to age;
live in the Hunter New England, Central Coast and North Coast regions of NSW; and
need support in developing basic digital understanding and skills.
Numbers are limited and acceptance to the project is based on an assessment of need and subject to availability.
To register interest or find out more about this project carers are encouraged to call 02 9280 4744 and ask to speak to Matthew Elder, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm or email matthewe@carersnsw.org.au.