When you’re caring for others, it’s important to take care of yourself as well. For thousands of Victorians, caring is a 24/7 job. Respite helps give carers a well-earned break and a chance to relax or take part in other activities.
Through up to $10 million in additional respite funding, the Victorian Government aims to increase the reach and equity of carer respite support across the state, particularly for carers and communities currently experiencing barriers to respite access. Funding for organisations can support the delivery of home, community and facility respite options, and other forms of respite that support carers and care recipients to take a break, enjoy an activity, look after their own health and wellbeing and try something new.
Existing support service providers, such as Support for Carers Program (SCP) and Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP) providers, local councils, community health services, not-for-profit aged care and disability services providers and community organisations, as well as neighbourhood houses, men’s sheds, libraries and peak bodies, are invited to apply. Partnerships and collaborative approaches are highly encouraged. The Victorian Government is providing this funding as part of a four-year, $49.5 million commitment from 2019-20 to 2022-23.
Support for Carers Program funding
The Victorian Government is refreshing its existing Support for Carers and inviting applications for amounts of $80,000 and over, to the available program funding total of up to $20 million a year for four years to deliver the program.
Organisations can apply for one or both funding opportunities. To find out more go to the vic.gov .
Guidelines
-
To increase access to respite support for carers across Victoria, a broad range of potential respite providers who support people in care relationships are encouraged to apply. These include:
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
- Support for Carers Program (SCP) service providers
- Carer support organisations
- Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP) service providers
- Local government
- Not for profit registered organisations
- Peak bodies
- Multicultural organisations and community groups
- Health services, including community health services and mental health services
- Neighbourhood houses
- Men’s Sheds
- Not for profit disability service providers
- Aged care and home care service providers
- Libraries
- Registered, incorporated not for profit organisations and charities (such as YMCA, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Red Cross, etc.)
- Volunteer organisations.
Organisations do not need to be current Support for Carers Program providers to apply.
An organisation may apply on behalf of a group with whom they have partnership arrangements, including auspice arrangements.
-
Apply online
-
Information session 18 March 2022 (virtual)
Applications close 8 April 2022
-
A virtual information session about both these funding opportunities will be held on Friday 18 March 12.30 to 1.30pm.
Please register your interest by emailing victoriancarerstrategy@dhhs.vic.gov.au.
Reviewed 15 March 2022