Many carers don't use the word ‘carer’ to describe themselves. Yet each one of us is likely to become a carer for a family member or friend at some stage in our lives.

Carers come from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds and age groups.

Carers exist in all communities, including Aboriginal communities, those of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI+* communities, and throughout metropolitan, regional, rural and remote NSW.

Across NSW, there are approximately 854,300 carers, including individuals as young as eight years of age through to the very elderly.

For many, caring is a 24 hour-a-day job with emotional, physical and financial impacts that can also affect their participation in employment, education and community activities.

Many people in caring roles do not identify as carers and as such are often not aware of services and supports that can assist them. These individuals are often referred to as ‘hidden carers’.

*LGBTQI+ - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender Diverse, Queer or Intersex.

Who does Carers NSW support?

We can help if you provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependencies, chronic condition, terminal illness, or who is frail due to age.

• You do not need to live with the person you care for
• You do not need to be the main source of care and support
• You do not have to provide care every day, or over many years
• You do not have to receive the Carer Payment or Carer Allowance from Centrelink.

Phone Carers NSW to find out more about the support we offer and other services available to you or visit the Services and Support page for more information on Carers NSW programs.