Carers are getting more opportunities to be healthy, active and well with applications now open for $4 million in grants to help local carer groups across the state.

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region is encouraging all local carer groups in Melbourne’s East to apply for their opportunity to receive extra funding.

Grants of $1000 to $20,000 are available for both informal groups of local carers, or more formal organisations, to assist with activities that help improve carers’ physical and mental health by strengthening connections with family, friends and other local carers.

Also open for applications are Carer Organisations Statewide Partnership Grants, offering $100,000 to $250,000 to enable partnerships between carer organisations and other groups to deliver large-scale projects for carers with the potential for rollout across the state.

Across Victoria, more than 736,000 carers give their time and effort to look after a family member or friend who needs them.

The Victorian Budget 2019-20 is also providing an additional $49.5 million over four years to support carers, through an extra 100,000 hours of respite for 5000 carers a year, year-round transport concessions and free travel state-wide during Carers Week in October for Victorian Carer Card holders.

Grant applications close 5pm, Monday 19 August 2019. For full guidelines and to apply, go to: www2.health.vic.gov.au/victorian-carers.

Carer groups seeking help with their applications should contact Carers Victoria on: 1800 514 845.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan

“Helping carers is a key priority for us, which is why we’ve invested almost $50 million for extra respite, transport concessions and grants for local carer groups.”

“Carers have told us they need help making social connections and accessing services, so the $4 million in grants announced today will give local groups the funding they need to provide this support.”

“We want carers in all parts of Victoria to be able to access support in their community and have the opportunity to connect with others and improve their health and well- being”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane MP

“Being a carer is deeply rewarding, but also very demanding, so I encourage local carer groups in Eastern Metropolitan Region working to strengthen connections for carers to apply for these wonderful new grants.”