26/9/03
Applications are open for $200,000 worth of one-off grants for family carers across the State, Disability Services Minister Sheila McHale announced today.
Ms McHale said the funding was available for initiatives assisting family members who cared for people with disabilities, chronic or mental illness and those who were frail.
Carers are invited to apply for grants of $5,000 to $10,000 - grants of up to $20,000 will be considered where the initiative has wider application for family carer groups.
"The one-off grants program is part of the Gallop Government's commitment to provide a fairer go for Western Australian carers," Ms McHale said.
Last year there were 34 successful applications for a similar Government-backed grants program for carers - 15 from the metropolitan area and 19 from regional WA.
Successful applicants included the Down Syndrome Association, which received $11,500 for a residential camp for parents and children, and People With Disabilities, which received $20,000 for workshops to help families deal with financial, social and legal issues.
"Family carers are often aware of how best to address the particular issues that concern them and the people they provide care to," Ms McHale said.
"The aim of this grants program is to fund initiatives that will address the issues and concerns of family carers through investing in people, ideas and strategies.
"These initiatives could range from organising forums and workshops on carer-related issues to the development of family carer information or resources that are currently not available.
"I would encourage family carers across the State to take advantage of this one-off funding."
The Family and Carer Grants scheme is an initiative of Carers WA and the Disability Services Commission.
Applications close on November 26.
Application forms and information packages are available from the Carers WA website http://www.carerswa.asn.au or by phoning (08) 9444 5922.
Minister's office: 9213 6900
