Who Cares?
Our families do. Our communities do. We do.
Checking in on Nan. Helping Mum with appointments. Supporting a brother through a tough time. Making sure someone has their medication, a meal and a way to get where they need to go.
Caring happens every day in our communities. But the people doing it don’t always call themselves carers.
They might simply say, “That’s my family.”
AH&MRC’s Who Cares? training helps staff recognise the person behind the caring role—and start a conversation that could make a difference.
A big role. Often an invisible one.
The 2024 National Carer Survey by Carers NSW gives us a snapshot of caring among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents:
- 74.9% provide more than 60 hours of care a week.
- 62.6% provide 24/7 care.
- 55.3% are the only person providing care.
- 81.5% identify as female.
- Their average age is 46.5 years.
Behind these numbers are people from our communities. Our Aunties, Nans, Mums and Sisters. Our Uncles, Pops, Dads and Brothers. Our young people, too.
“Carer” might not be a title someone chooses- or one that feels rewarding. Recognising what they do can open the door to support.
“Am I a carer?”
Do you provide unpaid care or support to someone who needs help because of disability, a health condition, mental illness or needs associated with ageing?
That could be caring. Even if you’ve never called it that.
You don’t have to:
- Live under the same roof.
- Help every day.
- Receive a Centrelink payment.
- Wear the “carer” label.
Caring can stretch across family, kin and community. And caring for someone shouldn’t mean doing it all alone.
We’re taking Who Cares? on the road!
The training is ready, and AH&MRC is visiting member services across NSW to deliver it face to face.
Together, we’ll yarn about:
- Spotting the caring role: recognising carers in everyday conversations.
- Starting the conversation: helping people feel seen and supported.
- Supporting the supporter: making space for carers’ own wellbeing.
- Finding the next step: exploring practical resources, local services and referral pathways.
Who’s it for? Your whole team.
From reception to the consulting room, everyone has a part to play.
Reception and administration staff, Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners, nurses, GPs and allied health professionals—all welcome.
Who cares for the carers?
Let’s make that part of everyday practice.
