Carers
Over 25% of people who attend a neighbourhood house each week identify as a carer (NHVic Participation Survey, 2025).
Neighbourhood Houses provide welcoming places for connection, socialising, learning and support.
People who are carers may come to a neighbourhood house for a guitar lesson or they might be coming to attend a carers’ support group where they can receive advice and support for their emotional wellbeing.
Who are Carers?
The label of carer might not fit how you see yourself and that’s ok!
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Carers can be family, friends, workmates, or neighbours that provide unpaid support and caring for someone who has a disability, illness, injury, or addiction. This formal definition is protected by legislation.
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About 10% of Australia’s population are carers.
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Your perspective of caring can be informed by your cultural beliefs, what you think being a good friend or community member is, or what is required of you as a family member.
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You might have been a carer for many years, or you might have suddenly become a carer.
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Every journey is different.
I want to go to my local neighbourhood house, do I need to say I’m a carer?
Neighbourhood Houses are a warm and welcoming place for you to catch up with others. You don’t need to say that you are a carer. There’s lots of activities and programs available at your local neighbourhood house that everyone can attend. Activities and programs are low-cost and some might be free. Your local house will have a program guide.
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You might want to go along to an activity set up only for carers and in that case you might be asked to say ‘Yes, I’m a carer’. Carer support groups are free.
I think I might need additional support. What do I do?
We care because we care. Sometimes this means we might experience additional stress or impacts to our wellbeing as we go above and beyond to provide support. Carers can experience financial stress and social isolation at a higher level than their peers.
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We encourage you to contact Carers Victoria. Carers Victoria will assist you with finding the right support.
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They will discuss your needs with you and help with navigating the options. There is support available for accessing services, understanding your rights, emotional wellbeing, social connection, and financial assistance. Please reach out to receive free and personalised advice.
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Carers Victoria Statewide Carer Advisory Service 1800 514 845