Neighbourhood Carers Club Neighbourhood Carers Club Unpaid carers are family, friends, workmates, or neighbours of someone who has a disability, illness, injury, or addiction. Anyone of us could become (or need) a carer at any time and at least 10% of the population are unpaid carers. There are many reasons you might become an unpaid carer, but for the most part, it’s not something that you planned for. So, while you are working hard to care for someone you love you might feel: Sad for your ‘old life’ that you’ve given up Alone because you miss out on hanging out with friends and family Unwell because you don’t have time to look after yourself Stressed about money because you can’t manage a full paid employment workload We understand this and we want to help. Neighbourhood Houses are a warm and welcoming place for you to catch up with others. We offer a range of activities for you to enjoy, whether it’s a formal course to become more skilled at computer use or a weekly catch up over a coffee. Our activities are very affordable, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the budget. We are committed to acknowledging all that carers do, often at a cost to their own health and wellbeing. There is no need for you to feel alone and that you can’t get any help. We’ve got you covered. Here is some of the work we do to support unpaid carers: Carer Employment Support Program – In partnership with Carers Victoria, we are working with 10 of the member houses of NHVic to trial a program where carers are supported to enter paid and voluntary employment, through a range of programs that increase confidence, skills and relationships with others. Walks for Carers – We are working in partnership with this program to support carers to get together regularly at their local neighbourhood house, go for a walk, and chat about all things related and unrelated to being a carer over a cuppa. Carer Friendly Program - Neighbourhood Houses Victoria and Carers Victoria are excited to be partnering to extend support for carers to be healthy, active and connected through greater engagement with Neighbourhood Houses. Ask an Expert: Webinar Series for Unpaid Carers - Neighbourhood Houses Victoria have worked with Carers VIctoria, with support from the Victorian State Government, to present a series of webinars to help unpaid carers in Victoria get more support. Peak Bodies Carers Victoria Aged and Community Care Providers Association BrainLink(brain injury) Council on the Ageing Victoria Deaf Victoria Different Journeys (Neurodiverse People) Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVic) Little Dreamers (young carers) National Disability Services, Victoria Tandem (mental health) Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS) Volunteering Victoria