The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Victorian carers have the supports they need to stay heathy as they care for some of our most vulnerable community members.

The second round of the $572,000 Supporting Carers Locally Grants Program are now open increasing support of carer health and wellbeing.

Grants of $20,000 to $40,000 are available for local community organisations to increase opportunities for carers to be physically and mentally healthy and boost social connectivity for carers with family, friends, other carers and their local community.

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

Unpaid carers support people with different care needs including people with chronic disease, mental illness, people with a disability, older people with care needs and those receiving end-of-life or palliative care.

The recent Mental Health Royal Commission final report identified the importance of supporting the mental health of carers as a key focus.

The final report of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System identified the importance of the role of carers and of involving and supporting them.

Giving carers the support they need is a key priority of the Labor Government through the Victorian Carer Strategy 2018-22 – the first whole-of-government strategy recognising carers.

The grants program is part of a nearly $50 million Government investment for extra respite, transport concessions and grants for local carer groups.

Applications close on Saturday 24 April. For more information visit vic.gov.au/dffh/supporting-carers-locally-grants-program-2021-22-round-2.