The Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia - ADCA Says 'Support for Carers is Critical'

ADCA Says 'Support for Carers is Critical' – 19 October 2009

Support for carers is a critical issue, with our communities becoming more dependent on carers according to the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA). “Almost 2.6 million Australians provide care and support each day for family members or friends – who are unable to care for themselves due to a disability, mental illness, chronic or terminal illness or frailty,” ADCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr David Templeman said.

As the national peak organisation representing the interests of the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector, ADCA is aware that without this amazing sacrifice of so many people our already stretched support systems would collapse.

“ADCA is pleased to support Carers Week launched today by the Governor General of Australia, and Patron of Carers Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC,” Mr Templeman said. “Carers across Australia provide critical support in ways our health and community care systems are stretched to provide. “Those supplying care have to be extremely resilient as they can be placed in situations which are very challenging. Although professional support through counseling and support programs are available, carers often find it difficult to access them, particularly those carers living in remote areas.”

ADCA continues to advocate for increased funding to be made available to address health and social issues, and also provide the country’s often unseen and unrecognised frontline workers with much needed research and policy development.

“We are committed to working with governments at all levels, who have directed significant resources in recent years toward addressing these needs in our communities,” Mr Templeman said, “As health care increasingly moves toward home and community settings, we must provide greater support services to those who take on the role of a carer.”

Mr Templeman said that Carers Week provides all Australians with the opportunity to recognise carers in the community, to raise awareness of the valuable role they play, and to generate discussion about carer issues.

More information on Carers Week is available at www.carersweek.com.au.

Media Enquiries: Brian Flanagan, ADCA Manager Strategic Communications and Policy, Phone: 02 62159802 (direct), or 0400 860 058 (mobile)

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