Message from Minister Tony Piccolo MP to recognise Carers Minister for Disabilities and Volunteers Tony Piccolo today paid tribute to the work of the state’s carers, as part of Carers Week 2013. Mr Piccolo today attended a Carers Open Day at Carers SA’s Wayville offices, celebrating the important work of carers in the community. “Carers are our unsung heroes – looking after friends, family members or loved ones who are living with disability, mental illness, a chronic condition, have a terminal illness or who are aged and frail,” he said. “It’s estimated that around 220,000 people provide care for someone in some way in South Australia. “Often they do it with little thought for their own welfare, and with little thanks or recognition for their fine work.” Mr Piccolo said caring can be emotionally taxing and physically draining. “Many carers, especially younger people, forgo important life opportunities such as paid work, a career or educational advancement - to support others,” he said. “We all have a responsibility to rally around carers where possible and recognise the invaluable work they do – which is why events like Carers Week are so important. “It’s a chance to say thank you to those people who give so much to care for others.” Mr Piccolo said a recent Carers’ Roundtable, convened through the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion, highlighted the issues facing people who are caring for others, such as the advent of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. “The introduction of the NDIS will not just change the lives of people living with disability, but also those who provide their care and support,” he said. “The round table was a great opportunity to explore how the scheme will impact on carers, and what it means for their long-term wellbeing.”Week
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 05:46:41 +0000