Welcome to the Carers Network

Who we are

The Network is the Victorian peak body of organisations and individuals that support carers of people with mental health issues. It comprises * Carers or former carers linked with carer groups * Representatives of statewide carer organisations with a significant carer focus * Workers from carer support programs

What we aim to do

* Ensure state and federal governments recognise the role, contribution and needs of carers. * Advocate for policy changes and improve services to address carer needs. * Support carer involvement in the planning, delivery and evaluation of services for people with mental illness and their carers. * Facilitate communication between carers and government. * Establish partnerships between carers and service providers. * Encourage research on best practice in carer support.

What this means for you

Carer issues are identified and worked on through monthly Network meetings and specific working groups. Carer issues and policy positions are taken to State and Federal government officers and Ministers via: * Regular meetings with the Mental Health Branch * Letters, submissions, deputations * Liaison and representation on government committees If you have an issue relating to our aims, please contact one of the member organisation representatives who will bring it to the Network. Alternatively, you can email us. You can be informed of the Network's progress, working groups and research on carer issues through this website which is regularly updated, as well as through member organisations' newsletters and carer meetings.