Are you a carer in NSW?

National Carers Week 11 - 17 October 2026

Join us in recognising and celebrating the valuable role unpaid carers play in our communities during National Carers Week from 11 to 17 October 2026.

If you regularly look after a family member or friend who couldn't manage without your help, you may be a carer, even if you've never thought of yourself that way. For National Carers Week we celebrate the people who quietly care for others every day and encourage them to access support for themselves too.

This year's theme, Care for a Carer: Making Carers Visible, reminds us that caring often happens quietly in the background. By recognising the carers in our families, workplaces and communities, we can help them feel seen, valued and supported.

2026 NSW National Carers Week Grants Program

Through the Grants Program, more than 300 activities and events will be held across NSW during Carers Week to help carers feel recognised, valued and connected. Activities include wellness retreats, community gatherings and cultural events that celebrate the important role carers play every day.

To find out about activities in your area, contact the DCJ Volunteering and Carers Team at carerstr@dcj.nsw.gov.au.

Who are carers?

If you regularly provide unpaid care to a family member or friend who couldn't manage without your help, you may be a carer, even if you've never thought of yourself that way.

Whether you're caring for a child with disability, supporting a partner through illness, helping an ageing parent, or looking after a friend, you're not alone.

There are more than 1 million unpaid carers in NSW, from all walks of life, providing care and support to the people who matter most to them.

What do carers do?

Every caring role is different. The support you provide will depend on the needs of the person you care for, but caring can involve helping with day-to-day activities, emotional support, appointments, personal care, household tasks, transport, and managing health or wellbeing needs.

In the words of a carer: Levina's story

"For me, what makes caring worthwhile is seeing when he's (Kerry) happy and smiling." - Levina, carer

Watch more carers stories.

How do I get information and support as a carer?

Caring often comes with both rewards and challenges. If you're supporting someone you care about, it's important to remember that you don't have to do it alone. There is information, support and practical assistance available for carers at every stage of their caring journey.

Son with arms around dad as they enjoy the day out in a field

Australian Carer Gateway

Emotional, practical and financial support for carers. Including online forum, counselling, planned respite info, skills courses and self-guided coaching, financial information on carer payments, cards, concessions.

Call 1800 422 737 during business hours or access the site anytime.

Service NSW

Information specific to carers in NSW, including:

accessing services and programs in NSW
accessing financial help via payments, concessions, professional financial advice and rebates.

Aboriginal man and woman looking at computer together

Carers NSW

The peak non-government organisation for carers in NSW. Providing information, education and training, resources and referrals to support carers in NSW.

Call Carers NSW on (02) 9280 4744 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday) or access the site anytime.