National Carers Week 2026: Making Carers Visible

Oct 9

8 min read

National Carers Week 2026 runs from Sunday 11 October to Saturday 17 October.

This year’s theme is: Care for a carer: Making carers visible.

Carers Queensland is also highlighting the message “Care is Everywhere” – recognising that care happens in homes, schools, workplaces and communities, including in the quiet moments many people never see.

National Carers Week is an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of more than 3 million Australians who provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend.

Carers support people every day. They deserve support too.

Who is a carer?

A carer is a family member or friend who provides unpaid care and support to someone who may have:

Disability.
A chronic or terminal illness.
Mental health challenges.
A medical condition.
Alcohol or other drug-related issues.
Frailty associated with ageing.

A carer may be a:

Parent.
Partner.
Son or daughter.
Grandparent.
Sibling.
Friend.
Neighbour.
Young person.
Family member living in another home.

Some people do not identify as carers because they see themselves as simply supporting someone they love.

But if you regularly help someone manage daily life, appointments, personal care, emotional wellbeing or services, you may be a carer.

Anyone can become a carer at any time.

The work people do not always see

Caring often involves much more than the tasks people notice.

A carer may be:

Waking during the night.
Preparing meals.
Arranging transport.
Attending appointments.
Managing medication routines.
Contacting providers.
Coordinating services.
Supporting communication.
Completing paperwork.
Advocating for a family member.
Managing distress or emotional changes.
Making difficult decisions.
Working or studying while caring.

The person receiving support may be the one with an NDIS plan or aged care assessment, but the carer may be carrying much of the day-to-day responsibility.

This hidden work can be physically and emotionally demanding.

When the system becomes another burden

One of the struggles carers often face is navigating government systems and bureaucracy.

A carer may already be managing daily care, then also need to:

Complete forms.
Understand changing policies.
Contact multiple government departments.
Wait on hold.
Repeat the same information.
Collect reports and evidence.
Attend assessments.
Follow up unanswered questions.
Understand NDIS or aged care terminology.
Negotiate for services that their family member needs.

This can feel like a second job.

Carers may feel they have to become experts in:

The NDIS.
My Aged Care.
Support at Home.
Funding categories.
Service agreements.
Plan reviews.
Assessments.
Complaints processes.
Eligibility requirements.

The emotional pressure can be significant. Carers may worry that one missed email, incorrect form or misunderstood question could affect the person they support.

It is understandable to feel frustrated, exhausted or overwhelmed by this process.

You should not have to navigate everything alone

Where possible:

Keep important documents in one place.
Write down questions before making a call.
Record dates, names and reference numbers.
Ask for information in plain language.
Request written confirmation of important decisions.
Take a trusted person to meetings.
Ask a Support Coordinator or social worker for help understanding the next step.
Focus on one task at a time.

You do not need to know every answer before asking for support.

Signs a carer may be struggling

Carer burnout can develop gradually.

A carer may be experiencing:

Ongoing tiredness.
Difficulty sleeping.
Anxiety.
Low mood.
Irritability.
Difficulty concentrating.
Feeling emotionally numb.
Loss of interest in activities.
Withdrawal from friends and family.
Physical tension or frequent illness.
Feelings of guilt or resentment.
A sense that there is no time left for themselves.
Feeling unable to continue at the same pace.

These signs do not mean that a carer does not care.

They may mean that the responsibilities have become greater than the support available.

It is possible to love someone deeply and still feel exhausted by caring.

Creating a personal mental health plan

The Mental Health Safety Plan provided by Link Into Life encourages people to think about their wellbeing before they reach a crisis point.

Check our Mental Health Plan here.

A personal plan can help you identify:

What matters to you

Write down the people, relationships, goals and activities that remind you that life is meaningful.

This may include:

Family and loved ones.
Pets.
Plants or a garden.
Future plans.
Personal goals.
Small daily joys.
Music.
Nature.
Favourite places.
People who make you feel understood.

Your warning signs

Notice changes in:

Thoughts.
Mood.
Sleep.
Physical sensations.
Behaviour.
Communication.
Motivation.

Your warning signs might include avoiding calls, feeling unusually irritable, withdrawing from friends or thinking, “I cannot do this anymore.”

Recognising these signs early can help you seek support sooner.

Coping strategies

Write down activities that help you feel grounded, such as:

Slow breathing.
Stretching.
Walking.
Gardening.
Listening to music.
Watching a comfort movie.
Having a bath or shower.
Doing a puzzle.
Cooking.
Spending time with a pet.
Sitting somewhere quiet.

Safe people and places

List people you can contact and places where you feel safe.

This may include:

A trusted friend.
A family member.
A GP.
A counsellor.
A Support Coordinator.
A quiet park.
A library.
A community centre.
A familiar café.

Professional support and crisis contacts

Keep your GP, therapist and relevant crisis support details in one accessible place.

If you are in immediate danger, cannot keep yourself safe or may hurt yourself, call 000 or attend the nearest hospital emergency department.

How to support a carer

Ask how they are really going

Try asking:

“How are you coping with everything?”
“What has been the hardest part recently?”
“What is taking most of your energy?”
“What would make this week easier?”
“Do you want me to listen or help problem-solve?”

Then allow time to listen.

Offer specific practical help

Instead of saying:

“Let me know if you need anything,”

try:

“Can I bring dinner on Wednesday?”
“Would you like me to drive you to the appointment?”
“Can I collect the groceries?”
“Can I sit with them while you take a break?”
“Would you like help making that phone call?”
“Can I look after the children for an hour?”

Specific offers can reduce the mental load.

Avoid judgement

A carer may express frustration, sadness, anger or guilt.

You can say:

“That sounds like a lot to carry.”
“I can understand why you are tired.”
“You do not have to manage this alone.”
“Thank you for telling me.”
“Your wellbeing matters too.”

Encourage breaks

A break may be:

Ten minutes outside.
A quiet coffee.
Time with a friend.
A walk.
A shower without interruption.
An appointment.
An afternoon away.
A regular hobby.
Time to sleep.

A break is not a sign of failure. It can help make caring more sustainable.

Positive reminders for carers

When caring feels overwhelming, positive affirmations can provide a small reminder that you are more than the pressure of the moment.

You may wish to save or share these:

I am doing the best I can with what I have today.

I do not have to solve everything at once.

Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

My wellbeing matters too.

I am allowed to rest without feeling guilty.

I can care deeply and still need a break.

I am more than the care I provide.

I do not have to navigate government systems alone.

Small steps still count.

I can ask questions and take the time I need to understand.

My feelings are valid, even when I am grateful.

I am allowed to have needs of my own.

Today, I only need to focus on the next manageable step.

These statements are not intended to dismiss the difficulty of caring. They are reminders that carers deserve patience, support and compassion.

Supporting NDIS carers

Family carers may be involved in:

NDIS planning meetings.
Provider coordination.
Therapy appointments.
Transport.
Communication support.
Daily routines.
Budget discussions.
Plan reviews.
Advocacy and decision-making.

This can create a significant emotional and administrative load.

Support Coordination may help participants understand their plan, connect with providers and coordinate services, depending on the participant’s plan and circumstances.

Carers should also have access to their own emotional and practical support. Supporting a participant does not mean that the carer’s needs should be ignored.

Supporting aged care carers

Caring for an older person may include:

Personal care.
Meals.
Shopping.
Medication routines.
Transport.
Household tasks.
Appointments.
Social support.
Safety at home.
Communication with providers.

Support at Home and other aged care services may help older people remain at home, but families may still carry significant responsibility coordinating and monitoring care.

Carers can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss assessment and aged care support options.

Carer Gateway also provides free services and support for people caring for someone with disability, illness, mental health challenges or frailty due to age.

Supporting workers who care for others

Caring roles are not limited to unpaid family members.

Support workers, social workers, counsellors, nurses, coordinators and other community professionals can also experience emotional exhaustion.

A worker may feel:

Affected by difficult stories.
Responsible for solving problems outside their control.
Worried about letting people down.
Drained after emotionally demanding conversations.
Unable to switch off after work.
Uncertain about whether they are doing enough.

Workers need:

Supervision.
Debriefing.
Clear boundaries.
Regular breaks.
Leave and recovery time.
Support from colleagues.
Access to counselling or workplace wellbeing services.

People who care for others also need places where they can be supported.

Carer Gateway support

Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers.

Support may include:

Counselling.
Peer support.
Coaching.
Skills courses.
Tailored support packages.
Planned respite.
Emergency respite.
Practical information.

Services may be available online, over the phone or in person.

Visit carergateway.gov.au or call 1800 422 737 to discuss available support.

How Link Into Life supports carers

Link Into Life supports carers, families, workers and people navigating disability, aged care and mental health concerns.

Our services may include:

Counselling.
Mental health social work.
NDIS Support Coordination.
Aged care and Support at Home assistance.
Family and carer support.
Service navigation.
Provider coordination.
Support with planning and communication.

Support may be available:

In person.
Through Telehealth.
In your own home.

Depending on eligibility and the service required, support may be accessed through Medicare, private arrangements, NDIS funding or aged care funding.

Fees and eligibility vary. Please contact us to discuss your circumstances before commencing services.

We support people across Darra, Brisbane West, Inala, Ipswich and surrounding areas.

Encouragement for carers

You may not always feel recognised.

You may feel that the focus is understandably on the person you support, while your own needs are overlooked.

But your work matters.

Your time matters.

Your health matters.

Your wellbeing matters.

You are more than the care you provide.

This National Carers Week, we encourage everyone to:

Notice carers.
Thank carers.
Listen to carers.
Offer practical support.
Include carers in appropriate conversations.
Encourage carers to seek help.

Remember carers beyond one week of the year.

Care is everywhere and carers deserve care too.

Need support?

If you are a carer, family member or worker feeling overwhelmed, Link Into Life is here to help.

We provide counselling, mental health social work, NDIS Support Coordination and aged care-related support across Darra, Brisbane West, Inala, Ipswich and surrounding areas.

Call +61 421 183 825 or complete our Contact or Referral form to start a conversation.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not medical, legal, financial, NDIS or aged care advice. Support availability and funding eligibility depend on individual circumstances and relevant program rules. Contact Carer Gateway, My Aged Care, the NDIS, your GP or a qualified professional for advice about your situation. A personal safety plan is not a substitute for professional or emergency support. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.