The “We Care” Campaign
Monday the 23rd of May saw the launch of the “We Care” Campaign. It has been launched by Carers NZ and the NZ Carers Alliance of 40+ national not for profits to increase recognition for our country’s family, whanau, and aiga carers. The campaign is asking all Kiwis to learn about carers.The need to provide care for an ill, seriously injured, frail elderly, or disabled family member or friend can happen overnight, or develop gradually. Caring can be for a short time, or for a lifetime. We can all expect to give or receive family care during our lives.Caring can be very rewarding, but it can also be all-consuming, requiring considerable personal sacrifice. Most carers happily provide this support without expectation of financial reward or recognition. They give a lot, and ask for little.But Carers NZ and the NZ Carers Alliance of more than 40 national not-for-profits worry about carers.
Almost 40% of carers are injured in their role.
45% have health and disability needs of their own.
More than 26% of carers support more than one person.
More than 40% care 24/7.
Two thirds experience depression.
A high number feel they need to give up paid employment to care when the juggle becomes too much.
Census 2006 found that more than 8% of 15 to 24 year olds are carers.
Our country has no idea how many children under the age of 15 are caring.
For older people, caring is an independent mortality risk.
Support for our country’s 420,000+ carers. Caring is a precious role that truly deserves public praise, greater visibility, and respectful support by society and government. We Care! aims to raise awareness of New Zealand’s family, whanau, and aiga carers … and to call for thoughtful decision-making so carers can get the help they have repeatedly asked for in government consultations.Like most countries, New Zealand’s population is ageing. We are living longer, at home and with higher support needs than past generations. Our small country’s health and social welfare systems can’t afford to fund the 24/7 support many New Zealanders with health and disability needs will require to ‘age in place’. More than ever before, New Zealand is relying on its family carers.Ask for help. If you are a carer, or know a carer, please request a free infopack … there may be government and other help you don’t know about. Phone (0800) 777 797 or email info@carers.net.nz Bulk infopacks are available for groups and organisations; please get in touch to help carers in your networks!For more information on the We Care Campaign you can visit their website www.wecare.org.nz.