The Victorian Government-funded Carers Employment Support Program is set to help 108 carers in the Outer East to pursue their dream jobs through the Linking Carers to Vocational Opportunity project.
Project partners include both Yarra Ranges Council and Knox City Council as well as the Swinburne University of Technology via the SwinLocal Network, Migrant Information Centre and Volunteer for Knox Resource Centre to help eligible unpaid carers of employment age pursue current or future jobs and training.
Community Houses Association of the Outer-eastern Suburbs (CHAOS) Network Project Leader Leanne Fitzgerald said carers need this project to give them the opportunity to consider their own needs and aspirations.
“It isn’t easy for carers to find time for themselves and making the decision to explore their options for training, work or volunteering will be something that is really difficult for many. But right now we have the resources to support them to do this,” she said.
The CHAOS Network consists of 30 Community and Neighbourhood Houses in the Outer East, many of which are also Learn Local Organisations.
Ms Fitzgerald said carers aren’t obliged to follow through and take action if it turns out to be too hard right now.
“We are here to help them as best we can to find a way to at least have a go at making a plan,” she said.
“If we succeed together then we will stay beside them as they take those first steps into a course or a job and help them to succeed.”
Receiving carer allowances is not considered payment or an employed carer position, so people in those situations are still eligible. The employment sought out by carers in the program can include working for an employer, unpaid or volunteer work or self-employment even if they work only a few hours per week, as no minimum hours worked is required.
An anonymous carer, ‘Victoria’, enrolled in the program and has already noticed huge benefits.
“It’s with great excitement that I have found exactly what I was looking for and needed in a job, I greatly appreciate the service which the team were able to provide,” ‘Victoria’ said.
“I would not have had this outcome without that support and insight and I hope this service continues for others in the community as this has allowed me to make huge positive differences for my family and I.”
Support will be available to help carers with setting goals, building confidence, resume and job interview skills, finding work, training, mentoring and referral to other agencies to assist with addressing barriers, with training and further education able to include initial confidence building, stress management and resilience exercises as well as practical computer skills, industry taster courses or any other assistance or preparation for eventual employment.
