Live Satellite Television Broadcast on channel 4 - Tuesday 29th June at 8pm
Repeated broadcast Friday 2nd July at 12.30pm on channel 23

There are nearly 2.6 million people in Australia who are carers.  Carers provide unpaid care and support to people who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail.  These people may not call themselves ‘carers’; they are partners, parents, siblings, relatives, other family members and/or friends.  Carers come from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.  They may be working or studying, as well as providing care.  They may be any age.  Caring can be a demanding role that requires mental and physical energy, commitment and dedication.

Carers in outer regional and remote areas experience higher rates of disability or a long-term health condition themselves, and are more likely to experience financial hardship than carers in major cities.  Indigenous people in rural and remote Australia are also more likely to be carers than non-Indigenous people in these areas.

This program covers two main areas:
Firstly, it discusses the experiences and particular challenges for carers supporting a person with mental health problems.  The importance of carers as part of the care team, and useful strategies for supporting a person with a mental illness are included.
Secondly, the program acknowledges the impact of caring on the carer’s physical and mental health.  It assists health practitioners to develop practical ways to support and encourage carers to look after themselves.  Support, counselling and respite services are also examined.

Panel of Speakers:
Chair Dr Norman Swan - Presenter of the Health Report on ABC Radio National
Ms Josephine Battaglini:  Social Worker, Royal Darwin Hospital NT
Mr John McGrath:  Carer, Deputy Chairman, Beyondblue, VIC
Dr Christopher Mitchell:  General Practitioner, President, RACGP, NSW
Ms Linda Rosie:  Project Manager, Mental Health Council of Australia, ACT