It is estimated that between 25 and 30% (roughly 500,000) of all Australian carers are from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

Culture impacts on all aspects of a person’s life and each CALD community, and each person within the community, is different so it is important to not stereotype.

When providing support to someone from a CALD background consider:

• differences in expectations about family involvement in decision making
• any impact of gender from their cultural perspective
• the significant impact that stigma, discrimination and trauma may have on their life
• being patient when communicating and asking when unsure about something
• some people will prefer a worker who speaks their language and understands their culture, while others will prefer someone from outside their community

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) carers do not always identify as carers even though they make up a large proportion of the hidden carer population.

Carers ACT provides social connection programs and groups. Our groups team organise a range of activities to cater for different interests and cultural groups.

Sri Lankan Social Group – Tuesdays from 11am

Indian Social Group – Most Fridays from 11am

Muslim Social Group – meeting times varies.

Italian Social Group –

Events and groups you can attend with the person you care for

Carers ACT provides social connection programs and groups for anyone with a My Aged Care social connection code.  Our groups team organise a range of activities to cater for different interests and cultural groups.

While our focus is always on Carers and their wellbeing, we understand that most people will at some point on their life provide unpaid care to a family or friend. Social groups are one way we can help to build resilient, connected communities and foster support networks.

Our social groups are accessible to anyone with a social support code through My Aged Care (over 65’s or over 55s for First Nations people).

Peer Support Groups can help you make connections with other carers who understand and improve your wellbeing.

Carers ACT runs regular in-person support groups in north and south Canberra.

Prefer to connect online? 

Carer gateway offers online peer groups.

Sharing stories, knowledge and experience with other carers can remind you that you’re not alone. You can do this with people in your area by finding an event for you.

Carers ACT runs many special interest groups for carers and the people they care for.

When you connect with Carers ACT, one of the first people you are likely to talk to is a care planner. Our team of care planners have a deep understanding of what it’s like to be a carer because many of us have taken on a caring role ourselves.

We can work in partnership with you to identify your needs as a carer, support you with skills and resources, help you have more time for yourself, foster relationships and navigate the mental health system.