Caring for carers
Carers WA and CAHS staff at the launch of the Prepare to Care Program
16/10/2026
At the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS), we see the positive impact of carers every day.
From becoming experts in their child's health condition, coordinating medical appointments, navigating complex systems and advocating for their child, carers play a critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing needs of others.
National Carers Week provides an opportunity to focus on the importance of recognition, inclusion and support for those who do unpaid care.
This National Carers Week CAHS launched the Prepare to Care Program, in partnership with Carers WA. The program is an education initiative that supports hospital staff to better identify, engage with and support unpaid carers throughout the healthcare journey.
CAHS Director Consumer Engagement Matt Holmes said National Carers Week provides an opportunity to focus on the importance of recognition, inclusion and support for those who do unpaid care.
“Looking after carers is central to providing safe and quality care. When carers are recognised and supported, health care is safer, more effective, and more responsive to the needs of children and families.”
An estimated 320,000 Western Australians are carers, including 148,000 young people who have caring responsibilities.
Carers are often family or friends who provide ongoing care and support to someone living with disability, chronic illness, mental ill health or additional needs. They provide emotional support, practical assistance and countless hours of unpaid care, often while balancing work, family responsibilities and their own wellbeing.
To all the carers, we thank you for your dedication, your compassion, your resilience and the extraordinary contributions you make every day.
Find out more at Carers WA and National Carers Week.
From becoming experts in their child's health condition, coordinating medical appointments, navigating complex systems and advocating for their child, carers play a critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing needs of others.
National Carers Week provides an opportunity to focus on the importance of recognition, inclusion and support for those who do unpaid care.
This National Carers Week CAHS launched the Prepare to Care Program, in partnership with Carers WA. The program is an education initiative that supports hospital staff to better identify, engage with and support unpaid carers throughout the healthcare journey.
CAHS Director Consumer Engagement Matt Holmes said National Carers Week provides an opportunity to focus on the importance of recognition, inclusion and support for those who do unpaid care.
“Looking after carers is central to providing safe and quality care. When carers are recognised and supported, health care is safer, more effective, and more responsive to the needs of children and families.”
An estimated 320,000 Western Australians are carers, including 148,000 young people who have caring responsibilities.
Carers are often family or friends who provide ongoing care and support to someone living with disability, chronic illness, mental ill health or additional needs. They provide emotional support, practical assistance and countless hours of unpaid care, often while balancing work, family responsibilities and their own wellbeing.
To all the carers, we thank you for your dedication, your compassion, your resilience and the extraordinary contributions you make every day.
Find out more at Carers WA and National Carers Week.
Last Updated:
23/10/2026