We see you: New Zealand’s 1m+ family carers in the spotlight

Download our media release here.

We encourage all New Zealanders to help family carers feel seen
on 29 October by signing our petition at https://wecare.nz

More than a million New Zealanders support a friend or family member who is frail, unwell, or has a long-term health condition or disability.

Caring for family members who rely on this support is a common role, one we may all experience in our lives, but a recent survey completed by 1700 carers shows that 92% feel invisible and unvalued.

That’s why national not for profit Carers NZ and the Carers Alliance of 60 national NFPs are spotlighting carers and their important unpaid role with We See You on 29 October.

Carers NZ CEO Laurie Hilsgen says the day has the simple goal of appreciating family carers, whose efforts have an annual economic value of $17.6 billion, and priceless social and family value.

“If we need family help for a short time or a lifetime, having someone do this is an amazing gift. We See You is about ensuring that family carers also feel seen and supported by family, communities, workplaces, and government.”

We See You coincides with the international UN Day of Recognition for Care and Support Workers on 29 October. Carers NZ and the Carers Alliance hope that everyone who cares about carers will sign a petition seeking improved recognition and wellbeing support for them at https://wecare.nz

We See You also offers tips so we can all appreciate the carers in our lives.

“Most of us know at least one family carer. Make them feel appreciated with a text, a call, an email, a hug, or something lovely. Make time to let a carer know you understand that things can be tough – tell them ‘We see you’ on 29 October and every day.”

Contact Laurie Hilsgen
Email centre@carers.net.nz
Petition https://wecare.nz 

*

Ways to see and appreciate family carers