The icare Foundation has continued to back the state insurer’s wecare program to support critical family carers, developed in conjunction with Carers NSW, with a $900,000 investment over three years.

More than 130 NSW families caring for loved ones seriously injured at work or on the road have benefited from the program so far.

“Through this new investment, the icare Foundation is enabling more family carers to increase their knowledge, resilience and wellbeing, as they care for loved ones after an injury or diagnosis,” Carers NSW CEO Elena Katrakis said.

“Some of our carers are as young as five years of age and these children within families experiencing the serious injury of a loved one have the opportunity to gain the vital skills and support they need to adjust to the complexities of caregiving in a positive way.”

The scheme, which began in 2016, offers two programs. The Children and Young People’s Program is for family members aged five to 18 who are children or siblings of icare participants and workers.

It is tailored to the needs of the child or young person and is delivered over four to eight weeks. The sessions involve establishing a connection, and providing education, referral and coping strategies in fun age-appropriate activities.

The Carer Mentoring Program for adult family members is delivered as six to eight mentoring sessions over 24-28 weeks. Experienced and supportive mentors work alongside the family carer to provide information and support to strengthen coping strategies.