The National Family Carers Voice (NFCV) is a national body which represents unpaid family carers of people who were born with or acquired a disability prior to the age of sixty-five. The Government (FaHCSIA) funds the NFCV to seek input from Family Carers and to gather information about the nature, location and circumstances of Family Carers.

In relation to this project, Government asked the NFCV to identify the nature and extent of Family Carers concerns and provide advice as to the best methods for addressing the long-term needs of Family Carers.

Australian Healthcare Associates were engaged to assist the NFCV in this role. AHA’s key task was to facilitative workshop meeting of NFCV members and government, to develop specific recommendation for the NFCV report to government. Membership of the NFCV includes representatives of:

•Carers Australia
•Carers Australia – Indigenous representative
•Association for Children with a Disability
•Australian Federation of Disability Organisations
•Australian Parent Advocacy
•ACT Young Carers Network

The project drew on AHA’s:
•Knowledge of disability services and the specific issues for unpaid carers
•Expert skills in presenting complex issues in a concise, easily digestible report
•Skills in facilitating meetings and workshops involving a diverse range of parties and interests