Western Australia’s estimated 2,500 grandcarers will get extra support in the State Budget, with $500,000 allocated for respite, playgroups and other activities.

Waikiki’s Lynette Armstrong, who took over the full-time care of her grandchild Summer when her mother died of cancer in October 2012, said she really appreciated the offer of support.  The 62-year-old raised her own family and now cares for her three-year-old granddaughter.

Making a pre-Budget announcement, Seniors and Volunteering Minister Tony Simpson said the extra funds for Wanslea Family Services were part of the Liberal National Government’s commitment to Western Australia’s most vulnerable people.

Wanslea is a not-for-profit organisation, founded 60 years ago by Florence Hummerston.  During the war years, it cared for children whose mothers were ill and whose fathers were serving overseas.  After the war, they continued to help children in need.

Mr Simpson said Wanslea had touched the lives of thousands of West Australians in times of family need, including grandcarers and grandchildren.

“This funding will provide valuable services to reduce stress and social isolation for our State’s grandcarers, who take care of around 4,000 children,” he said.

“This could include short breaks for respite and other activities which help grandcarers spend time with like-minded people and develop coping strategies.”

In November last year, the Minister launched Australia’s first Grandcarers Support Scheme, part of the Liberal National Government’s pre-election commitment to supporting community services.

For Lynette Armstrong, it is often the little things that mean the most.  The Grandcarers Support Scheme has enabled her and Summer to take part in playgroups and other activities they may not have been able to do otherwise.