What is the Carer Knowledge Exchange?

The Carer Knowledge Exchange brings together carers*, researchers, policy makers and practitioners to share their knowledge and learn from each other in a variety of ways. It features:

• an online research library for people to search, browse and share knowledge about carers
• a range of opportunities to connect and share knowledge about carers with others, both online and in person
• diverse networks and communities of practice where knowledge about carers can be shared and developed

*A carer is an individual who provides care and support to a family member, child or friend who lives with a disability, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail due to age. 

Who is the Carer Knowledge Exchange for?

The Carer Knowledge Exchange brings together carers, former carers, researchers, students, decision makers, professionals and service providers to share their knowledge about carers and learn from each other with the aim to improve outcomes for carers across Australia.

These groups may be involved in different ways, but they will all have access to the same information and opportunities.

We also recognise that many people in the Carer Knowledge Exchange network have multiple roles: they may care for a family member or friend while also working for a care service provider or a researcher.

Carers

The Carer Knowledge Exchange is aimed at carers who have an interest in research and advocacy. They may wish to contribute to or participate in research or advocacy, or learn from the work of others to inform their own caring role.

This project defines a carer as any individual who provides care and support to a family member, child or friend who lives with a disability, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail due to age. This does not include paid care workers or formal volunteers who are not caring for a family member or friend. It also does not include parents, foster carers or kinship carers who are caring for children that do not have the support needs resulting from the conditions listed.

Carers are invited to join Carer Knowledge Exchange events, networks and activities and share their knowledge while also learning from others. They are also invited to search and browse the Research Library and apply useful information to their caring role, advocacy or other personal endeavours such as work or education.

Researchers

The Carer Knowledge Exchange defines researchers broadly, including anyone that conducts research as part of their paid employment or their studies. This includes academics and university-based researchers, university students, and researchers working in the government, not-for-profit and private sectors.

Researchers are invited to contribute their own publications and resources to the Research Library and to use it to inform their work. They are also invited to join Carer Knowledge Exchange events, networks and activities to share their knowledge and learn from others. Opportunities for promoting research and recruiting participants are also available.

Policy makers and practitioners

The third key audience for the Carer Knowledge Exchange is made up of anyone who works with carers, or in an area related to carers. This includes service providers, health professionals, government employees and representatives of peak bodies and community organisations. Anyone who wants to learn from current evidence to improve their work with, or for, carers is encouraged to get involved.

The Research Library provides a base to learn more about carers and support grant applications, submissions, reports, service design and daily work practice. It also provides a platform to share case studies and best practice that may help carers or other organisations. Policy makers and practitioners are also encouraged to participate in Carer Knowledge Exchange events, networks and activities to share their knowledge and learn from others.