‘You’ve just gone way beyond, it’s like you’ve rolled the red carpet out for carers. I love it.’ Carer during beta testing.
The new Carer Gateway website is now live. The website provides practical information and advice for carers, as well as new supports and services including counselling, online carer forums, and educational resources.
The website has been developed over 18 months with extensive advice and testing from carers themselves. In the final tests before the website went live, carers confirmed the success of the approach. They said the website made them feel:
- ‘Less stressed; that someone cares; that I have help at my fingertips. Relieved and happy; I’d like to stay on the website, it’s nice, warm and inviting.’
- ‘More valued as a carer – that there is support services and advice. More supported.’
- ‘Not so alone; that what I’m doing is validated by a beautiful, fresh and shiny website – normally I feel ashamed and embarrassed for being a carer. I like how this website’s not just about the person I’m caring for, but it’s about me.’
To develop the website, Biotext has been part of a multidisciplinary team at the Australian Government Department of Social Services including policy, user testing, web development, graphic design, writing and editing, accessibility and publishing experts.