Our Organisation

Mission: To help improve the wellbeing of carers through connection, support and understanding.

Vision: A future where every carer feels seen, heard, and connected to supportive and enriching communities.

Values

Purpose

Facilitate wellbeing retreats, events, and activities that support, connect, and enhance the wellbeing of unpaid carers.
Create inclusive spaces and opportunities that foster community, build connection, and strengthen the social and emotional resilience of carers.
Advance the wellbeing of carers through collaboration with other organisations to expand access, share resources, and deliver programs that benefit carers and the broader community.

Who is a Carer

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, medical condition (including terminal or chronic illness), mental illness, or is frail due to age.
Carers are not paid for their caring role (they are distinct from paid care / support workers), and the amount or type of care provided can vary from occasional help to full-time support.

Governance

Carer Escapes operates as a social enterprise dedicated to improving the wellbeing of unpaid carers across NSW, using a business model that places purpose and community benefit at its core. Our work is funded through program revenue and partnerships with organisations that support carers, and any surplus is reinvested to expand and enhance our impact.

Carer Escapes is advised by an independent Advisory Board made up of individuals with lived experience of caring, sector expertise, and a shared commitment to carer wellbeing. The Advisory Board does not have formal governance or fiduciary responsibilities, but provides strategic guidance, critical insight, and community connection to support strong decision-making and mission alignment.

We are committed to best practice in ethical and transparent operations, including regular review of our policies and practices, clear separation between strategic advice and day-to-day operations, and ongoing engagement with carers and partners. This governance approach supports a culture of safety, inclusion, and continuous improvement, ensuring Carer Escapes delivers high-quality, responsive programs for carers across NSW.

History

Carer Escapes began in 2017, founded by carer Lisa-Marie, whose vision was to create meaningful programs and partnerships that supported the wellbeing of unpaid carers. When Lisa-Marie moved on in 2022, fellow carer Claudia stepped in, weaving her own lived experience and passion for carer wellbeing into every aspect of Carer Escapes.

Balancing her caring role at home, Claudia gradually expanded Carer Escapes, building new connections and growing programs across NSW. Today, Carer Escapes continues to evolve, driven by a deep commitment to helping every carer feel seen, heard, and supported in a welcoming community.