Project approach
Supporting the establishment of co-ops and mutuals that provide sustainable workforce solutions where current approaches are not working
The Care Together Program supports the establishment and strengthening of co-operatives and mutual enterprises that provide sustainable workforce solutions in areas where existing models of care are under pressure.
This includes working with communities to establish new co-ops and mutuals, supporting the growth of existing member-owned enterprises in priority areas and assisting organisations that are transitioning to a co-operative or mutual model.
Across all projects, Care Together embeds co-operative values and principles into program design and delivery. This approach demonstrates how greater diversity in ownership and governance can improve outcomes for workers, care recipients and communities.
A core component of the Care Together Program is a flagship shared services project, which will enable small and medium-sized co-operatives to access shared back-office services. This shared services approach supports operational sustainability, reduces administrative burden and strengthens collaboration across the sector.
Areas of focus
Care Together’s project work has focused on initiatives such as:
- Supporting place-based, integrated social care services in regional, rural and remote communities
- Enabling the establishment of new worker-owned co-operatives in social care
- Empowering consumers of social care through buyer or multi-stakeholder co-operative models
- Developing innovative, co-operatively owned housing and support options in aged care, informed by learnings from disability care models
- Supporting First Nations communities to develop culturally appropriate, First Nations-owned home care and social care co-operatives
- Building secondary co-operatives that connect smaller co-operatives through shared business services
- Establishing place-based, multi-disciplinary health and social care teams operating under co-operative ownership
Learn more about Care Together projects
Explore the Care Together projects to see how this approach has been applied in practice across different communities and care contexts.
How can I find out more?
Care Together is currently focused on supporting existing projects and delivering Phase Two priorities. While the program is not taking on new projects, the tools, resources and learning developed through Care Together are being shared to support the wider social care sector.
Individuals, organisations and communities interested in co-operative and mutual approaches to care are encouraged to explore Care Together’s free resources and toolkit, which provide practical guidance, frameworks and insights drawn from the program’s work. If you have questions about the Care Together Program or would like further information, please contact the Care Together team.
Are you working on a community-led care solution where you live?
Explore the potential of co-operative and mutual structures to enhance diversity and choice in health, community and social services.
