What you need to know
Funded supports, services and advocacy is available for carers from both Federal and State governments, and the not-for profit sector. These can be direct to the carer or indirectly for the carer via their care recipient or person that is cared for. This means the care recipient receives support to participate in activities or access services, enabling respite for the carer.
Please take some time to familiarise yourself with what is available.
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers. The Carer Gateway aims to provide the same level of support and services to all carers across Australia no matter where they live. Merri Health is the Carer Gateway provider in Victoria.
If you care for a family member or friend with disability, a medical condition, mental illness, or who is frail due to age, then Carer Gateway can help you. Carer Gateway is for anyone who is an unpaid carer. Whether you are receiving a government carer payment or not, all carers can get support through Carer Gateway.
Following registration with Carer Gateway, you can be connected to carer services and supports that are available and near to you. Carer Gateway provides:
- tailored support packages
- emergency respite
- peer support groups
- counselling
- coaching
- online skills courses
- tips and information and links to other Government supports.
For emotional, practical and financial support for Carers call 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway. Information is available in different languages including Auslan and some First Nation languages.
Support for Carers Program
The Victorian Support for Carers Program (SCP) provides tailored flexible supports to carers based on the specific needs of the carer.
This program identifies supports in collaboration with the carer, including navigating the existing service systems available and exploring other potential options in the community.
To learn more about the Victorian Support for Carers Program please visit Better Health Channel – Services and Supports or call 1800 514 845.
Local providers for SCP services:
- ADEC
- Merri Health Carer Services
- Carers Victoria
- Farnham Street Neighbourhood Centre, Flemington
- Co health
- Pronia
- Little Dreamers
- Satellite Foundation
- Different Journeys Autism.
Carers Victoria
Carers Victoria is the peak body representing all unpaid carers in Victoria, championing all carers across Victorian communities regardless of the nature of the caring role.
We work collaboratively with Carers Australia and the other State and Territory based Carer Associations to represent and advocate for carers throughout Australia.
Carers Victoria membership
Free and open to carers, former carers, supporters and carer support groups. Benefits include:
- exclusive invitations to events including our popular mingle events, carer workshops and programs specifically designed for carers
- championing for real change through consultations, focus groups and research
- staying informed with our monthly eBulletin ‘The Voice’ jam-packed with important carer issues, events and stories
- free digital access to the magazine Australian Carers Guide
- special member offers including Hoyts movie tickets.
Carers Victoria services:
- carer bulletin and blog “The Voice”
- training, workshops and events – for carers, peer support group facilitators and professionals
- a list of current benefits available to carers in Victoria, including Centrelink, car registration, municipal rates, energy concessions and more
- directory for carer groups and carer friendly places
- young carer bursary
- young carer scholarship program
- case management – short-term support for carers to navigate, coordinate and access the right services and much more.
Merri Health – Carer Services
Merri Health works in partnership with carers and offers a range of supports, services and activities to strengthen your wellbeing and the wellbeing of the person you are caring for.
Carers living in Melbourne, Merri-bek, Darebin, Banyule, Yarra, Nillumbik, Hume, Whittlesea, Moonee Valley, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Wyndham can access Merri Health’s Carer Services, which includes:
- Activities, events, workshops and carer engagement: Connect with other carers, socialise and share your experience and learn practical information to support you in your caring role.
- Assessment and planning: Short-term support for carers to navigate, coordinate and access the right services.
- One-on-one Carer coaching: A trained carer coach to explore areas of your life you would like to change and support you while you take steps towards meeting your goals.
- Carer counselling: Carer counselling provides a safe and supportive space for carers to share their thoughts and feelings when they need support the most.
- Peer support: Meet others who also care for a family member or friend, and share stories, knowledge and experience to learn from and support each other.
- Respite and emergency respite: Respite can be for a few hours, days or for longer periods, depending on the carer’s needs, eligibility and what services are available.
- Young Carer support: Providing support to school aged carers who are looking after someone with a disability, mental illness, or who is frail aged.
- Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families: Culturally appropriate and inclusive support and work in partnership with carers and community to get the supports they need.
These services are available via the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
If you currently receive services and supports through Merri Health’s Carer Services Program or have specific questions about Victoria’s Support for Carers Program, you can contact 9495 2555.
We Care – Victorian Carer Card Program
The Victorian Carer Card provides discounts at thousands of participating businesses. It also provides half price public transport, free weekend travel in any 2 consecutive zones, free public transport during Carers Week and free travel vouchers (opt-in required).
Carers can now benefit from the same discounts available to Seniors Card holders.
To find out more about Carer Card and apply for free online, visit carercard.vic.gov.au, call 1800 901 958 or email carercard@dffh.vic.gov.au to have an application form sent to you.
Companion Card
The Companion Card program is for the care recipient or person that is cared for. It is designed for those who need a support person with them when they participate in community events and activities. The card allows a person’s carer free entry into participating venues and events.
Carer support groups in the area
There are groups and organisations in our City who offer support activities for carers. Find one that suits you.
Financial resources for carers
Contact Us
For more information please contact the MVCC Carer Support Officer via email carers@mvcc.vic.gov.au or telephone 9243 8781
