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.
Carers Victoria – local outreach service at Wingate Avenue.
Wingate Avenue Community Centre Walks for Carers.
Walks for Carers | Neighbourhood Carers Club | Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (nhvic.org.au)
For details, contact Ganga, tel: 0402122364
Carer's Circle - Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
When: 3rd Wednesday of each month
Time: 11.30 am - 1 pm
Where: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Level 1, Wellbeing Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Valley Carers is a group who support the diverse community of carers in Moonee Valley They enhance wellbeing and connectedness within the carer community and help ease some of the challenges in the caring role by offering information, support, and most importantly friendship. Valley Carers have lived experience of caring for loved ones with disability and understand how difficult it can be.
For more information email hello@valleycarers.org.au
Casual get-together organised by a group of dads who have family members with disabilities.
For details, contact Paul 0409949978.
When: Thursdays, 10am – 12pm
Where: MacKillop Family Services, 118 Commercial Road, Footscray
For details contact Sonia Savannah, Strengthening Parents Support Program Facilitator, (Mon, Tues and Thurs) call 9680 8439 or email Sonia.Savannah@mackillop.org.au
A online parent support group for Mandarin speaking families with children with a disability.
When: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 10am – 12pm
Where: Jamieson Way Community Centre, 59 Jamieson Way, POINT COOK
Time: 10.30am – 12.00pm
For details contact Sonia Savannah, Strengthening Parents Support Program Facilitator, (Mon, Tues and Thurs) call 9680 8439 or email Sonia.Savannah@mackillop.org.au
When: 3rd Saturday each month
Time: 4pm - 6pm
Cost: $10 per person which includes entry to the pool. Must be supervised by a parent, carer, support worker or responsible adult.
Where: Windy Hill Fitness Centre, 74-84 Napier St, Essendon VIC 3040
Register: Different Journeys - Event - Autism Family Swim Night Essendon (differentjourneysautism.com)
Please note:
- parents/carers/support workers need to purchase a ticket
- we do not provide 1:1 support
- may be claimable on NDIS if applicable
- we do not offer refunds
- view the Essendon Swim Night Social Story.pdf if you would like more information before you attend the event.
A support group for carers of people with Parkinson's and atypical Parkinson's conditions. The support group is both for the carers and for people with Parkinson's disease.
When: 2nd Wednesday of the month 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Where: Aberfeldie Baptist Church, 3 Price Street, Essendon 3040
For more information please contact Lesley Soong on 0400 881 948 or email wsoo0569@bigpond.net.au.
This is a chance to stretch your legs, meet new people and find out more about local supports and services.
The walk is along a flat river path returning to The Boathouse where brunch will be served in the café. You can choose between a 2km or a 4.2km walking track depending on your preference and pace.
When: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Time: Meet at 9.15am for a 9.30am start - 11.00am
Where: The Boathouse, 7 The Boulevard, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039
To register: Visit Eventbrite or contact Carers Victoria Events Team call 1800 514 845 or email events@carersvictoria.org.au.
MyTime is for parents and carers of a child with a disability or chronic medical condition or other additional needs including developmental delay. Unwind and share experiences with others who understand.
When: Tuesdays
Time: 10am
Where: Maidstone Child & Family Centre, Corner Burns & Sonley Street, Maidstone 3012
For more information: Karen Peters – MyTime Manager, email karenp@dsv.asn.au or call 0435 073 307.
Rainbow Young Carers is a safe space for all young carers (aged from 12 to 25) who identify as LGBTIQA+ to:
- hang out with other young carers in the rainbow community
- make new friends
- take a break
- participate in fun events and activities.
Monthly chat sessions will be held online with events starting, both online and face to face, once the group is established.
Register your interest with Alfred Health Carer Services.
Queer Crew is a safe space for LGBTIQA+ carers to form meaningful social connections and a chance to talk, learn, share and collaborate.
The group meets on the last Friday of each month from 10:30am-12pm, led by Carer Gateway.
If you have any questions call 9076 6644 or email carerevents@alfred.org.au
FREE sessions for 2023 by Carers Victoria and Queerspace
Are you an LGBTIQA+ Carer providing unpaid care for a parent, partner, sibling, housemate, or friend?
Sign up for free sessions where you’ll meet new people, have a chance to relax, and get access to information and referrals. The aim of the group is to provide a space to relax and unwind, build knowledge and understanding and connect socially with other LGBTIQA+ Carers.
Booking Information
To secure your place, phone 9663 6733 or email qsgroups@ds.org.au.
You can come to as many sessions as you want!
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
