Carer Support Service

A carer is anyone who looks after someone with a disability, medical condition, mental illness, or who is older and needs support. You might be a parent, partner, child, friend, or neighbour. If you help someone in this way, you’re a carer — and you can get support.

Our services are free and open to all carers. You can access our support regardless of your age, background, or identity. We welcome carers from all communities, including First Nations carers, LGBTQIA+ carers, and carers from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

We provide support through two main programs, ensuring you get the right help when you need it:

Carer Gateway

Carer Gateway is a national program funded by the Australian Government. It offers:

• counselling services
• respite care
• coaching and peer support
• tailored support packages

We deliver Carer Gateway in partnership with Holstep Health, the lead agency for Carer Gateway in Victoria, and other trusted organisations across Victoria.

Support for Carers Program (SCP)

Funded by the Victorian Government, the SCP offers tailored, flexible respite and support based on a carer's individual needs and circumstances and seeks to remove barriers to support.

Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be tough. This is why we offer a range of services to support your wellbeing. All services are free, flexible, and designed to meet your needs.

Explore our full range of support below and learn more about each service:

Finding support

• Tailored Support Packages – support tailored to you, get help where you need it most. It could be accessing planned respite, transport services, and more
• Counselling for carers – speak with a counsellor either in person or on the phone
• Financial Support – you may be eligible for financial support to help in your caring role

Connect and grow

• Online Carer Skills Courses – practical tips and insights to build your skills in your caring role — manage stress, improve communication, and more
• In-person and Online Coaching – explore how caring affects your life and find ways to feel more balanced
• In-person and Online Peer Support Groups – connect with other carers, share your experiences, and learn from each other in a safe, supportive space

Taking a break

Everyone needs time to rest. Respite care gives you space to recharge while your loved one is cared for.

You can access:

• Planned respite – schedule a break when it suits you
• Emergency respite – available 24/7 if something unexpected happens
• Flexible respite – through the SCP, get support in your home or in community so you can take a step back when needed

The Caring Times newsletter keeps carers informed of important updates and events.

Created with love and practical care, this cookbook features easy, nutritious recipes for busy carers. Our team created The Cookbook for Carers during National Carers Week in 2021 to acknowledge the outstanding contributions carers make, while also providing our carers with a space to contribute and enjoy recipes from each other.