Support services for carers
The Australian Government is investing into services for carers under the Carer Gateway program. The Benevolent Society has been chosen as a Carer Gateway Service Provider across Metropolitan Sydney excluding South Western Sydney and Nepean, and will be the first point of contact for services in the area.
There are a number of services provided to carers via the Carer Gateway. Listed below are they different types of services available.
- Emergency Respite -If you get sick or hurt unexpectedly and you can't continue to look after the person you care for, emergency respite services can help to take care of them while you get better.
- Tailored Support Package -Supports and services are tailored to help you in your caring role. You may be able to get free:
- Services or equipment to help with your continued education - for example, tutoring, educational supplied or training courses
- Planned respite, where a service provider steps in to take care of your family member or friend while you take a break
- Cooking and cleaning services
- Assistance with shopping
- Transport, to help you do things like go to medical appointments or do shopping
- In-Person Peer Support - Meet with people like you, by joining a group of people in your local area, who care for a family member or friend. Share stories, knowledge and experience to learn from and support each other.
- In- Person Counselling - If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, a counsellor can talk through your situation and help you. You can speak one-on-one or in a group with a counsellor in your local area.
- Facilitated Coaching - Improve your skills and resilience needed for your caring role, by learning new ways to manage stress and better your wellbeing. You can meet one-on-one with a coach in your area.
The following services are available to carer's online;
- Phone counselling
- Online peer support community forum
- Online self-guided coaching
- Online carer skills course
To find out more about services on offer click here.
If you support a family member or friend who has a disability, mental health condition, chronic health condition, terminal illness, or is frail and aged, then these free services are for you.
How to access these services
Carer Gateway offers a national website at www.carergateway.gov.au where you can find more information or you can phone 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday 8am—5pm. The call centre will be available to take your call and discuss the services that are available to you and how to get started.