Services and supports for carers in Melbourne’s Northern and Western suburbs
What is it?
Merri Health is the lead service provider of Carer Gateway; an Australian Government program that offers a range of free supports and services tailored to the unique needs of unpaid carers.
Merri Health partners with Alfred Health, Grampians Health, Barwon Health, Bendigo Health Care Group, Family Care, and Uniting Victoria and Tasmania Ltd to deliver comprehensive care and support services that promote both your wellbeing and the wellbeing of the person you are caring for.
Who can use this service?
Anyone may become an unpaid carer, even temporarily. A carer can be anyone who looks after a family member or friend with disability, mental illness, age or health issues.
Carer Gateway offers free support to all unpaid carers at any stage in their caring journey.
Merri Health Carer Services supports carers throughout Melbourne's Northern and Western suburbs, including the councils of Hume, Whittlesea, Nillumbik, Merri-Bek, Darebin, Banyule, Yarra, Melton, Brimbank, Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Wyndham, and Hobsons Bay.
If you yourself are a carer and want to know how Carer Gateway can support your caring role, call 1800 422 737 between 8am and 5pm, Monday – Friday or visit CarerGateway.gov.au.
What services, supports and activities do we provide?
We provide support services that are tailored to your individual caring needs. These may include:
Coaching: Reflect on how your caring role impacts your life and learn new ways to manage stress and improve your wellbeing.
- Self-guided coaching – undertake online interactive courses.
Counselling: If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, sad or frustrated, a professional counsellor can talk with you about your worries and offer help. Reflect on how your caring role impacts your life and learn new ways to manage stress and improve your wellbeing.
- Self-guided coaching
- In-person
- Phone counselling
- Emergency respite – get assistance looking after the person you care for if an unplanned event prevents you from being able to provide care. For example, if you are ill or injured.
- Planned respite – plan for regular breaks to rest and recharge while respite services look after the person you care for.
Peer Support: Meet with people in similar caring situations and share your stories, knowledge and experience.
- In-person
- Online forum
- Online skill courses
Tailored support packages: Get tailored support to assist you in your caring role.
- One-off practical support in the form of equipment or an item to assist you in your caring role.
- A range of ongoing practical supports, such as planned respite or transport, provided over a twelve-month period.
Support for young carers: Young carers can face unique challenges. Carer Gateway supports young carers to manage their caring responsibilities and assist with daily tasks, helping them to stay in school and connected with other young carers and the community.
Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families: We are respectful of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s history and beliefs. We provide culturally appropriate and inclusive support and work in partnership with carers and community to get the supports they need.
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.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral. Call our team to register.
Merri Health acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government for the Support for Carers Program.
