It's OK to take time to talk to someone.
What is it?
A safe and supportive space you to share their thoughts and feelings when you need support the most. You can choose to meet with a counsellor in person, or chat with them over the phone.
How can counselling help me?
Caring for a loved one is important work but it can also be stressful at times. The demands of the caring role are different for everyone.
If you feel stressed, sad or frustrated, it may help to speak with a counsellor to discuss your situation. They can provide strategies to help you work through your emotions.
Counselling is a safe, non-judgmental space where your feelings, thoughts and mental well-being is the focus.
What is the difference between phone and in-person counselling?
Phone counselling
You can choose the convenience of receiving counselling over the phone. This might be a great option if travel is difficult, or alternative care options are limited.
For more information or to book a phone counselling appointment you can call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 and select option 2 to speak to our phone counselling team.
In-person counselling
You can meet with a counsellor in a face-to-face setting, organised through your local Carer Gateway service provider.
This type of counselling offers a safe, supportive space for you to speak openly and honestly about your feelings related to your caring role. A trained counsellor will work with you to understand your concerns and help you explore them, guiding you toward practical steps forward.
Carers can access up to six in-person, one-on-one counselling sessions, tailored to your needs and delivered over a timeframe that suits you.
In-person group counselling
Our Carer Gateway service providers offer group counselling sessions, providing a safe and supportive environment where carers can come together to share their experiences and emotions, guided by a professional counsellor.
Group counselling offers benefits such as shared learning, a sense of connection with other carers, and the opportunity to both give and receive support.
The carer planning process will help you determine your interest as well as suitability for group counselling.
Who can use these services?
The Carer Gateway Counselling Service is available to carers over 18 years.
You are a carer if you are looking after someone with disability, a medical condition, mental illness or who is frail due to age.
You don't need to be a new carer to use Carer Gateway services – any carer can use the services at any time in their caring journey.
Location
Merri Health is the lead service provider for Carer Gateway which offers for support all carers across Victoria.
Merri Health's main office is located at Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Chifley Dr | Preston.
We also provide services over the phone or at a location that is convenient to you.
Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm and select option 1 to speak with your local service provider.
More information
Anyone may become a carer even temporarily. Carers can be any age and could be caring for anyone, a parent, friend, child, sibling or neighbour. It may be because they have disability, a medical condition, mental illness or are frail due to age.
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.
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.
- Emergency respite
- Planned respite
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.
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.
You can learn more by visiting Carer Gateway counselling or by calling Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm local time. You can also click the link to register your caring role and request a callback.
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative.
