Meet other carers, share your experiences and learn from each other.
What is it?
In-person peer support groups are an opportunity to meet other people in a similar caring role with the support of a facilitator who has their own carer experience. This is an opportunity for to connect, learn and share experiences with other carers. Groups explore common issues and concerns and share ideas for managing challenges.
We have many events during the year that can connect you to other carers. We also run health and wellbeing events to learn techniques to cope in your caring role.
You can also join The Carer Forum to safely connect with other carers online.
What is the Carer Forum online?
The Carer Forum is open online 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It provides a safe, anonymous space to connect with other carers and support each other. Its where Australian carers can meet others facing similar challenges in their caring roles.
Everyday you’ll find support and sharing, goodwill and guidance.
Who can use this service?
All carers can access Carer Gateway services.
You are a carer if you are looking after someone with disability, a medical condition, mental illness or who is frail due to age.
Any carer can use these 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.
The Carer Forum Online is only a click away at https://forum.carergateway.gov.au/s/
To find out more about the in-person peer support groups available near you, call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm and select option 1 to speak with your local Carer Gateway 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.
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
- Planned respite
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.
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 peer support 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.
