Carer Assist Programme

CARER ASSIST

Carers play a vital role in looking after the elderly. There are several programmes to assist carers in effectively engaging with elders
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway is the national network of support services for carers which commenced in April 2020.
Carer Gateway services are free to access for anyone caring for a family member or friend who is living with a disability, a long-term medical condition, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency or someone who is frail due to age
What services are available
Services for carers through Carer Gateway include:
  • Individual counselling: To help carers maintain health and wellbeing in their caring role, and to assist in times of stress and overwhelm. Sessions can be delivered either in person or online. Carer Gateway counsellors are experienced with carer specific issues.
  • Peer support: Helping carers connect with people in similar situations. Delivered in a group setting with a Carer Gateway facilitator, either face to face or online.
  • Tailored support packages: These enable carers to access equipment or services to support them in their caring role, or to transition back into work or study. There are two types of tailored support packages, based on the carer’s needs:
    • 1. one-off practical support such as equipment or items to assist carers in their caring role and help them transition back into the workforce or study
    • 2. a range of ongoing practical supports such as planned respite, cleaning services, assistance with shopping, cooking or transport. This type of support can be used multiple times over a twelve-month period.
  • Emergency respite: Temporary care for the person being looked after while the carer takes a break, or in case of an emergency.
  • Carer coaching: Assist carers in acquiring the skills needed in their caring role, and help them setting and meeting their own goals. Available in person or online.
  • Group counselling: Helps carers to recognize common issues, feel understood by each other and experience a greater sense of belonging and reduced isolation. Sessions are in person and facilitated by a Carer Gateway counsellor.
How to access Carer Gateway
Carers can access Carer Gateway.
If you need emergency respite care, call Carer Gateway for help with accessing emergency respite at any time. You will speak to your local service provider who will talk through your options and book emergency respite care, where available.
Carers NSW Carer Gateway Registration
Carers NSW is the Carer Gateway provider for the Central Coast, Hunter New England and North Coast regions of NSW, known as NSW 4. If you live or are referring a carer that lives within this region, you can register online through the button below.
If you live outside this region, you can access Carer Gateway through the contact details provided above, where you will be connected with your local Carer Gateway service provider.
Mental Health Carers NSW
Mental Health Carers NSW (formerly Arafmi NSW) is the peak body for mental health carers in NSW and represents carers interests. MHCN regularly consults with carers all over the state to gather opinions and experiences so they can provide feedback on policies and services on behalf of carers to the Ministry of Health and other government bodies. By influencing changes to policy, legislation and service provision, MHCN aims to make a difference to the mental health system for carers.
There are different ways to get involved with MHCN, including volunteering for:
  • carer advocacy and engagement opportunities
  • report and submission writing
  • general administration duties
  • research projects
  • fundraising initiatives
  • assisting in training, workshop, event planning and facilitation.
Mental Health Carers NSW
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm (excl public holidays)
Address: Building C, Suite 202, 33 Saunders Street, Pyrmont, NSW 2009
Phone: (02) 9332 0777
Email: MHCNadmin@mentalhealthcarersnsw.org
Carers Connection Line
1300 554 660
For information, referrals and support.