Clinics & services

Support for carers

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Support for carers

Carer support services in Victoria

Support for carers

We value and support the carers of those who use our mental health services.

Who is a carer?

Carers come from all different backgrounds and play an important role in the recovery of consumers experiencing mental ill health. Carers are the family member, partner or friend deemed by the consumer to be their main support person, whose lives are also affected by the consumers’ experience.

About us

When someone that you care about is admitted to hospital due to mental illness, it can be a difficult and overwhelming time for people who care for them. It's important for you to get support for yourself too.

Our mental health treating teams are dedicated to understanding and supporting carers whilst the person they care for is in our care. We know there are clear benefits to the recovery and care of people with a mental illness when carers are:

informed about diagnosis and treatment options
involved in the treatment process
supported to manage difficulties when caring for a person with a mental health illness.

Our services

We support our carers by:

keeping you informed about treatment plans, where the consumer allows this
involving you in treatment plans, where the consumer consents to this
providing general information about mental illness and usual treatments
checking in to see how you are coping
connecting you with carer specific support services in the community
advocating on your behalf to access support, referring you to specific services if needed.

Financial help

We know how hard it can be financially for some carers when the person you support is receiving care.

Please reach out to the treating team to ask about accessing the Carer Support Fund to cover some of the costs associated with your caring role such as: