Carer Support

There are 2.65 million unpaid carers living in Australia. That’s 1 in 9 people. Each of us may become a carer at any time in our lives, even temporarily – it’s not something we usually plan for, it can just happen. When and if that time comes, people need to know where to go for support. You may be a carer if you care for/support/help a family member or friend with disability, a medical condition, mental illness or who is frail due to age. Carers can be any age and could be caring for anyone – a parent, friend, child, sibling, or a neighbour. Carers provide care in many different ways. Some carers may look after somebody 24 hours a day and help with daily living, while others look after people who are fairly independent but sometimes need help.

Carer Gateway

Helping carers manage their daily challenges can make a big difference to their lives and improve overall health and wellbeing. Carer Gateway helps Australia’s unpaid carers get the support they need before reaching crisis point, providing reliable services, support, and advice. An Australian Government initiative, Carer Gateway draws on the experience of local organisations like Barwon Health to deliver carer-focused support across Australia. Carer Gateway is a free Australia-wide service dedicated to supporting Australia’s 2.65 million carers. We operate Australia-wide, including in regional areas, to deliver Carer Gateway support and services to all carers no matter where they live. Carer Gateway provides services in-person, online and via phone, ensuring carers can access support that is right for them. Services available include coaching, counselling, emergency respite, peer support, online skills courses and tailored support packages. In addition, the Carer Gateway website includes a forum where carers can chat with other carers to share their experiences and seek support from each other.

Connecting with Carer Gateway

We encourage anyone who is caring for a family member or friend with disability, a medical condition, mental illness or who is frail due to age, to call 1800 422 737 or visit CarerGateway.gov.au to get support that is right for you. Emergency respite is available 24/7 on the same number. And if you know a carer, let them know that it’s OK to ask for support and tell them about Carer Gateway.

Accessing Carer Gateway in languages other than English

If you want to speak to Carer Gateway, you can call the free Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask to be connected to Carer Gateway. Or you can go to CarerGateway.gov.au/languages where you will find translated information on Carer Gateway in up to 30 languages.

Accessing services in regional/rural areas

Carer Gateway aims to make Australian Government carer supports and services easier to navigate and more accessible, regardless of where carers live. Carer Gateway service providers have a range of shopfronts, service outlets and a mobile workforce to achieve service coverage across urban, regional and rural Australia. Carer Gateway service providers help carers to access in-person services through a range of mechanisms, including a mobile workforce to support carers in their local communities. In the event that face-to-face services are not available to carers in remote areas, service providers will work closely with them to ensure they receive comparable levels of support.

Stay up-to-date with activities and support services available to carers and the people they care for across the Barwon South West Region.

2024

Edition 4

Edition 3

Edition 2

Edition 1

2023

Edition 4

Edition 3 

Edition 2 

Edition 1