Support for Carers
Australian Red Cross
Australian Red Cross delivers a range of community services that help vulnerable people stay connected, independent and supported within the community. These include programs such as social support, visiting services (for example, regular volunteer visits and friendly phone calls), and assistance with everyday needs.
These services can indirectly support carers by helping the person they care for remain socially connected and supported. Some Red Cross services are accessed through My Aged Care or other government-funded programs.
www.redcross.org.au
Carers Australia WA (Carers WA)
Carers WA is the peak body representing the needs and interests of unpaid carers in Western Australia. The organisation works to improve the quality of life for family carers across the state.
Carers WA works in partnership with carers, people with care and support needs, health professionals, service providers, government and the wider community to support and advocate for carers.
www.carerswa.asn.au
HelpingMinds
HelpingMinds is a not-for-profit organisation based in Perth providing specialist mental health services and carer support. Established nearly 40 years ago, HelpingMinds supports children, young people, adults and families who are caring for, or are affected by, someone with mental illness.
Services are delivered by qualified staff and trained volunteers and are confidential. Many services are free of charge and include advocacy, education, counselling, peer support, help navigating the mental health system, school holiday programs and respite.
www.helpingminds.org.au
My Aged Care
My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s starting point for accessing aged care services. As people age, they may need support with day-to-day activities, or they may be caring for a family member or friend and unsure what help is available.
My Aged Care provides information about aged care services and can help assess needs and determine eligibility for government-funded support. Contact centre staff ask questions to understand individual circumstances and guide people to appropriate services.
www.myagedcare.gov.au
National Dementia Helpline
The National Dementia Helpline is a free telephone information and support service available across Australia. It supports people living with dementia, their carers, families and friends, as well as people concerned about memory loss.
The Helpline is also accessed by health professionals, service providers, community organisations and students. Interpreter services and referrals to advocacy services are available. People who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can access the service via the National Relay Service on 13 36 77.
www.dementia.org.au
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is an independent statutory agency responsible for implementing the NDIS. The NDIS supports Australians with a significant and permanent disability, as well as their families and carers.
The scheme aims to give people with disability greater choice and control over their supports, helping them to live more independently and participate in the community. The NDIS recognises the important role of families and carers and includes them in planning and decision-making where appropriate.
www.ndis.gov.au
Rise
Rise provides personalised support services for people across the community, including people with disability, people experiencing mental health challenges, carers, older people and young people at risk.
Services may include:
- Aged care: transport, in-home support, social and recreational programs
- Mental health: support with recovery goals, budgeting, housing options and social skills
- Disability services: supported accommodation, transitional accommodation, respite and individual support
- Youth services: one-to-one support, drop-in centres and assistance accessing education or driving lessons
- Carer support: respite and practical assistance
- Housing support: help with finding and maintaining suitable housing
Wanslea
Wanslea has supported families and children since its establishment in 1943. Today, the organisation delivers a broad range of services focused on strengthening families and supporting children and young people.
Key service areas include:
- Family Support
- Out of Home Care
- Community Capacity Building
- Early Learning and Child Care
Specialist programs include:
- Grandcare: support for grandparents raising their grandchildren
- COPMI: support for children of parents with a mental illness
- CUSP: early intervention services for children and young people at risk of developing mental health concerns, and their families
Workpower
Workpower is a not-for-profit organisation providing flexible, person-centred services and supports for people of all abilities. Services include community support, respite, employment programs and innovative social enterprises designed to create meaningful opportunities.
www.workpower.com.au
Disclaimer: Information provided on this website is for the benefit of the community. While care has been taken to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, service details may change. Listings do not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by ERICA Women’s Centre.
ERICA Women's Centre 