Carers ACT offer a range of supports and services designed to nurture, connect and empower carers through practical support such as short-term replacement care when you need a break, counselling, educational workshops, social and therapeutic activities, NDIS Support Coordination, retreats, and advocacy.
Our supportive programs are designed to build resilience and knowledge, offer stress management strategies, relax and re-energise the body and mind and provide unique opportunities to connect socially with other carers.
By working together, we help carers feel relaxed, enriched and supported so they can keep leading fulfilling lives, continue their loving and caring relationships and maintain their sense of self.
What support is available?
The 5 Ways to Wellbeing Carers ACT is pleased to announce a collaboration with the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s 5 Ways to Wellbeing initiative. It is an introduction to five simple and effective ways to improve our psychological and emotional health that are based on extensive international research.
Carer Gateway provides a range of services and supports delivered both in person and online.
Counselling – if you are feeling stressed, anxious, sad or frustrated, a counsellor can talk with you either in person or over the phone in the comfort of your own home.
Connect with other carers – you might like to meet with people like you who care for someone and share stories, knowledge and experience. You can do this with people in your area or you can join the carer forum online.
Respite Care – if you get sick or hurt and you cannot look after someone, emergency respite services can help you. Service providers will find ways to look after the person you care for while you have a break. Planned respite care can also help you plan for regular breaks to rest and recharge.
Self-guided coaching – you can work through interactive online coaching sessions at your own pace. You can find a range of topics to help you in your caring role.
Skills courses – you can use these short online courses to help you to learn new skills in caring for someone and yourself.
Practical help and advice or information on the Carer Gateway web pages.
You don’t have to know exactly what to ask for – you can just talk through any problems you are having, and Carer Gateway staff will try to match you with services that can help. Call 1800 422 737
Advocacy
Carers ACT has advocates who can support you to:
- Communicate effectively with a service, agency, or government department.
- Link you into the support and information you need.
- Have your voice heard and acknowledged.
- Develop your self advocacy skills.
- Support you in writing correspondence, phone calls, attending meetings, and tribunals.
These services are available to any carer in the ACT. Please feel free to contact the service on 6296 9900.
Mental Health Carer Support Groups
Carers ACT hosts two carer support groups a month, one on the south side and one on the north side. These groups provide an opportunity for you to talk freely about how your caring situation impacts on your life.
If you are interested in learning more about these groups, please call Carers ACT on 6296 9900 or email support.groups@carersact.org.au for more information.
