Support for carers

Here you will find a list of support services for all carers, with some additional services specific to groups such as parents and grandparents, older and younger carers, and carers from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

Support services for all carers

• Wellways Australia provides a range of Carer Gateway Support Services for carers including face to face counselling, planning assistance and financial packages. Wellways can be contacted on 1300 111 400 or by emailing carergatewayservices@wellways.org.
• Carers Queensland is the peak body representing and advocating on behalf of carers throughout Queensland. Carers Queensland provides a range of support and accredited training for carers.
• Arafmi provides a range of free in person and online supports for mental health carers in Queensland. Carer support services include carer support groups, carer respite, support for carers from multicultural backgrounds, workshops and education programs, one-on-one support, and the carer support line 1300 554 660 (24-hour support helpline in Queensland).
• Information about support available for veterans' families is available from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Carer Gateway is a national online and phone service that provides practical information and resources to support carers. The interactive service finder helps carers connect to local support services. To find out more phone 1800 422 737 (free call, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).
• Commonwealth Home Support Program helps senior Australians access entry-level support services to live independently and safely at home. It works with you to maintain your independence rather than doing things for you. For more information phone My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
• My Aged Care provides information and advice about disability, aged care and other support services for people over 65 and their carers. To find out more call the Commonwealth Aged Care Information Line on 1800 200 422.
• Queensland Community Support Scheme can help people with disability under 65 years of age (and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under 50 years of age) with services provided in the community and in your home. Phone Community Access Point on 1800 600 300.

Additional supports

Parents

• The Association for Children with a Disability provides resources to assist parents in supporting siblings of a child with a disability.
• Livewire is an online community enabling parents and carers of people living with a disability, serious illness or chronic health condition to connect and support one another via the internet.
• MyTime playgroups are available across Queensland to help carers socialise and share ideas with others who understand about caring for a child with disability. Phone 1800 889 997.
• Raising Children helps parents and carers make decisions that work for them in their individual family circumstances.

Grandparents

• Grandparents Information supports grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.
• MyTime groups provide support for grandparents and anyone caring for a child with a disability or chronic medical condition. It’s a place for you to unwind and talk about your experiences. It’s a world away from appointments and therapy. It’s support for you. Find a group or find out more information.
• Raising Children provides information on becoming a grandparent carer.

Older carers

If you are an older carer, there may be assistance available for the person in your care or for you. Options include in-home support, centre-based respite and community-based support. In some locations, emergency respite and other flexible respite options may be available.

Older carers of adult sons and daughters have usually been caring for a long time and often continue their caring role as they themselves age. As this occurs, it is natural—and necessary—for older carers to need some regular respite and support and to start thinking about planning for the future.

Seniors Enquiry Line also provides information and referral on a wide range of topics of interest to seniors.

Young carers

Find out where to get support if you are a young carer under 25.

Mental health support

• If a person's life is in danger, call triple zero (000) immediately for assistance.
• Finding out you are not alone in your situation can do wonders for your wellbeing. One way of connecting with others is to join a self-help group, where people come together to support each other and share information. Support Groups Qld (Opens in new window) can help you find a group in your area. Phone (07) 3344 6919 or email.
• Caring for a person with mental illness can be challenging, depending on the severity of the illness. Find out how to support yourself while supporting others.
• If are feeling down or overwhelmed, you can also contact:
  • Lifeline on phone 13 11 14 or access their online crisis support chat
  • Beyond Blue on phone 1300 224 636, web chat (24/7) or email
  • your GP
  • family or friends.