Who are carers?
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to family members or a friend.
Carers provide unpaid care to people who are:
- living with a disability
- frail aged
- living with mental illness
- living with an ongoing medical condition.
Activities for carers
There are exercise programs and support groups available to carers. Find out more below.
Carer Gateway
The Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative to help carers connect to services in their local area.
It provides a single point of entry to have their needs assessed and be referred to supports in their region such as in-person counselling, coaching and peer support.
Call the Carer Gateway on 1800 514 845 or visit carergateway.gov.au for more information.
Other resources
Call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to talk to a mental health professional.
Call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) for information, advice and support.
You can also access the following support services:
- Carers Victoria offer information, resources and support to carers
- Tandem Carers support service for carers of people living with mental health issues
- EACH family relationship support service for carers of family members with a disability
- Ferntree Gully family support group for carers of people with mental illness
- Wantirna Carers support group for carers of people who have suffered a stroke, dementia or an acquired brain injury
- VMCH offer support services to carers across Victoria.
Accessing Knox e-newsletter
Our Accessing Knox e-newsletter provides information, services and support for people with a disability, their families and carers in Knox.
Carer allowances
You may be eligible for an allowance or payments. Visit the Services Australia website for more information.
Carer and companion cards
The Carer card gives unpaid primary carers in Victoria benefits and discounts on a range of products and services.
If the person you care for isn’t able to go to community activities and venues without your support, you can use a companion card to book or buy tickets. The card will get you a free ticket for the activity or venue.
Advice and support
Support is available at Knox City Council. You can call us on 9298 8000 and ask to speak to the Disability Team for further information and resources.
Need help?
Contact us and we will come back to you.
Or call our Disability Team on 9298 8000.
