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Support for carers

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, there are over 17,000 unpaid carers in Knox.

There are a range of carer support services, activities, training and events available.

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.

See the events calendar

Fitness classes for Knox carers

Do you live, work or play in Knox and provide unpaid care for a family member who lives with a disability of mental illness?

Come along to a free carers exercise class at Knox Leisureworks every Monday and Wednesday during school terms.

The Knox carers exercise group is a 1-hour flow and tone class. The class is a mix of tai chi, pilates and yoga, and concludes with 5 to 10 minutes of guided relaxation.

Classes are free for carers and beginners are welcome.

Classes

Mondays and Wednesdays

12:30 pm to 1:30 pm

Location

The carers exercise group takes place at Knox Leisureworks, 35 Tormore Road, Boronia.

Term 2 2024

Term 2 classes run from Monday 15 April to Wednesday 26 June 2024.

Bookings are essential. Please register online.

Term 3 2024

Term 3 classes run from Wednesday 17 July to Wednesday 18 September 2024. Bookings are essential.

Register your Expression of Interest online.

Pathways for carers Knox walk

The Pathways for Carers project offers carers of people with a disability or mental illness an opportunity to share walks together and learn about news, services and supports available.

We are joined on the walk by guests from local organisations. Stay after the walk for a free coffee.

Location

We meet at The Butlers Pantry located in Wellington Village Shopping Centre, 4/1090 Wellington Road, Rowville.

The walk starts at Braeburn Avenue in Rowville and takes place along Liberty Avenue Reserve.

Dates for 2024

  • Monday 26 February
  • Monday 25 March
  • Monday 22 April
  • Monday 27 May
  • Monday 24 June
  • Monday 22 July
  • Monday 26 August
  • Monday 23 September
  • Monday 28 October
  • Monday 25 November
  • No walk in December.

Enquiries

For more information:

Wantirna carers walk

Unpaid carers can enjoy a walk in nature around Lewis Park and then have a coffee and a chat with other carers.

Bookings are not required and beginners are welcome.

Location

Meet at Orana Neighbourhood House, 62 Coleman Road, Wantirna South.

Dates for 2024

The Wantirna walk takes place on the first Thursday of every month.

Meet at 9:30 am.

  • Thursday 1 February
  • Thursday 7 March
  • Thursday 4 April
  • Thursday 2 May
  • Thursday 6 June
  • Thursday 4 July
  • Thursday 1 August
  • Thursday 5 September
  • Thursday 3 October
  • Thursday 7 November
  • Thursday 5 December.


For more information visit the Neighbourhood Houses Victoria Walk for carers page.

Autism family swim nights

Knox City Council Community Development Grant proudly supports the Different Journeys ASD Swim nights at Knox Leisureworks.

Different Journeys will provide four swim nights at Knox Leisureworks in 2024, hosted by people living with Autism and their families and carers.

The goal is to create pathways for participants to transition from a protected recreational experience to independently accessing mainstream community recreation services.

Join the private pool for an Autism family swim night, all ages event on selected Sundays at Knox Leisureworks.

Location

Knox Leisureworks, 35 Tormore Road, Boronia.

Dates for 2024

  • Sunday 7 January, 6 to 8 pm
  • Sunday 4 February, 6 to 8 pm
  • Sunday 3 March, 6 to 8 pm
  • Sunday 7 April, 6 to 8 pm
  • Sunday 15 September, 6 to 8 pm

Enquiries

For enquiries please email [email protected].

Carers information sessions

Setting boundaries and self-care for carers of people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder

Presented in person by psychotherapist, Jen Thompson.

  • Monday 19 February
  • 1 pm - 3 pm
  • Coonara Community House, 22 Willow Road, Upper Ferntree Gully
     

More information or to register

School refusal webinar

How to look out for early signs and support for your young person. Presented by psychologist, Sonia Prescott.

  • Tuesday 5 March
  • 7 pm - 8:15 pm
  • Online Zoom webinar
     

More information or to register

Practical strategies in raising your autistic child

This webinar is aimed at children up to the age of 12 years. Presented by psychologist, Sandhya Menon.

  • Tuesday 19 March
  • 7 pm - 8:15 pm 
  • Online Zoom webinar 
     

More information or to register

 

Disability and Inclusion Expo

This annual event is an opportunity for people living with a disability and their carers to learn more about local services and programs.

The upcoming Carers Forum will be held on World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2024. The event will include information, stallholders, guest speakers and more; with a focus on Mental Health and AOD Carers.

If you are interested in being a stall holder, please contact the Disability Inclusion Team on 9298 8000.

National Carers Week

National Carers Week runs from Sunday 13 October to Saturday 19 October 2024.

It is an opportunity to celebrate the 17,000 unpaid carers in the City of Knox.

Stay tuned for more information on events.

BPD carers support group

This support group is for carers of people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in the Outer Eastern area.

The group may help to:

  • overcome feelings of stigma and isolation
  • find out about services and resources 
  • provide respite and support
  • learn through sharing ideas and gaining insights.

Location

The support group meets at Coonara House, 22 Willow Road, Upper Ferntree Gully.

Dates for 2024

Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month from 1 pm to 3 pm.

  • Monday 19 February
  • Monday 18 March
  • Monday 15 April
  • Monday 20 May
  • Monday 17 June
  • Monday 15 July
  • Monday 19 August
  • Monday 16 September
  • Monday 21 October
  • Monday 18 November
  • No meeting in December.

For more information

Contact David Neef from EACH on 0408 981 206 or [email protected].

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:

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.

Subscribe to our e-newsletter

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.

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