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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.

Knox carers exercise classes

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 Wednesday.

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.

Location

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

Term 4 2023

Term 4 classes run from Wednesday 4 October until Wednesday 29 November 2023. There are no classes in December.

Bookings are essential. Please register 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 in Rowville.

The walk takes place along Liberty Avenue Reserve, starting at Braeburn Avenue in Rowville.

Dates for 2023

  • Monday 23 Jan
  • Monday 27 Feb
  • Monday 27 Mar
  • Mon 24 April
  • Mon 22 May 
  • Mon 26 June 
  • Mon 24 July
  • Mon 28 Aug
  • Mon 25 Sept 
  • Mon 23 Oct
  • Mon 27 Nov 

No walk in December.

For more information:

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, located at 22 Willow Road in Upper Ferntree Gully.

Dates for 2023

First meeting Monday 20th February 
Guest speaker Jen Thompson

Regular meetings

  • 20 Mar
  • 17 April
  • 15 may 
  • 19 June
  • 17 July
  • 21 Aug
  • 18 Sept
  • 16 Oct
  • 20 Nov

No meeting in December 

For more information

Contact David Neef from EACH on 0408 981 206 or dneef@each.com.au

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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