Australia’s 2.7 million unpaid carers now have access to greater supports, with the introduction of new Carer Gateway support services on 6 April.
The Australian Government is investing $550 million in support services for carers across the country through the Carer Gateway – the biggest carer support reform in Australia in more than a decade.
New services for carers include carer support planning, counselling, peer support, carer directed support packages and emergency respite services through the new Carer Gateway.
Some service delivery will be impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with current limitations on face to face contact.
Online and phone-based supports are already available, and carers can access these services by calling the national Carer Gateway number on 1800 422 737 or visiting www.carergateway.gov.au
These services are free to access for anyone caring for a family member or friend who is living with a disability, a long-term medical condition, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency or someone who is frail due to age.
Anyone can become a carer at any time – through the birth of a child who has special needs, as a result of a loved-one’s accident or illness, if someone close to you has an addiction or a long-term health condition, and sometimes because the people we love simply get older.
Carer Gateway provides support through a network of regional Carer Gateway Service Providers. In NSW there are four service providers who are working collaboratively to deliver consistent support services for carers across the state.
Wellways Australia is the Carer Gateway Service Provider across the NSW regions of South West Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains and will provide services in across this area.
Wellways Australia CEO Laura Collister said the Carer Gateway provided practical advice and support for all carers.
“No matter where you are located, you can contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 and be directed to the Carer Gateway Service Provider in your region who will help identify the supports best suited to your needs,” Ms Collister said.
“Getting help early can make a big difference to a carer’s life, reducing carer stress and improving wellbeing. The Carer Gateway is focussed on early intervention services to ensure carers get the support they need.”
Since July 2019, the Carer Gateway has been offering free phone-counselling and online self-guided coaching and skills courses through the Carer Gateway
website www.carergateway.gov.au