Empowering Carers: Discover the Support and Services of Carer Gateway

Third Sector May 27, 2024

3 min read

Our communities are strongest when every one is strong, and Carer Gateway is here to support you. There is practical information, advice and free services available in-person, online and over the phone.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, caring is core to community and culture. Anyone can be a carer. Whether you’re caring for Nan or Pop, or looking after someone who needs help with their day-to-day living, you can get free support for yourself.

What is Carer Gateway and who is it for?

Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free support services to people who provide care and support to a family member or friend. It may be someone who lives with a disability, a medical condition, mental illness or who is frail due to age.

It doesn’t matter if carers receive a government payment or not, they can still access support through Carer Gateway. After all, every caring situation is different.

Some carers look after someone 24 hours a day, while others support people for a few hours to help with everyday tasks. Carer Gateway is for all unpaid carers.

What services are available?

Coaching

Carers can access self-guided and in-person coaching to assist in learning new ways to manage stress and improve wellbeing.

Counselling

Carers can access in-person or telephone counselling to talk through their current situation and help with feelings of stress and sadness.

Emergency respite

If a carer falls sick or is injured and can’t continue looking after the person they care for, Carer Gateway service providers can organise for emergency respite services to take over care while they recover. Carers can call 1800 422 737 at any time for help with accessing emergency respite. They will speak to a local service provider who will provide possible options and book emergency respite care where available.

Peer support groups

Carer Gateway gives carers the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations. Carers can share stories, knowledge and experiences to learn from and support each other. Carers can also join an in-person group or online community, where they can speak with others who care for a family member or friend.

Online skills courses

Carer Gateway offers carers the opportunity to learn new skills through its online courses. Carers can learn how to handle stress and improve their health and safety.

Tailored support package

Carer Gateway offers tailored support packages to assist carers in their roles. This may include:

services or equipment to help with continued education, for example, tutoring, educational supplies or training courses
planned respite, where a service provider steps in to take care of the family member or friend while the carer takes a break.

How do people contact Carer Gateway?

Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 Monday to Friday, 8 am–5 pm local time to speak with your local service provider about the supports and services available to you. Carers can also call the same number at any time for help with accessing emergency respite. They will speak to a local service provider who will provide possible options and book emergency respite care where available.

If you need information in a language other than English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. The Translating and Interpreting Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, accessible from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call.

If you have a hearing, speech or vision impairment, you can call the National Relay Service on 133 677.

Visit the Carer Gateway website at carergateway.gov.au for more information and to access Carer Gateway’s online services. You can also request a callback or email from Carer Gateway by filling out this form: Request a call back or email contact | Carer Gateway.

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