Carer Gateway – Uniting Vic Tas

Carer Gateway is a national program funded by the Australian Government, offering free, short-term services to support individuals in their caregiving roles and enhance their well-being. It assists those who provide unpaid care for people with disabilities, chronic health conditions, mental health issues, or age-related conditions like dementia or mobility challenges. In the Eastern region, the Carer Gateway service is delivered by Uniting Vic Tas. 

You can access the following services:

• Carer Support Planning
• Carer Coaching 
• Peer/Carer Support Groups 
• Carer Counselling 
• Young Carer Support 
• Tailored Support Packages 
• Respite 
• Online Skills Courses 

The Gateway does not have citizenship, residence or visa requirements, and is not affected by other government supports.

Phone: 1800 422 737
Website: www.carergateway.gov.au

Carers Victoria

Carers Victoria is the leading organisation representing unpaid carers in Victoria, advocating for all carers across the state's communities, regardless of the type of caregiving they provide. It provides education and workshops, resources, information, carer peer support activities, a newsletter and phone advisory service. 

Phone: 1800 514 845
Website: https://www.carersvictoria.org.au 

Link Community & Transport

Link Community and Transport offers free day respite activities and outings for carers.

Phone: 03 9462 8700
Website: www.lct.org.au

Support for Carers – VMCH

Caring for others can be rewarding but also challenging, affecting your physical and emotional well-being.  VMCH's Support for Carers program is designed to give you a break and time for yourself. Since every carer's needs are unique, Case Managers work closely with you to understand your challenges and find the right support services and regularly check in with your to ensure your support evolves as your needs change.

Carer Support Services include:

• Personal care
• Home care services like meal preparation and gardening
• Flexible respite at home or in the community
• Support during unexpected situations
• Goods and equipment
• Education and information
• Social groups and events
• Wellbeing activities
• Referrals to long-term support services

Website: www.vmch.com.au/support-for-carers
Phone: 1300 698 624

Carer Allowance

An additional fortnightly payment if you give daily care to someone who has a disability, serious illness, or is frail aged.

Website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-allowance

Carer Payment

A payment if you give constant unpaid care to someone with disability or a medical condition, or an adult who’s frail aged.

Website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-payment
 

Find out more information on Services Australia benefits that carers may be eligible for.

Carer Pathway to Financial Counselling - National Debt Hepline

The Carer Pathway is exclusively for carers, giving you easy access to financial counselling through the National Debt Helpline. To receive support, register your details at the Carer Pathway link below. 

Website: www.carerpathway.org.au

Companion Card

A card designed for individuals with severe and permanent disabilities who require ongoing, extensive support to engage in community events and activities. This card grants the person's carer free admission to participating venues and events.

Phone: 1800 650 611
Website: www.companioncard.vic.gov.au

Financial Information Service Officers

Services Australia's Financial Information Service (FIS) Officers can explain how: 

• financial products work
• a change to your personal circumstances may affect your financial situation, in the short and long term
• to find resources to help you with your financial matters

This information can help you take control of your finances and make informed financial decisions.

If you get a payment from Services Australia, call on the same number you use to call regarding your payment. If you don’t get a payment from Services Australia, call the Centrelink Older Australians line 132 300. When asked why you’re calling, say ‘Financial Information Service’.

Depending on your circumstances, the FIS Officer may book a face to face interview for you, either online through video chat or in person at a local service centre.

Website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/financial-information-service-officers

Healthability's Carer Support Fund 

The Victorian Support for Carers Program is an initiative to financially support unpaid carers of healthAbility clients, as well as unpaid carers who are receiving services from healthAbility. It recognizes the vital role of carers and aims to support their well-being. 

Eligible expenses include:

• Wellbeing activities (e.g., massage therapy, counseling) 
• Goods and equipment (e.g., goods and services that help manage carer stress and anxiety, transport or fuel vouchers) 
• Respite support (e.g., overnight respite care).

Elligibility
Unpaid carers who care for individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related needs may be eligible. 
The funding limit is $500 per financial year, subject to eligibility and available funds.

How to apply
Email: carers@healthability.org.au

MYKI Carer Card

The Victorian Carer Card ('We Care' card) provides eligibility for a Carer-coded myki, offering a 50% discount on travel and free weekend travel across two consecutive zones. Cardholders in Victoria also receive two or four free off-peak travel vouchers annually, depending on location, and must register to obtain them.

How to obtain a Carer Myki
You can get your first Carer-coded myki for free through the DFFH's 'We Care' Carer Card program (see info below). Additional Carer-coded mykis can be purchased at ticket offices, staffed metropolitan or V/Line stations, and PTV hubs. Always carry your Victorian Carer Card when traveling.

Website:  www.ptv.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1800 800 007

Victorian Carers Card - 'We Care'

This card acknowledges the vital role carers play in the lives of those they support and in their communities. It offers discounts and benefits as a recognition of their contribution.

Phone: 1800 901 958
Website: www.carercard.vic.gov.au

For a comprehensive list of benefits for carers please see Carers Victoria Benefits. 

Carer Support Groups provide emotional, social and practical support by enabling members to share experiences, knowledge and to participate in social and wellbeing activities.  

• Emotional support:  emotional support can be offered through discussions with others who understand the pressures of caregiving. 
• Practical support: members exchange practical information about local services, medical treatments, and helpful tips for caregiving. Some groups will also invite external community service providers to provide information to the group. 
• Social connection: groups can be a place to make new friends, reduce feelings of isolation and expand social circles.

For a full list of Carer Support Groups in Victoria, please see the Carer Victoria Carer Support Groups website. 

Al-Anon Family Support Groups

Al-Anon is a support group for individuals concerned about someone with a drinking problem. It helps members cope with the challenges of living with or supporting someone with alcohol issues, offering a chance to learn from others' experiences.

Box Hill, Mondays, 10.30am, St. Francis Xavier Church, Friars Room, 1087 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill

Mitcham, Tuesdays 7.00pm, Uniting Church, 559 Whitehorse Rd (Cnr Doncaster East Rd; Brown Room off the foyer)

Phone: 1300 252 666
Website: Al-Anon Family Groups Australia

Bereavement Support group  

This 7 week online program is for people who have cared for someone who died in the last 12 months. The discussions involve:

• Listening and sharing personal experiences
• Normalising the grief journey
• Reducing feelings of isolation
• Discovering personal strengths
• Building resilience
• Creating social networks
• Connecting to other useful resources
• Sessions are run at a set time, on a regular day each week for 7 weeks
   

Where: Online
Contact: To express interest and find out the details of the next group, contact Calvary Care online www.calvarycare.org.au or call 03 9834 9000.

Box Hill Prostate Cancer Support Group

This is a peer group offering support and information for men and their families affected by prostate cancer. It provides opportunities to meet men who are going through the same experience and talk about this so that group members feel less isolated and alone. The group is affiliated with the Protate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

When: Third Tuesday of the month
Where: Box Hill RSL, 26-28 Nelson Rd, Box Hill VIC 3128
Time: 9.30am to 11.30am.
Contact: Bert Alesich, Group Leader/ John Radley, Secretary

Phone: 0494 191 819
Email: info@prostateboxhill.org
Website: prostateboxhill.org/

Carers of Someone in Residential Aged Care

Swinburne Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults facilitate a support group for carers of residential aged care residents. The group program provides participants with the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, to exchange ideas, to learn about dementia, depression, and anxiety, and to share ways of living with the experience of being a carer. The group program is online and consists of 6 x 90 minute weekly meetings. To find out when the next series is running, contact the Swinburne Wellbeing Clinic. 

Where: Online 
Contact: wellbeingclinic_agedcare@swin.edu.au or call (03) 9214 3371

Carer’s Network                                                                                 

This Network is run by Alkira and a group of passionate carers of people with a disability.  Enjoyable and relaxing social events and information sessions are provided for carers, with a focus on creating opportunities to connect and provide support to each other. The group meets regularly for coffee and a chat on the last Wednesday of the month (except December) and organise outings and information sessions through out the year.                                                                                              

When: Last Wednesday of the month                                                
Where: 3 Thurston St, Box Hill 3128                                                       
Time: 10.30am                                                                                               
Contact: Karen Morton on 9890 1365

Chinese Cancer & Chronic Illness Society of Victoria

Cancer Support Groups

These groups are for people living with cancer including survivors and carers. 

Box Hill Tuesday Group                                                             
When: Fortnightly on Tuesdays                                                             
Where: Chinese Cancer & Chronic Illness Society of Victoria, 
784 Station Street, Box Hill 3129  

Box Hill Saturday Group                                                         
When: 1st Saturday every month 
Where: Chinese Cancer & Chronic Illness Society of Victoria, 
784 Station Street, Box Hill 3129 
Contact: Phone 03 9898 9575 or email groups@cccis.org.au  

Dementia Support Group

This group is for people with mild to moderate dementia facilitated by a social worker.  Carers are welcome to join. Through various activities, members can keep their mind active and communicate with each other in a relaxing, secure environment. 

When: Fortnightly on Thursdays                                                                    
Where: Chinese Cancer & Chronic Illness Society of Victoria, 
784 Station Street, Box Hill 3129     
Language: Cantonese                                                                                     
Cost: Small lunch fee required
Contact: Phone 03 9898 9575 or email groups@cccis.org.au

Parkinsons Support Group

This group is for people with Parkinson's disease and carers. Small group activities and programs take place.      

When: Every 4th Friday of the month                                                           
Where: Chinese Cancer & Chronic Illness Society of Victoria, 
784 Station Street, Box Hill 3129   
Languages: Cantonese & Mandarin
Contact: Phone 03 9898 9575 or email groups@cccis.org.au 

Chinese Stroke Support Group

The Chinese Stroke Support Group is dedicated to fostering a healthy, vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community that endures.  The volunteer-driven team conducts monthly health seminars, offering up-to-date health advice and resources. It also organises gatherings for physical exercises, cultural events, and birthday celebrations to foster community and well-being among group members.

Website: www.cssg.org.au
Email: info@cssg.org.au

Compassionate Friends of Victoria 

Support Groups for individuals (18+ years) bereaved of a child, grandchild or sibling 

Meetings are predominantly attended by bereaved parents, however siblings and grandparents are very welcome too.  You need to be a member of TCFV to attend any group - the first year of membership is complimentary.

Phone: 03 9888 4944 / 1300 064 068     
Website:  www.compassionatefriendsvictoria.org.au

Dementia Australia - Memory Lane Café  

People with dementia and their carers meet with others who can provide friendship and support while enjoying some entertainment and light refreshments. You will also have the opportunity to chat with trained staff and volunteers from Dementia Australia. 
Bookings are essential.                                                                    

Contact: To find out when the next café is meeting, and to RSVP,  phone Dementia Australia on (03) 9815 7879 or email vic.memorylanecafe@dementia.org.au

Dementia Australia - Memory Lane Café - LGBTIQA+   

Meet with others who can provide friendship and support while enjoying some entertainment and light refreshments. You will also have the opportunity to chat with trained staff and volunteers from Dementia Australia.
Suitable for LGBTI+ people or allies who are living with dementia, and their family and friends. Bookings are essential. 

Where: Victorian Pride Centre 79/81 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Contact: To find out when the next café is meeting, and to RSVP, phone Dementia Australia on (03) 9815 7879 or email vic.memorylanecafe@dementia.org.au

Family Drug Support

Non-religious, open meetings for family members and friends impacted by the use of drugs and/or alcohol by others. Open to anyone and providing opportunities to talk and listen to others in a non-judgmental, safe environment.

When:  6.00 pm - 8.00 pm on Thursday every fortnight
Where: Eastern Volunteers - Suite 1a, 36 New Street,  Ringwood, VIC
Phone: 1300 368 186
Website: Family Drug Support
Phone: 1300 368 186

or

When: Every Wednesday
Where: Online  
Phone: 1300 368 186
Website: Family Drug Support
Phone: 1300 368 186

Fight Parkinson's - Peer and Carer Support Groups 

Living with or caring for someone with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but you don’t have to feel alone. Peer 
support offers people the opportunity to learn more about living with Parkinson’s and to enjoy the company of 
others who share similar experiences, situations and challenges. Parkinson’s peer support offers information, 
social connection, hope and support through group meetings, over the phone, online communities and educational 
seminars.  

Contact: To find your local group call Fight Parkinson's office phone 03 8809 0400 or email info@fightparkinsons.org.au.  

Mental Health Carers Support Group (Outer East)                    

This Mental Health Carer Support Group is facilitated by Kathy Collet who has lived experience as a carer and has also worked as a carer consultant in Eastern Health’s Mental Health program. With her understanding of both clinical and community services, Kathy provides knowledge, resources and support for carers and families.
 

When: First Monday of the month, 7:30 – 9:30pm
Where: Bendigo Bank: 62 Railway Ave, Ringwood East 3135
Contact: To express interest register online www.vmch.com.au/carer-events/ or call VMCH on 1300 698 624

Mental Health Carers Support Group (Inner East)  

Join this monthly peer-led support group for carers of a loved one with mental illness. Have a coffee and chat, share information, meet service providers and make new friends.

When: First Tuesday of the month, 10:30am – 2:30pm
Where: VMCH: 616 Riversdale Road, Camberwell
Contact: To express interest register online www.vmch.com.au/carer-events or call VMCH on 1300 698 624

MS Carer Support Group - Outer Eastern Dinner Group

The MS Outer Eastern Dinner Group meets once a month to share valuable information, experience and support for people living with MS or other neurological conditions and their carers, family and friends.

When: 2nd Tuesday of the month
Time: 6.30pm onwards
Contact: MS PLUS on 1800 042 138 or email connect@msplus.org.au

MS  Support Group - Blackburn

The MS Plus Blackburn Carers Group meets once a month to share valuable information, experience and support for people caring for a person with Multiple Sclerosis or other neurological condition.

When: Second Wednesday of the month                                       
Time: 1-3pm
Contact: MS PLUS on 1800 042 138 or email connect@msplus.org.au

MyTime - for parents and carers of children with a disability, chronic health condition or developmental delay

MyTime is a supportive space for parents and carers of children under 18 who require a higher level of care due to disability, chronic medical conditions, or other additional needs such as developmental delay. It provides an opportunity to unwind, share ideas, and connect with others who understand. MyTime members come from diverse backgrounds, with children who have various abilities and needs.

Forest Hill (Chinese)
Where: Contact for venue details
Coordinated by: Down Syndrome VIC
When: Weekly on Monday at 10:00am–1:00pm
Contact: Madison King, (03) 9486 9600

Blackburn
Where: Contact for venue details
Coordinated by: Down Syndrome VIC
When: Fortnightly on Friday at 10:00am–1:00pm
Contact: Madison King, (03) 9486 9600

To search for other MyTime groups, please see the MyTime website. 

Partners Support Group 

A monthly peer support group for people who care for a partner with mental health issues. The group offers time out for carers to relax in a safe and friendly environment, information sharing and social connection along with occasional day trips/lunch outings.

When: First Saturday of the month, 1:00 – 3:00pm
Where: The Bendigo Bank Room (at the back of Café Oliru): 60 Railway Avenue, East Ringwood
Contact: To express interest register online www.vmch.com.au/carer-events or call VMCH on 1300 698 624

Roses in the Ocean - Connection Groups for people supporting loved ones in crisis

Roses in the Ocean offers Connection Groups for individuals supporting loved ones facing suicide, crisis, self-harm, or suicide attempts. These groups provide a space for carers to share experiences and connect with others, led by facilitators with lived experience. The groups last 1.5 hours, including a brief break, and are held online via Zoom, with the link sent on the day of the session.

Phone: 1300 411 461 (extension 223)
Website: www.rosesintheocean.com.au

SHARC Family Support Groups

Support for family and friends affected by someone’s drinking, drug use or gambling. Groups meet regularly (monthly or fortnightly) and have an educational component.

When: See the list of groups and meeting times on the SHARC website.
Contact: SHARC Helpline on 1300 660 068.

Umbrella Dementia Cafés

Umbrella Dementia Cafes are a network of informal and multigenerational community peer support groups, 
called 'cafés', designed for families and people living with early to mid-onset dementia to improve social health and well-being. Through the cafés we empower people living with dementia to regain their autonomy, boost their 
self-esteem and improve their wellbeing, while providing support to those in a caring role.    

Blackburn Cafe
Where: One Community Church, 184 Surrey Rd, Blackburn
When: Fortnightly on a Tuesday morning

Burwood Cafe
Where: Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre, Middlesborough Road, Burwood The Hollows, level 1 alongside the roof top garden.
When: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for afternoon tea

Box Hill South
Where: Box Hill South Neighbourhood House, 47 Kitchener Street, Box Hill South
When: Fortnightly on a Tuesday morning.

Contact: Register your interest to attend online www.umbrelladementiacafes.com.au or 
email enquiries@UmbrellaDementiaCafes.com.au 
Phone: 0401 364 696 
Website: Umbrella Dementia Cafes
Cost: $20 per couple and can be funded through Home Care Packages dependent on service provider terms and conditions.

Walks for Carers - Burwood Neighbourhood House

Walks for Carers support unpaid carers of a loved one with a disability, mental illness or aged person. Our carers get 
together once a month at their local neighbourhood house or centre, go for a walk, and chat about all things 
related and unrelated to being a carer over a cuppa. Our priority is improved carer wellbeing through social 
connection, informal peer support and information regarding carer services.  Walk is followed by simple morning tea at a neighbourhood house.  

Time: 9.45am for a 10am walk
Where: Burwood Neighbourhood House, 1 Church St, Burwood VIC 3125
When: First Monday of the month                                      
Contact: burwoodcommunityhouse@hotmail.com or call (03) 9808 6292

Walks for Carers - Box Hill South Neighbourhood House   

Time: 9.45am for a 10am walk       
Where: Box Hill South Neighbourhood House, 47 Kitchener St Box Hill South VIC 3128
When: Fourth Wednesday of the month
Contact: info@bhsnh.org.au or (03) 9898 8270

Welcome Café - Younger Onset Dementia

The Welcome Café is a supportive space for people with younger onset dementia and their families, partners, 
or friends. It offers an opportunity to connect and share experiences in a relaxed setting. Held in Box Hill, 
event locations are confirmed upon booking. Light morning tea and hot drinks are provided.

When: On the third Tuesday of each month
Where: healthAbility Box Hill, 43 Carrington Road Box Hill, or another nearby venue
Contact: healthability on ssg@healthability.org.au or 03 9430 9100

Younger Onset Dementia (YOD) Carer Support Group

The meetings are a great opportunity to meet other people who are living with similar experiences. Some of the carer meetings feature a guest speaker or educational video, others are reserved for you to have "Your Say". These informal gatherings provide the chance to ask questions, tell stories and to get advice from others. Sometimes it is just nice to know you are not alone and that others share the same frustrations, concerns and problems as yourself. Please feel free to come along and meet others for a cuppa, a chat and a chance to perhaps share your experiences with others.

When: Fortnightly, once a month on Zoom, and once a month in person. The group meets for lunch at a central venue.
Contact: Calendenia Dementia Care on 9727 2222 or email caladenia@caladenia.com.au.

If you would like your Carer Support Group to be listed on this webpage, pending eligibility, please contact ConnectandSupport@whitehorse.vic.gov.au. 

For a full list of Carer Support Groups in Victoria, please see the Carer Victoria Carer Support Groups website.