Caring for our Carers
What we do
Bayside Peninsula and Southern Melbourne Metropolitan Area carers have access to free information and carer groups through BHN. City of Port Phillip, Bayside City, Cardinia Shire, Casey City, Frankston City, Glen Eira City, Greater Dandenong City, Kingston City, Monash City, and Stonnington are included.
There are challenges involved in every caring journey. It is important to maintain your own health and wellbeing. If you need carer respite or a group event in your area, we can help you find them.
Who is a carer?
People who provide informal support may be called unpaid caregivers or family carers. Caring is not their job; it’s something they do as a spouse, partner, parent, sibling, or even as a friend, neighbour or young carer. Caring for someone does not require you to be related to them.
Carers support people in a variety of ways. Caregiving for someone who needs assistance to live at home is different from parenting, where the child becomes independent. Carers may be responsible for attending appointments, transporting patients, cooking, arranging medication, shopping, and providing personal care. This can be a full-time unpaid job in some instances. In addition to caring for their care recipients, some carers also work, study, and continue to study.
Services Available
As part of our Support for unpaid Carers (State-funded) services, we provide the following:
- Education, peer support, and social events for carers
- In addition, we provide information on how to access respite services, resources, and support
- Encouraging carers in focusing on their own needs and goals
- Connecting carers with the right support services
Carer Groups & Events
- Carers’ social groups that facilitate networking and sharing of experiences and information
- Culture-specific groups for carers
- Yoga, walking groups, and other health and wellbeing activities
- Carer outings and opportunities
To register for our Carer Respite Program and events please click here.
To view and book a ticket for our current events please click here.
The aims and benefits of the Carer Respite Support Program
- Support the carer and/or person in need of respite by meeting their individual needs
- Enhance quality of life for carers, care recipients, and their families
- Connect carers with local support services and groups
- Provide support to carers so they can continue to provide care
- Improve understanding of the caring role and the importance of the carer
- Assist carers in their caring roles by providing them with information and support
- Provide a space for carers to take some time out to care for yourself
- Meet other carers for support, activities and form new friendships
- Rejuvenate your wellbeing
For more information, please contact 8551 7101.