Carer Gateway Program
Carer Gateway is a national support service funded by the Australian Government. It provides free support for carers through a network of regional Carer Gateway service providers. Wellways Australia delivers these services throughout Queensland and the New South Wales regions of South West Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains.
What services are available to Carers:
- Carer Support Planning
- Counselling
- In-Person Peer Support
- Facilitated Coaching
- Tailored Support Packages
- Emergency Respite Care
Carer Gateway services are available to carers who support family members or friends with a disability, mental health condition, chronic health condition, terminal illness, or who are frail aged. You don’t need to be a new carer to use Carer Gateway services – any carer can use the services at any time in their caring journey.
Visit the Carer Gateway
Who is a Carer?
A carer is someone who helps a family member or friend with daily tasks such as emotional support, personal care or administering medicine.
The Australian Government defines a carer someone who gives care and support to a relative or friend who: –
- Has a disability
- Has a mental health condition
- Has a medical condition
- Is frail because they are old (known as ‘frail aged’)
Many people don’t see themselves as a carer, just a mum, dad, sister, son, or friend, but anybody can be a carer at any time and also at any age. So, a young person can be considered a carer as well.
Unpaid carers have access to a range of resources, information, and supports provided by the Australian Government such as The Carer Gateway which provides free support for carers through a network of regional service providers.
How It Works
If you are a carer who uses Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as your primary form of communication, or if you care for someone who does, we can support you to connect to the Carers Gateway, undergo a brief planning assessment and facilitate follow-up support to ensure you are receiving access to the services you need.
Carers Gateway services are free to access for anyone who is a “carer”, defined as someone who gives care and support to a relative of friend with a disability, medical condition, mental health issues or who is frail aged.
Carer Gateway services include counselling, group support, practical assistance and planned or emergency respite.
Accessing Carer Support
If you or someone you know is a carer and would like to register for support, or you would simply like to know more, you can contact Carer Gateway services on 1800 422 737 (we can assist you in this process).
Carer Gateway can also be contacted through the National Relay Service.
To be eligible for support you need to be a carer and have provided ongoing support for at least 6 months.
Dedicated Carer Support Workers will support you to find and connect to services that support your wellbeing, while you support the wellbeing of others.
Through accessing supports and services carers can ensure they are in the best emotional space for their important caring role.
