Merri Health - Carer Services

Services and supports for carers in north and west metro Melbourne

What is it?

Merri Health works in partnership with carers and offers a range of supports, services and activities to strengthen your wellbeing and the wellbeing of the person you are caring for.

Who can use this service?

Carers living in Melbourne, Merri-bek, Darebin, Banyule, Yarra, Nillumbik, Hume, Whittlesea, Moonee Valley, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Wyndham.

You are a carer if you are looking after someone with disability, a medical condition, mental illness or who is frail due to age. Carers can be parents, partners, spouses, young people and children, other family members, friends or neighbours.

Any carer can use the service at any time in their caring journey.

What services, supports and activities do we provide?

Assessment and Planning: Our Assessment and Planning Officers provide short-term support for carers to navigate, coordinate and access the right services. We work with you to develop supports which are tailored to your needs.
One-on-one carer coaching: Meet with a trained carer coach to explore areas of your life you would like to change. A coach can work with you to create meaningful change and support you while you take steps towards meeting your goals. You can meet with a coach in person, online or over-the-phone.
Carer counselling: Carer counselling provides a safe and supportive space for carers to share their thoughts and feelings when they need support the most. You can choose to meet with a counsellor in person, or speak with them over the phone.
Peer support: This is an opportunity for you to meet others who also care for a family member or friend. By sharing stories, knowledge and experience, you can learn from and support each other. We help carers get in touch with groups that enable them to meet other like-minded people, in their local community, in a safe and supportive environment.
Respite and emergency respite: Respite is a short period of rest or break. It allows carers to focus on their own wellbeing. Respite can be for a few hours, days or for longer periods, depending on the carer’s needs, eligibility and what services are available. Respite may be planned or an urgent need. Your local Carer Gateway service provider can organise emergency respite care for the person you support, or for you, when an unexpected situation occurs.
Young carer support: We provide support to school aged carers who are looking after someone with a disability, mental illness, or is frail aged. The person you support may be a parent, sibling, other relative or a friend. We support you to manage your responsibilities as a carer, support you to thrive in school and connect you with other young carers in the community.
Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families: We are respectful of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s history and beliefs. We provide culturally appropriate and inclusive support and work in partnership with carers and community to get the supports they need.
Activities, events, workshops and carer engagement: Connect with other carers, socialise and share your experience and learn practical information to support you in your caring role.

Cost

Carer services are usually free.

Location

Various sites and locations, depending on the type of service and your place of residence.

Do I need a referral?

No, you do not need a referral. Call our team to register.

Where can I find out more?

More information about carer support is available by visiting the Carer Gateway website.

Register

Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm local time or request a call back here.

Already registered?

If you are currently receiving services and supports through Merri Health’s Carer Services Program or have specific questions about Victoria’s Support for Carers Program, you can contact us on 03 9495 2555.

Merri Health acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government for the Support for Carers Program.