Carer Support

Presently over 2.7 million Australian’s provide care and support to a family member or friend with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail aged. Our Carer Support groups highlight the importance of carers caring for their own wellbeing, as many are at risk of social isolation and loneliness.

The Carer Support groups are for people caring for older people and people with disabilities. These groups provide respite, information and support in a relaxed, friendly environment. The groups provide an opportunity for carers to get together with other people that truly understand the mix of emotions and challenges that come with being a carer.

Servicing the Eastern and North Eastern regions of Melbourne and facilitated by a health professional, the groups offer carers the opportunity to:

  • Learn new information and hear from speakers to support you in your carer role

  • Meet other carers, listen to and share experiences, as you feel comfortable

  • Learn from others in a supportive environment

  • Experience and develop skills in relaxation and mindfulness

  • Provide respite, information and support in a relaxed, friendly environment

If you are interested in joining our Carers Group or are looking for respite services, please contact us on 9430 9100


At healthAbility, we constantly aim to improve our services, and the greatest feedback we can receive is from our clients and carers.

We would be grateful for your feedback by taking part in a short Support for Carers survey using the link below. The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete. All results are confidential and anonymous.
Take the healthAbility Support for Carers survey 

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Our Carer Support Groups

At healthAbility, we believe that carers need support to provide the best care possible for their loved ones. With this in mind, we provide a wide range of Carer Support Groups as well as Connect Well Groups for senior or those living with a disability, with carer respite services available.

  • Carer Support Group Designed specifically for carers, this group allows fellow carers to meet monthly in a friendly, relaxed environment for social interaction, conversation and support. Our Carer Support Group gives you the opportunity to:

    • Meet other carers, listen to and share experiences, as you feel more comfortable

    • Learn new information from a range of guests. In the past we have had guest speakers from Carers Victoria, a Reflexology therapist, a Tai Chi instructor and Grief Australia

    • Develop skills in relaxation and mindfulness

  • Dementia Program This program offers a stimulating environment to encourage social interactions for people living with dementia. It also offers flexible respite options for carers.

  • Out and About Young Onset Dementia This group involves small outings in the community and sometimes includes music, bowling and tourist attractions around Melbourne. It also provides respite for carers.

  • Social Support Group This group encourages older people to enjoy each other’s company and socialise. It also offers respite for carers.

  • The Welcome Cafe (Younger Onset Dementia) This group is for people with younger onset dementia and their family, partners, friends and carers, and everyone can chat and share experiences in a safe, supportive environment.

If you would like to join one of our Carer Support Groups, please contact us 9430 9100.


Two senior ladies sitting in a garden courtyard sharing a cup of tea together

Benefits of attending our Carer Support Groups

While carers often do a fabulous job of caring for their friends or loved ones, they often neglect the importances of caring for themselves. 

Benefits of joining our Carer Support Groups:

  • Feeling connected Many carers express feelings of isolation and loneliness. Our Carer Support Groups are designed to address feelings of isolation and provide a place where you can make connections and talk to people in similar situations.  

  • Feeling heard Our Carer Support Groups provide a safe space for carers to share thoughts and experiences without the fear of judgement. You can confidently express yourself, knowing those around you intimately understand your experience.

  • Avoiding burnout They say you can’t pour from an empty cup, so it’s important to avoid burnout and commit to regular self-care. Our Carer Support Groups provide a place where you can unwind and take a break.

  • Gaining perspective Socialising with other caregivers can give you a powerful realisation: you are not alone. Knowing this, you can maintain a more positive outlook and reduce the risk of burnout.

  • Gaining knowledge Support Groups can be a valuable source of information who are new to caregiving and individuals who have been caregiving for a long time. You can share tips and advice on dealing with various situations and recommend other locally-based services.


healthAbility Feel Well Together

North East Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect

Free support for family and carers of people with mental health or substance use concerns

The North East Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect service is a warm and welcoming space for family, carers, and supporters of people living with mental health or substance use concerns.

It is a space for families to drop in and connect with each other and or our Family Peer Workers who have their own lived experience of caring for a family member with mental health or substance use concerns.

Our services are provided in a range of ways to ensure they are accessible. We provide services in person at the hub and satellite sites, over the phone and via telehealth. You can drop in or call us to book an appointment. We also have resources and information available via our website: https://thefirststop.org.au/

Services include:

  • Individual and group-based peer support
  • Family counselling (from October 2023)
  • Information, resources and practical support
  • Practical and financial assistance
  • Education sessions and group programs (from October 2023)

Ivanhoe Hub

Our hub site in Ivanhoe is open from Monday 4 September:

Location: Suite 3/50 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe
Phone: 
(03) 8850 4150
Opening hours:
 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Satellite Sites

Drop in to our Satellite sites – no appointment necessary:

healthAbility Eltham (Fridays 10am-12.30pm) - 917 Main Road, Eltham 

Yarra Ranges Youth Space (Mondays 10am-12pm) - 5/9 Clarke St, Lilydale

Ashburton Camcare (Wednesdays 12pm-2pm) - 4 Y Street, Ashburton

More satellite sites will be added in the coming months.

To find out more get in touch at MHWC@accesshc.org.au or call 8850 4150.

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FAQs

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