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 

Contact our friendly team on

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 Family and Carer-led Centre

Providing support to families, carers, friends and supporters of people living with mental health or substance use concerns.

The North East Metro Family and Carer-led Centre is a warm and welcoming space available to family, carers, friends and supporters of people living with mental health or alcohol and other drug use challenges.

The Centre is co-designed and led by people with lived/living experience of being a family member or carer.

Limited drop-in sessions have now started. Full services are expected to commence later in 2023.

Drop in sessions

Drop-in sessions provide family members, carers, friends and supporters with access to information, peer support, and the opportunity to relax and have a cup of tea.  No referral or appointment is needed, you can just drop in when it suits you.  

Hawthorn 
Where: Hawthorn Community House 
Address: 32 Henry St, Hawthorn 3122 
When: Tuesdays 2pm-4pm

Lilydale  
Where: Lilydale Youth Hub  
Address: 5/9 Clarke St, Lilydale 3140 
When: Mondays 10am-12pm

Further information

To learn more visit accesshc.org.au/northeast-FCLC or email FCLC@accesshc.org.au

AccessHC, along with partners  Self Help Addiction Recovery Centre (SHARC), healthAbility, and Inspiro are leading the establishment of the Centre in the North East Metro region.

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Contact our team by sending us an online enquiry or call us on

FAQs

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