Mental Health Family and Carer Services

Family, friends and carer wellbeing can be significantly impacted when the person they care about is experiencing mental health issues. Often family members, friends and carers put all their energy and time towards supporting the person they care about, and don’t consider, or place any priority on, their own relationships or wellbeing. By focusing on your own social and emotional wellbeing can have positive impacts for the recovery of the person you care about and your relationship with them. 

The services below can support family and carers at what can be a difficult time. They will support you with information on coping skills, help in building a network of support people (support groups) and assistance in navigating the mental health system and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). 

One Door Mental Health Carers Service

A 2 Francis Street, Muswellbrook
T  0466 453 078
W www.onedoor.org.au
E carerinfohne@onedoor.org.au

Information: Looking after someone living with mental illness can certainly take its toll. One Door Carer Services provides information, education, advocacy, and support, through the Family and Carer Mental Health Program (FCMHP). One Door’s Carer Advocates based in the Hunter New England area can provide individual support services as well as education and training for carers and families of someone living with mental illness. 

Funding	NSW Ministry of Health
Who can use the service?	Anyone aged 8 years and upwards
Referral + Assessment	Self-referral. No formal referral required.
Seeking Support (Intake)	Phone or email
What to expect (Initial Contact)	You will be contacted by a Carer Advocate who will explain the service, take your details and provide you with information about upcoming education programs, support groups and general mental health information.
WaitingPeriod	No waiting period
Cost	No cost
AreasCovered	Singleton LGA
Otherserviceareas	Hunter New England including Upper Hunter Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter Shire LGAs
Locations	Office at Muswellbrook
Telehealthfacilities	Phone and video link services available

Carer Gateway – Carers NSW 

A Suite 1/24 Beaumont Street, Hamilton NSW 2303
T 1800422737 (Monday to Friday)
W www.carergateway.gov.au

Information: Carer Gateway is the national network of support services for carers which commenced in April 2020.Carer Gateway services are free to access for anyone caring for a family member or friend who is living with a disability, a long term medical condition, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency or someone who is frail due to age.

What services are available?

Services for carers through Carer Gateway include:

• Individual counselling: To help carers maintain health and wellbeing in their caring role, and to assist in times of stress and overwhelm. Sessions can be delivered either in person or online. Carer Gateway counsellors are experienced with carer specific issues.
• Peer support: Helping carers connect with people in similar situations. Delivered in a group setting with a Carer Gateway facilitator, either face to face or online.
• Carer directed support packages: Financial assistance available for carers to access carer support services and for one off purchase to aid in the caring role.
• Planned and emergency respite: Temporary care for the person being looked after while the carer takes a break, or in case of an emergency.
• Carer coaching: Assist carers in acquiring the skills needed in their caring role, and help them setting and meeting their own goals. Available in person or online.

Funding	Federal Government
Who can use the service?	All carers. Any age
Referral + Assessment	Self-referral. No formal referral required
Seeking Support (Intake)	Phone or visit website
What to expect (Initial Contact)	When you phone, you will reach a Carer Gateway service provider in your area. A trained worker will be available to talk with you and then help you to find services and support to meet your needs
Waiting Period	No waiting period
Cost	No cost
Areas Covered	Singleton LGA
Other service areas	Hunter New England and Central Coast regions
Locations	Office at Hamilton
Telehealth facilities	Phone

Mental Health Carers NSW (MHCN) 

A Building C, Suite 2.02, 33 Saunders St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
T 1300 554 660 (free call) or 02 9332 07
W www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/
E MHCNadmin@mentalhealthcarersnsw.org

Information: As the peak body for mental health carers in NSW, MHCN represents the interests of mental health carers in NSW. MHCN regularly consults with carers across NSW to gain information on their opinions and experiences with the mental health system. MHCN uses the information gained in these consultations to provide feedback on policies and services on behalf of carers to the NSW Ministry of Health and to other government bodies.

By influencing changes in policy, legislation and service provision, MHCN aims to make a positive difference to the mental health system for carers.

If you are in NSW and are a family member, friend, or carer of someone with a mental illness, please call our Carers Connection Helpline if you would like to receive information, referrals and support

Funding	NSW Ministry of Health
Who can use the service?	All carers. Any age
Referral + Assessment	Self-referral. No formal referral required.
Seeking Support (Intake)	Phone or visit website
What to expect (Initial Contact)	When you phone, you will talk to a Carer Connections telephone service, run in conjunction withWayAhead, aims to listen to mental health carers, families and friends, and connect them with local supports and services for themselves eg support groups, social events, training, programs, etc.
Waiting Period	No waiting period
Cost	No cost
Areas Covered	All NSW
Other service areas	All NSW
Locations	Office at Sydney
Telehealth facilities	Phone