Information for carers, families and supporters
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission can take complaints from carers, family members and supporters about their own experiences or on behalf of a consumer. Consumer consent may be required depending on the nature of the complaint, please get in touch with us to discuss.
If you are a carer, family member or supporter, we encourage you to contact us to:
- discuss your concerns
- for any information, advice or assistance
- give feedback
You can contact us by:
Phone 1800 246 054 (free call) or email: help@mhwc.vic.gov.au or go to our complaints page.
Whether or not you are making a complaint about a Victorian public mental health and wellbeing service or provider, you might want some support. The following organisations may be able to help carers, families and supporters:
Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centres
The centres provide carers of all ages with the vital networks they need to keep caring, while still looking after their own wellbeing.
Anyone supporting people living with mental health and substance use challenges or psychological distress can access these centres and no referral is needed.
They can be accessed in person, without an appointment or via phone or online booking. Visit their website.
Tandem
The Victorian peak body representing family and friends supporting people living with mental health problems or psychological, social and emotional distress.
Contact: Phone 1800 314 325 or visit their website.
Carer Gateway
An Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers.
Contact: Phone 1800 422 737 or visit their website.
Carers Victoria
They offer free mental health services to carers who live in Melbourne’s western metropolitan area (Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Melton, Moonee Valley or Wyndham). They:
- offer counselling support
- arrange respite and may be able to help with the costs
- organise workshops on topics of interest to carers
- provide information about appropriate respite options that may be available
- link you to other services that may be able to help
- put you in touch with peer-led carer support groups.
Visit their website or call 1800 514 845.
The Victorian Support for Carers Program
They provide tailored support based on a carer's individual needs and circumstances. They can:
- meet a carer's short-term, high level support needs
- respond to a carer's immediate needs in a timely way
- provide short-term top up services to supplement a carer's broader service system supports.
Visit their website or call 1800 514 845.
Resources for young carers
Satellite Foundation
They have a range of programs aimed at young people aged 8-25 years, focusing on activities that foster creativity, hope and connection. They also offer 3-day holiday camps. Visit their website or call 1800 973 444.
Little Dreamers
They offer school holiday programs, coaching, tutoring and personal development programs. Visit their website or call 1800 717 515.
FAPMI (Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness)
They offer peer support programs for children and young people to connect with others, learn about mental illness, develop self-care and coping strategies, and have fun. For more information, ask your mental health professional or visit their website.
COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness)
They offer resources for children and young carers on their website.
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