Carer Support
Care Opinion
Care Opinion is an independent site where anyone can share their stories about their experience of care. The site covers health and aged care, and community services in Australia, giving service users, their families and carers the opportunity to publish their personal experiences, good or bad, of the care system.
Youth Focus Behaviour Exchange System Therapy (BEST)
Are you worried about your child’s mental health or substance use? The Behaviour Exchange and Systems Therapy (BEST) program may be suitable for your family.
The Behaviour Exchange System Therapy (BEST) program has been proven in research studies to be an effective treatment for young people aged 12 to 24 with substance use problems and other mental health issues, and in engaging at-risk young people who would otherwise not access the mental health or community health system for treatment.
The BEST program works by providing support to parents and carers, who in turn are able to more effectively help their young people. As research has demonstrated, improved family function is the key to making these changes. The program has a proven record in reducing harmful substance abuse, at-risk behaviour including conduct and criminal behaviour, and improved mental health.
Carers WA
Support for family and carers
Carers WA is non-profit, community-based organisation and registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of family carers living in Western Australia.
Services are available to individuals who are providing unpaid care and support to a family member or loved one living with mental health challenges, disability, a long-term medical condition (including terminal or chronic illness), substance dependency or frailty due to age.
Carers WA offers a range of innovative programs and services for carers aimed at providing practical and emotional support. Services include the provision of specialist information and advice, resources and carer support through education/training, social support and carer advocacy and representation.
Carers WA is also the lead service provider for Carer Gateway services in WA. Services include in-person peer support, counselling, respite care and financial assistance.
To learn more about services available through Carers WA, visit https://www.carerswa.asn.au/our-services/.
Contact
Brody MacLeod, Community Engagement Officer
engage@carerswa.asn.au
0479 112 210
HelpingMinds – Mental Health and Carer Support
HelpingMinds® offers free support to the family and friends of people living with mental health challenges across WA. We were founded nearly 45 years ago and we understand that having a loved one who is experiencing mental ill-health can be a difficult and isolating experience.
Free and confidential mental health services include:
Counselling and support groups for family and friends
Early intervention programs for children and young people 8-18 years
Assistance and support through the NDIS
Mental health educational programs in schools and for the community
Helping family and friends to understand their rights and have their voice heard (Advocacy services)
Mental health supports to all carers under the Carer Gateway scheme in regional WA including palliative, old age, chronic disease, disability, and mental health carers.
Contact
Tom Lowther – Mental Health Promotions Officer
tom.lowther@helpingminds.org.au
Hayley Solich – Carer Peer Engagement Officer
hayley.solich@helpingminds.org.au
08 9247 7100
helpingminds.org.au
Kinship Connections Family Carer Support Service
Our Family Carer Support Service offers a wraparound service to assist Family Carers of the Department of Communities (previously known as DCP) to help with their caring roles. This includes managing children with challenging behaviours, setting up effective routines and structures in their home, general support in everyday life and liaising effectively with the Department.