If you are providing unpaid support to a family member or friend who has been affected by the recent fires, you may be finding your caring role harder to manage right now. Alongside emergency services that focus on safety, housing and finances, you may need extra support to keep caring for the person you look after.

This includes help to:

• Keep caring even if your usual routines are disrupted or you need to move temporarily
• Look after the person you care for while accessing emergency or recovery services
• Find short-term or emergency support including respite
• Navigate multiple services at the same time.

Carers Victoria and Carer Gateway can help carers understand the support available and how to access it when needed.

About Carers Victoria

Carers Victoria supports unpaid carers across Victoria – people who look after a family member or friend with disability, chronic illness, mental illness, aged-related needs or other care requirements.

Carers Victoria can help carers:

• Understand what supports are available to you as a carer
• Navigate services in your local area
• Access carer specific support during recovery
• Find practical support when caring responsibilities are affected by an emergency
• Access information, advice and referrals when needed.

Carers Victoria – Statewide Advisory Line
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

About Carer Gateway

Carer Gateway is a free national service that supports carers including during emergencies and recovery.

Carer Gateway can help with:

• Emergency relief and practical support
• Support while carers are accessing emergency or recovery services
• Help to make sure the person you care for continues to be supported
• Referrals to other local supports

Carer Gateway
www.carergateway.gov.au

Other important resources