SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Planning and linking families into flexible respite
• Support families to build and strengthen social networks
• Develop informal networks and peer support.

Wellness & Recreation Coordinators work with carers and the person they care for with a mental health illness to develop respite plans that may involve community activities.

CARERS

Carers are usually family members or friends who provide support to children or adults who have a mental illness. Carers may be parents, brothers, sisters, friends or relatives of any age. Carers may care for a few hours a week or all day every day. Some carers are eligible for government benefits, while others are employed or have a private income.

Caring can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Regular breaks from caring can help to relieve the stress and exhaustion you may feel from time to time. Breaks can also provide benefits for the person being cared for. They can give people new experiences and something to look forward to and memories to look back on.

RESPITE:

Breaks may be taken in your house or away from it. They may be for a few hours, a day, overnight or longer. It might mean you can go to an exercise class, attend a wedding, catch up with friends or family or go on holidays. It might be a regular weekly event or something that only happens once a year. 

There are many different types of respite. Some of the more common are:

• In home respite care
• Day care programs
• Residential respite care in an aged care facility
• Residential respite care for younger people with a mental illness 
• Weekend or holiday programs and opportunities. These can be for the carer, 
  the person with the mental illness, or the whole family.
• Recreational activities in the community
• Camps for carers of all ages.

We will discuss various options and if necessary refer to other services. As this is a very personal service, your respite plans will be tailored to fit your individual needs and those of the person you care for. Contact us for details.