10 February 2022
Mind Australia will deliver urgently needed respite and support services in regional Victoria for the primary carers of people with mental ill-health, as part of a major carer support package announced by the Victorian government this month.
New carer support groups will be launched in Loddon Shire in northern Victoria to help carers strengthen their capabilities in their caring role. The groups will also support carers to form important support networks with other carers in their area, helping to overcome common issues such as isolation.
The Loddon Shire includes towns such as Inglewood, Pyramid Hill, Wedderburn and Shelbourne.
The program will also provide carers with valuable respite from the responsibilities of their carer role. “People who care for someone with mental ill-health often experience isolation, reduced opportunities for employment and income generation, and all too often must learn as they go when it comes to taking care of their loved one,” Mind CEO Gill Callister said.
“The pandemic has only exacerbated the isolation and stresses that carers often face – and we know that a local approach is more important than ever. Mind welcomes this opportunity to bring our years of experience supporting carers to Loddon Shire. “
These services will be modelled on Mind’s existing carer respite and support programs, which have provided much needed support for the carers of people with mental ill-health across Australia over several years. The Loddon program has been funded to the end of June 2022.
Carers in the Loddon region interested in this program can call Mind’s Carer Helpline on 1300 544 660 for more details. Find more information for carers on the Mind website.
