When you care for someone, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do. But your wellbeing matters too.
If you support a family member, partner or friend who has a disability, a health condition, mental illness or is frail due to age — you are a carer. And you don’t have to do it alone.
Carer Gateway offers free services and support just for carers — to help you keep caring, without losing yourself. Because your mental and physical health is the foundation for everything you do.
Call us today or request a callback to find the support that’s right for you.
Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.org.au to learn more - or fill out the form below to request a callback and get started.
What is Carer Gateway?
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program offering a range of free supports and services tailored to the unique needs of carers. This includes a range of services, including counselling, coaching, practical assistance, tailored support packages, in-person peer support with other carers, and emergency or planned respite.
This inclusive and accessible program ensures safety and support for anyone, regardless of age, ability, gender, culture and sexuality. Services are delivered in-person, online and over the phone.
In Victoria, Holstep Health leads the Carer Gateway program in a consortium of seven healthcare organisations to deliver comprehensive care and assistance across the state.
Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm to learn about the supports and services available to you or click the link to get started.
Emotional and practical services for carers
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. That’s why Carer Gateway offers a wide range of emotional and practical services – to support you in your caring role and help you look after your own wellbeing too.
Whether you need someone to talk to, time to rest, financial guidance, or skills to feel more confident, Carer Gateway is here for you. All services are free and tailored to your needs.
Explore the full range of support available to you below and learn more about each service and how to access it.
Finding support
- Tailored Support Packages– support tailored to you, get help where you need it most. It could be accessing planned respite, transport services, and more.
- In-person and Phone Counselling – speak with a counsellor to discuss your situations and work through your emotions.
- Financial Support – you may be eligible for financial support to help you in your caring role.
Connect and develop
- Online Carer Skills Courses – Get practical tips and insights to build skills that support your caring role — from managing stress and improving communication to legal guidance, better sleep, and staying socially connected.
- In-person and Online Coaching – explore how your caring role impacts different parts of your life, with self-guided or one-on-one support to help you gain clarity, confidence and balance.
- In-person and Online Peer Support Groups – connect with other carers, share your experiences, and learn from each other in a safe, supportive space where you’re truly understood.
Being prepared
- Access to Planned + Emergency Respite - take time to rest and recharge, or get urgent support if you’re suddenly unable to provide care due to illness, injury or other unexpected situations.
You don’t have to have it all figured out or know what to ask. Just start by reaching out.
Whatever you’re going through, we’re here to listen. You can talk through what’s been hard lately, and together, we’ll find the support that’s right for you.
You’re not alone — and you don’t have to do this on your own.
Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.org.au to learn more - or fill out the form below to request a callback and get started.
Who can access Carer Gateway's services?
All carers can access Carer Gateway services.
You are a carer if you are looking after someone with disability, a medical condition, mental illness or who is frail due to age.
It is not means tested and you don’t need to be a new carer to use Carer Gateway services – any carer can use the services at any time in their caring journey or if the needs of the person they care for change meaning their caring role changes as well.
Who is my local Carer Gateway service provider?
In Victoria, Carer Gateway is led by Holstep Health and delivered through a consortium of experienced health and community organisations across the state, including Alfred Health, Uniting Vic.Tas, Barwon Health, Bendigo Health, Grampians Health and Family Carer.
Carer Gateway is delivered in your local area by people who know your community and are here to support you. Whether you live in metropolitan Melbourne or in a regional or rural town, help is never far away.
Support is just one call away. Don’t wait until you’re burnt out – get help now!
Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.org.au to learn more - or fill out the form below to request a callback and get started.
More information
Everything you need to know about carer support is available by visiting the Carer Gateway website or by calling 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm local time. You can also request a call back here.
Each region in Australia has a Carer Gateway service provider. This means that the person you talk to knows what support and services are available in the area.
In Victoria, Carer Gateway services are provided by a group of seven health and social support providers, led by Holstep Health. It includes Alfred Health, Grampians Health, Barwon Health, Bendigo Health Care Group, FamilyCare, and Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Ltd.
Collectively, we have more than 100 years of experience supporting carers in Victoria.
Carer Gateway has developed a new method for health professionals to refer carers to the free service, with referrals now able to be made online simply and safety. Visit: Carer Gateway - Make a Referral (carergatewayvictoria.org.au)
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative.
