Companion Card

The Companion Card is issued by the Victorian government to people with a significant permanent disability, who are unable to access most community activities and venues without an attendant support. We are affiliated with the Companion Card program and we allow carers entry to our leisure centres at no cost.

Carer Card

The Carer Card is issued by the Victorian Government to primary carers of a person with a disability, severe medical condition or mental illness, or someone who is frail aged or in need of palliative care.

The card provides discounts and benefits from a range of participating businesses including restaurants, retail, travel and tourist attractions, utilities and much more.

Emotional support and service advice

The Australian Government's Carer Gateway program provides free services and support for carers to help manage their emotional health and wellbeing. These services include coaching, counselling, emergency respite, peer support and more.

In Victoria, these services are delivered through Merri Health.

Services are free for anyone looking after a family member or friend with disability, a medical condition, mental health condition or someone who is frail due to age.

You can also call Carer Gateway to get information on local services and support to help you.

Carers Victoria is another great resource for emotional support and service advice, telephone or online counselling sessions, in-home respite and other staffed essential services to come to your home, delivered goods and equipment, equipment that may help you through the social isolation and online supports and education.

Support for young carers

Carers Victoria's Young Carer Scholarship program gives young carers attending secondary school the opportunity to be acknowledged for their contributions to their family and the community.

The program allows them to participate in school or community based activities that enhance their skills, educational achievement and abilities. It also helps them to participate more fully in their community.

Monthly Walk in Yarra

Join our monthly walk to meet other local carers and to learn more about news, services and support available to carers of people with disability, mental illness or elderly people. Each walk is followed by a free morning tea.

Our walks take place on the last Monday of each month, starting at Abbotsford Convent.

Support for Frontline Workers

The Disability Support Toolkit is for frontline workers who support people with disability experiencing violence and abuse. It includes resources and information. The toolkit was developed by 1800RESPECT as part of the Disability Pathways Project.