How we can support you

Support Services for Families and Carers

Working with families, nominated persons and carers is integral to the provision of high-quality specialist mental health care. Alfred Mental and Addiction Health is committed to working collaboratively with family members, supporters, nominated persons and carers in meaningful ways. We recognise the pivotal role family and friendship networks play in addressing the health needs, wellbeing and recovery of our clients.

Flexible family support and interventions are offered across all parts of our service. Some of the supports offered include:

Carer peer workers

Carer peer workers have experience with a family member or friend going through a mental illness. They provide an opportunity to share stories with someone who has experienced similar challenges. Peer support workers focus on building connection, providing empathy, support and moving forwards. There are carer peer workers available across all parts of our service.

Get involved

We work within a co-design framework that includes the voices of consumers, carers, families and clinicians working collaboratively to provide the best possible care.

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Your Rights

It is important that all people receiving care from our services are aware of their rights when accessing healthcare and feel supported to exercise these.

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Translation Services

We are a culturally responsive health service committed to responding to the needs of patients from a culturally and linguistically diverse background (CALD) 

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Helpful contacts

Young carer supports

Carer Gateway
Australia-wide network of Carer service providers. You can refer yourself by requesting a call back or call direct. Carer Gateway has online self-coaching and carer skills programs. P: 1800 422 737
Alfred Health Carer Services
A service that provides advice and support for carers located in Melbourne's south
Australian Kookaburra
The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation supports children aged 8-18 years, living with families affected by mental illness. P: 1300 566 525
Satellite Foundation
The Satellite Foundation offers both online and in-person programs for children and young people who have a parent with mental illness.
Little Dreamers
Supporting young people aged 4 to 25 who provide care for a family member affected by disability, chronic or mental illness, addiction or frail age. They have a variety of online and face to face supports including camps, job readiness programs, holiday programs and peer support. P: 1800 717 515
CHAMPS program
CHAMPS is program for children aged 8-12 who have a parent/s with a mental health issue, including children who do not live with their birth parents.
Space4Us
Space4Us is a peer support group for young people aged 12-18 years who have a parent, carer or family member living with mental health challenges either in the home or in their family network.
Feel the Magic
Feel the Magic provides early intervention grief education programs for kids aged 7 to 17, who are experiencing pain and isolation due to the death of a parent, guardian, or sibling. P: 1300 602 465
Young Carers Network
The Young Carers Network (YCN) is a nationally coordinated online resource to raise young carer awareness, provide information, and direct young carers to appropriate pathways for support.
Young Carers Connect
Young Carers Connect is all about having a laugh, playing games and meeting other young people from across Australia who care for others. There are online groups for 12 - 17 years and 18 – 25 years.

Other helpful resources

Tandem
Representing family and friends supporting people living with mental health issues, Tandem provides information, advocacy, research and community awareness about caring for people experiencing mental ill-health.
Mental Health First Aid
First aid information and courses teaching simple, practical first aid skills for helping those experiencing mental health problems.
Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI)
A national initiative developing information for parents, their family and friends in support of these young people.
Raising Children Network
Provides free, reliable, up-to-date information to help your family grow and thrive together
Family Drug Help
A program provideing practical help, information and support to families and friends impacted by someone’s drug and alcohol use. P: 1300 660 068
Beyond Blue - supporting others
How you can be the best support while helping loved one who are experiencing tough times. P: 1300 22 4636
Bipolar Australia
A national not-for-profit organisation representing everyone affected by bipolar.
BPD Australia
National Education Alliance For Borderline Personality Disorder
BPD Community
A grassroots, peer led, independent not for profit organization dedicated to providing a voice for all members of the BPD community in Victoria.
SANE - you are not alone
When someone close to you has suicidal thoughts or attempts suicide, it can be hard to respond to their needs while also looking after yourself. P: 1800 187 263
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service
The Orange Door
Providing referral and information support to families including family violence support. P: 1800 319 353
Safe Steps - Family Violence Response Centre
Victoria’s statewide first response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence. P: 1800 015 188 (24/7)
Hearing Voices Vic
Voices Vic is a program led by people with a lived experience of mental ill health, which seeks to improve the lives of people who hear voices.
WIRE
Support, referrals and information for women in Victoria for issues from housing, to legal, to finances. P: 1300 134 130
SHARC
Family Drug and Gambling Help provides practical help, information and support to families and friends affected by someone’s drinking, drug use or gambling. P: 1300 660 068
Black dog institute
Research organisation with fact sheets on many mental health diagnosis.