Carer Respite Support

Until June 2022, CBCHS is funded to provide eligible unpaid carers with respite support, allowing them to participate in up to 20 hours of respite activities organised and supported by CBCHS.

This support and care is available to unpaid carers providing informal support to a person who is frail, aged, has a disability, chronic illness, mental illness or other vulnerabilities. An unpaid carer could be a family member, a close friend, a neighbour or another contact providing unpaid care.

Our respite support activities are intended to provide carers a break from their caring role to connect, socialise or simply have ‘time out’ for themselves.

Respite care is available for a maximum of 20 hours per carer until June 2022.

Carer Events – Caring for our Carers!

We’re proud to present a series of FREE events aimed at providing you with a break from your day-to-day responsibilities as a caregiver. The first events in the program are a series of complimentary Festive lunches in December 2021.

Space is limited and bookings are essential – please register as soon as possible so you don’t miss out!

If you are an unpaid carer for a child with a disability, click here to register for a free lunch event at Milanos in Brighton.

If you are an unpaid carer for an adult with a disability, click here to register for a free lunch event at the Cheltenham RSL.

Are you attending our event for the first time?

You must register with us to attend our events – Register Here now! Upon submission of your details, we will verify your eligibility. Eligible carers will receive information from us via email about our activities and programs over the following few months.

What are the aims of the Carer Respite Support Program?

• Assist with respite to meet individual needs to benefit the carer and / or the person being cared for
• Improve quality of life for the carer, the person being cared for and their family
• Link carers with local support services and groups
• Enable carers to continue in their caring role
• Contribute to a better understanding of the importance of the carer and the significance of the caring role
• Provide support and information to carers to help them in their caring roles.

What are some of the benefits for carers?

• The chance to take a break from caring to do something for your own wellbeing.
• Connect with other carers for support, activities and new friendships
• Re-invigorate health and wellbeing.

What are some of the benefits for those being cared for?

• Have a change from the everyday in a safe, nurturing environment
• Meet new people who are friendly and caring
• Experience new activities.

How can I access this service?

Register here by sharing the required carer and care recipient details. Upon submission of your details, we will verify your eligibility. Eligible carers will receive information from us via email about our activities and programs over the following few months.

Who is a carer?

You may hear people being referred to as an unpaid carer or a family carer or someone providing informal supports.  This means caring is not their job but something they do as a spouse, partner, parent, sibling or even as a friend, neighbour or young carer.  You don’t have to be related to someone to be their carer.

Carers support people in a range of ways. Unlike parenting where a child will become independent, unpaid carers look after someone who needs assistance to keep living at home. Attending appointments, transport, cooking, organising medication, shopping and personal care are all activities a carer may undertake.  In some cases, this is a fulltime unpaid job.  With help, some carers also work, study and continue to care for their care recipients.

CBCHS acknowledges the funding provided by the Victorian Government to run this program.