Family and Carer Resource Hub
A collection of trusted information, services and resources to help you and your family in your caring role.
I’m Worried About Someone I Care About
Help in Tough Times
You Are Not Alone
You’ve been supporting someone for a while now and it’s perhaps time to think about your own support needs. These services and resources can help you with your own wellbeing and with knowledge and skills to help you in your caring role.
Supporting someone with mental health challenges can often be challenging, tiring and lonely.
Here are a range of resources to help you and your family along the journey.
Support Services for Families and Carers
Access carer support, peer groups, education, advocacy and practical information to help you throughout your caring journey.
Arafmi’s carer support services
Keep up to date with the latest information from Arafmi
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Find free and low-cost local services, including:
- Food and emergency relief
- Housing and accommodation
- Financial assistance
- Domestic and family violence support
- Legal and health services
The Handy Guide
A Queensland directory connecting women with health, housing, legal, safety and community support services.
www.thehandyguide.com.au
1800 4 WOMEN
Free counselling, information and referrals for women across Queensland.
1800 496 636
www.wheq.org.au/1800-4-women/
Legal and Advocacy Support
These organisations can help with legal issues, advocacy and protecting your rights as a family member or carer.
Basic Rights Queensland
Free advocacy and legal support for issues including Centrelink, carer payments, the NDIS, discrimination and mental health.
www.brq.org.au
Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion (QAI)
Advocacy for people with disability, including support with NDIS matters, decision-making and protecting rights.
www.qai.org.au
Women’s Legal Service Queensland
Free legal advice and support for women experiencing domestic and family violence, family law issues and relationship breakdown.
www.wlsq.org.au
Community Legal Centres Queensland
Find your nearest community legal centre for free or low-cost legal advice and assistance.
www.communitylegalqld.org.au
Legal Aid Queensland
Legal information, advice and representation for eligible Queenslanders.
www.legalaid.qld.gov.au
DVConnect
24/7 crisis support, safety planning and emergency accommodation.
Women’s Line: 1800 811 811
Mensline: 1800 600 636
www.dvconnect.org
Domestic Violence Action Centre
Counselling, advocacy and support for people experiencing domestic and family violence.
www.dvac.org.au
Women’s Legal Service Queensland
Legal support for women experiencing domestic and family violence.
www.wlsq.org.au
Find domestic and family violence services
Elder Abuse Prevention Unit (EAPU)
Free confidential information, support and referrals for older people, families, carers and professionals.
1300 651 192
www.eapu.com.au
Support Services for Children and Young People
Children and young people who support a family member or friend experiencing mental health challenges often take on caring responsibilities too. These organisations provide information, counselling, peer support and programs designed specifically for young carers and their families.
Carer Gateway
Young Carer Specialists provide tailored support and funding to help young carers in their caring role.
1800 422 737
www.carergateway.gov.au
Carers Queensland
Free information, advice and support to help young carers stay well, continue learning or working, and stay connected.
1800 242 636
www.carersqld.com.au
Eating Disorders Queensland
Coaching, support groups, workshops and programs for carers, including young carers.
07 3844 6055
www.eatingdisordersqueensland.org.au
Head to Health Kids Queensland (Brisbane)
Supports children aged 0–12 and their families with mental health, developmental and behavioural needs.
www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/services/head-to-health-kids
headspace
Mental health support for young people aged 12–25.
1800 650 890
www.headspace.org.au
Kids Helpline
Free, confidential 24/7 counselling for young people aged 5–25.
1800 551 800
www.kidshelpline.com.au
Little Dreamers
Support, coaching and programs for young carers aged 4–25.
1800 717 515
www.littledreamers.org.au
Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation
Programs supporting young carers impacted by family mental illness.
1300 566 525
www.kookaburrakids.org.au
Mind Blank
Interactive theatre and arts programs building mental health awareness and skills.
0468 912 391
www.mindblank.org.au
Learn more about what it means to be a young carer and available supports.
Young Carer fact sheet
Understanding Mental Health Conditions
These sites provide trusted information about a variety of mental health conditions.
Finding North
Evidence-based information and resources for families and carers.
www.findingnorth.org.au
SANE
Fact sheets and guides on mental health conditions and recovery.
www.sane.org/information-and-resources/facts-and-guides
Beyond Blue
Information on anxiety, depression and supporting someone with mental health challenges.
www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health
Orygen
Resources for supporting young people and families.
www.orygen.org.au/Training/Resources
Financial Support and Advice
Supporting someone with mental health challenges can sometimes create financial pressures. These organisations can help with payments, counselling and managing money.
Services Australia – Carer Payment and Carer Allowance
Information about financial support for eligible carers.
www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/caring-for-someone
Companion Card Queensland
Free access for companions attending venues and activities.
www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/companion-card
Carer Business Discount Card
Access discounts and offers for eligible carers.
www.qld.gov.au/community/support-for-carers/carer-card
Services Australia – Managing your money
Financial assistance and budgeting support.
www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/managing-your-money
UnitingCare Financial Counselling
Free confidential financial counselling.
www.unitingcareqld.com.au/services-and-support/financial-counselling-services
Financial Counselling Queensland
Find a local financial counsellor.
www.fcq.org.au
Small Business Financial Counselling
Support for small business owners experiencing financial stress.
www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-services/financial/financial-counsellors
Rural Financial Counselling Service
Support for rural communities and businesses.
www.rfcssq.org.au (South QLD)
www.rfcsnq.com.au (North QLD)
Australian Banking Association – Financial Assistance Hub
Information about bank hardship support.
www.ausbanking.org.au
Gambling Help Queensland
Financial counselling and support for gambling-related issues.
www.gamblinghelpqld.org.au
Financial difficulties and mental health challenges
Guidance on supporting someone managing financial stress and mental health.