Carer and Support Person Services

Carer and Support Person Portal

Welcome to the Carer and Support Person Portal, dedicated to those who provide essential care and support to individuals facing mental health and social/emotional wellbeing challenges.

Are You a Carer or Support Person?

Consider these questions:

• Do you provide practical, emotional, or financial support to someone experiencing mental health or social/emotional wellbeing issues?
• Are you worried about someone you know who is facing these challenges?
• Does someone depend on you for their care and support?

You are a Carer or Support Person if you answered “yes” to any of these.

Explore the links below to learn more about what this means for you and the individual you support.

What is a Carer/Support Person?

A Caregiver, or ‘Carer ‘, voluntarily offers ongoing care or assistance to another individual who requires support due to mental health or social/emotional well-being concerns. A Support Person provides similar support but may not identify as a ‘Carer ‘, viewing their support as part of their relationship with the person in need. We recognise this distinction using the terms’ caregiver’ and ‘Support Person ‘.

The Role of Carers and Support Persons

– Spend considerable time with the individuals they support.

Every caring relationship is unique, and how support is provided can vary widely. Carers and Support Persons may:

• Attend medical appointments and counselling sessions with them.
• Take time off work to fulfil these responsibilities.
• Assist with household tasks and daily activities.
• Provide financial support.
• Remind the individual to take their medication.

It’s important to acknowledge that while care and support can look different for everyone, the value of this support is immeasurable.

Why Carers and Support Persons Matter

Carers and Support Persons play a crucial role in the recovery and wellbeing of those they support. Their involvement can significantly impact outcomes, as evidenced by:

• 2.65 million unpaid carers in Australia (2019-2020).
• 2.2 billion hours of unpaid care provided.

Research shows that individuals with support from carers tend to have improved healing outcomes.

Contributing to Healing

Carers and Support Persons significantly contribute to the healing process because:

• They often know the individual better than anyone else, having been part of their life before the onset of their challenges.
• They provide valuable insights about the individual that can enhance the effectiveness of treatment plans.
• Their presence is often crucial both before accessing services and throughout the recovery journey.

The Impact of the Caring Role

Caring for someone with mental health or social/emotional wellbeing concerns can be demanding, affecting not only the individual receiving care but also the carer. Each carer’s experience is unique, and the commitment involved can lead to emotional and physical strain, increasing the risk of mental health challenges for themselves.

Recognising the importance of self-care, we encourage Caregivers and Support Persons to prioritise their wellbeing. This benefits them and positively influences the individuals they support, empowering them to make a significant difference in the care process.

Your Rights as a Carer/Support Person

Some laws protect and recognise the rights of Carers and Support Persons, ensuring their involvement in treatment decisions and safeguarding their wellbeing.

Our Commitment

At Wakai Waian Healing, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive practice that values the contributions of Carers and Support Persons. We offer:

• Educational Workshops: Tailored workshops to empower and educate Carers and Support Persons.
• Resource Hub: Access to vital information and resources.
• Support Access: Assistance from our Carer Support Person Advocate for any concerns.

Young Carers and Support Persons

Anyone under 25 can be classified as a Young Carer or Support Person. Young Carers provide essential support to family members or friends, often taking on responsibilities such as household chores, financial tasks, and emotional support.