Not having to leave home to access support can be very handy for carers who are busy looking after loved ones. The Carer Gateway online community forum, an Australian Government initiative, has been designed to allow carers to join a safe, friendly online community to seek support, gain tips to support their caring role and reduce isolation.
Carers who look after loved ones with disability, chronic health conditions, mental health concerns or who are frail aged, can access the website 24/7, whenever suits them. It’s free and simple to use, with the option to simply read the conversations already there or become a member to post questions or add comments to existing chats.
There are specific topics to post within including a social space, a space for finding useful resources, a work and money space, and discussions regarding especially tough times carers can experience. This helps carers looking for tips to find them easily. There is also a search function to further target specific information.
“The community here is very welcoming and supportive,” posts one user.
Learn more and join the discussions at the Carer Gateway Community Forum.
A Carer Gateway Phone Counselling Service provides free phone counselling sessions for carers. To access the service, simply call 1800 422 737 and select Option 2 from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday.
You can also access your local Carer Gateway service provider for in-person services by calling 1800 422 737 and selecting Option 1.
The Carer Gateway Community Forum and Phone Counselling Service are both managed by CatholicCare Sydney.