By BRIDGET COOK
A NEW service launched in Cranbourne last week will bring respite for carers of people with a mental illness.
More than 70 people attended the UnitingCare Community Options launch of its new Mental Health Respite Carer Support Options Service on Friday, which will service the Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong communities.
The service, funded by the Federal Government, will support carers over a 12-month period to achieve balance in their life, build their ability to sustain their caring role, improve their wellbeing and increase their confidence, capacity and choices.
The funding will allow support for 50 primary carers and 35 additional secondary carers over a 12-month period, until November 2016.
City of Greater Dandenong mayor Angela Long officially launched the service on Friday.
“I am delighted to officially welcome the Mental Health Respite Carer Support Options service to our region and look forward to working with you as part of our vibrant communities,” she said.
“UnitingCare Community Options is now able to to offer additional support for carers, improving their overall wellbeing, and, in turn, assisting in making their role as a care more valuable and sustainable.”
City of Casey councillor Gary Rowe, who spoke at the launch, said about 20,081 people living in the municipality reported unpaid care or assistance to family members or others.
“That is 10.4 per cent of our population who are providing care to someone living with a disability, which includes mental illness,” he said.
“This is a critical community service that will provide much-needed support to people in Casey who are caring for someone living with a mental illness.
“UnitingCare Community Options is a cornerstone of community-based support for people with a disability or mental illness and their families and carers in the City of Casey.”
UnitingCare Community Options program manager Aimi Johnson said there were a number of aspects that set this service apart from others, including the appointment of peer worker Rose Coulter who has cared for someone with a mental illness.
“UnitingCare Community Options ensures that participants have a voice in the decision making process through various forums, such as our participant committee,” she said.
“Carers accessing Mental Health Respite Carer Support Options will also be invited to participate in a Peer Reference Group that will inform the service design and delivery of Peer Support.
“Carers who don’t participate in the peer reference group will regularly have the opportunity to provide feedback about what they want and need.”
Ms Johnson said another point of difference was that all carers accessing the service would have the opportunity to work one-on-one on a range of goals over a 12-month period with a package of brokerage to assist them achieve their goals.
“Carers will develop an individualised care plan with the partnership worker that takes a holistic view of the carer’s life, capitalising on natural supports, connecting the carers to community and other interests enabling them to recognise their needs and take time out from the caring role,” she said.
