A carer can be a family member or friend who provides support to a person with a mental illness or mental disorder. The peak body for carers in NSW is Carers NSW. They estimate that carers of people with a mental illness or disorder confront difficulties that can be emotionally, physically and financially stressful. The mental and physical health of carers can be at risk due to the complex difficulties this role involves.

Parramatta Mission/Lifeline Western Sydney has a program of Wellbeing and Support Groups for carers of people with a mental illness or mental disorder. Groups are held in Parramatta and Blacktown. Carers can attend the groups if they, or the person they care for, live within the local government areas of Auburn, Parramatta, Blacktown, Holroyd and Baulkham Hills. Carers are also encouraged to use the telephone counselling service provided by Lifeline Western Sydney for back up support. Phone number for telephone counselling is 13 11 14 (24 hours)

Objectives:
Focus on the needs of the carer
Be flexible with group content
Enhance skills to manage feelings of grief, guilt, anxiety and depression
Reduce social isolation
Enhance skills in communication
Assist in establishing formal and informal support networks

Project Activities:
Wellbeing group program (10 week program)
Support group (open group and ongoing)
Potential for individual counselling as needed
Backup 24 hour telephone counselling to all carers via Lifeline Western Sydney

Contact Details:
Sarah Joy
Lifeline Western Sydney
153 George St, Parramatta, 9891-6212
email: sarah@parramattamission.org.au

Click here to download our brochure..

Group Locations

Blacktown
Embark Cottage
38 Peter St, Blacktown

Buses from Blacktown Station
741. Get off at Fourth St
718. Get off at Cambridge St

Parramatta
Ellangowan House
153 George St, Parramatta

Buses from Parramatta Station
903, 904, 905, Get off at Gasworks Bridge

Carer Resources

Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre
Information, Advice, 1800 242 636
www.carersaustralia.com.au

Carers NSW
9280 4744
www.carersnsw.asn.au

Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre
Contact Point for Respite Care 1800 059 059

Commonwealth Carelink Centres
1800 52 52
www.commcarelink.health.gov.au 

Mental Health Information

Mental Health Association of NSW
Fact Sheets 9816 5688
www.mentalhealth.asn.au

Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW
Information, 9879 2600
www.sfnsw.org.au

SANE Australia
Information & Helpline 1800 18 SANE (7263).
www.sane.org

Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill (ARAFMI)
Information Line 9805 1883
www.arafmi.org

Mental Illness Fellowship of Victoria
Fact Sheets
www.mifellowship.org

Sane Australia
Information, Fact Sheets & Helpline 1800 18 SANE (7263)
www.sane.org.au

Depression

Beyond Blue (The National Depression Initiative)
Fact Sheets, Personal Stories
www.beyondblue.org.au

Depression Services
depressionServices.org.au is service portal that offers a diverse range of interactive human services utilising online technologies for Australians living with depression to help improve their mental health and wellbeing.
www.depressionServices.org.au

Multicultural

Multicultural Mental Health Australia
Information & Fact Sheet in many languages
www.mmha.org.au

Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Age Specific Information about Mental Health
www.headroom.net.au

Information on Mental Health & Mental Illness
www.reachout.com.au

Kids Helpline
Helpline: 1800 55 1800
www.kidshelp.com.au