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Support for families, carers and support people

As a family, carer or support person, it can be a vulnerable and distressing time when trying to understand how to support someone when you are concerned about their mental health and wellbeing. On this page you will find information and resources aimed at empowering you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate your journey supporting a person with mental illness as they move through their journey of recovery and wellbeing.  

Caring for somebody with a mental illness

Whether the care you provide is for a brief period of recovery or for a longer time, you will need support, information, tips and tools to assist your whilst you navigate and sustain your caring role. Queensland Health’s caring for somebody with a mental illness page outlines your role as a family member, carer and/or support person, as well as your rights and how to be mindful of the importance of yourself and your wellbeing, while supporting someone else, and where to find help, resources and information and whilst in your caring role.   

Support groups, services and getting involved

Below is a list of supports, services and ways to get involved. 

Queensland initiatives to support carers 

The following initiatives have been introduced to support carers in their caring role.

  • Carers (Recognition) Act 2008 (Qld) recognises the valuable contribution carers make to the people they care for and the social and economic benefit carers provide to the community. The Act sets out requirements for public authorities to recognise and support carers through services to carers and the people they care for, also and for employees of public authorities who undertake a caring role.
  • Queensland Carers Charter contains 13 principles recognising the significant contribution carers make to the community.
  • Queensland Carers Advisory Council advises the Minister on matters relating to carers and works to advance carers’ interests. The Council has 12 members: four carers, one of whom must be a grandparent carer; three carer association representatives; one member who represents grandparent carers; and four public servants.
  • Carer Business Discount Card is a concession card that provides eligible carers with discounts on goods and services from participating businesses. This scheme is a partnership between the state government and businesses across Queensland.
  • Companion Card promotes fair ticketing for people with a disability who need significant assistance from a companion to attend activities and venues in their community. This card will enable people with a disability to have the same opportunities for participation and recreation as other community members.
Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce

The Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce is a lived experience team providing a responsive program of recovery-oriented peer work, education and information for consumers, carers and families.

The team’s goal is to increase consumer, carer and family participation in the planning, delivery and evaluation of mental health services.

Visit the Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce page for more information. 

Provide feedback and get involved

Families, carers and support people are an important part of the care team. In addition to consumer feedback, Gold Coast Health values feedback from families, carers and support people to inform service improvements. There are a variety of ways to provide feedback and get involved. Visit our get involved page for more information. 


Last updated 10 Oct 2024