Support for carers
Local, national and online services are available to help carers navigate their journey whether you provide care daily or occasionally, live with your loved one or not.
We have collated a variety of contacts who can provide specialist advice, education, social support and counselling sessions to assist you in your care.
More information on bereavement support.
For immediate support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Western Australian contacts
WA Government
A collection of resources and contacts for carers are available from the WA Government.
Cancer Council WA
Specialist information and advice, resources, carer support through counselling, education and social support. Four free counselling sessions can be provided as face-to-face, telehealth or telephone appointments. Please note you cannot access counselling services after end of life if not connected with services prior.
Tel: 13 11 20
Email: info@carerswa.asn.au
Web: www.cancerwa.asn.au/cancer-support/caring-for-someone-with-cancer (external site)
Carers WA
Offer a range of free innovative programs and services aimed at providing practical and emotional support for carers including carer coaching, counselling sessions, WA support groups and online support. To access the services, you do not need to live with the person you care for, be the main source of care and support, provide care every day or over many years.
Tel: 1300 227 377
Email: info@carerswa.asn.au
Web: www.carerswa.asn.au (external site)
Solaris
Provides a wide range of support for carers of people affected by cancer. Services include Wellness programs (external site) and therapies, free six-hour carers course at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital and more.
Tel: 9384 3544
Email: info@solariscancercare.org.au
Web: www.solariscancercare.org.au (external site)
Locations: Cottesloe, SCGH, Bunbury
Breast Cancer Care WA
Provides counselling to carers/significant others of patients with metastatic breast cancer – offer six sessions initially but can continue with further sessions if needed. Can offer sessions with the patient/carer/family member together. TIS interpreting services available for CALD clients.
Tel: 9324 3703
Email: info@breastcancer.org.au
Web: www.breastcancer.org.au (external site)
Men’s Health and Wellbeing WA
Focused on improving the health and wellbeing outcomes for boys and men in Western Australia. They can help recognise the signs of stress and strain and help develop some strategies for what men can do to get through tough times.
Tel: 0499 076 925
Email: admin@menshealthwa.org.au
Web: www.menshealthwa.org.au (external site)
Palliative Care WA
The peak body for palliative care in WA.
Tel: 1300 551 704
Web: www.palliativecarewa.asn.au (external site)
National contacts
Lifeline
Supports people in crisis access and is available via calling, text on online chat.
Tel: 13 11 14
Text: 0477 13 11 14
Chat: Lifeline Crisis Online Chat Service (external site)
Web: www.lifeline.org.au (external site)
Beyond Blue
Provide 24/7 general counselling and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention.
Tel: 1300 224 636
Web: www.beyondblue.org.au (external site)
Breast Cancer Network Australia
Provides support and online resources (Podcast/booklets/factsheets) to support people with breast cancer and their carers.
Tel: 1800 500 258
Web: www.bcna.org.au (external site)
Kids Helpline
Provides 24/7 phone support for five to 25-year-olds.
Tel: 1800 55 1800
Web: www.kidshelpline.com.au (external site)
Canteen
Helping families impacted by cancer receive early access to practical and emotional support they need.
Tel: 1800 835 932
Web: www.canteen.org.au (external site)
Palliative Care Australia
National peak body for palliative care providing information and resources for carers and patients.
Web: www.palliativecare.org.au (external site)
Respite care facilities
Chorus can help provide respite care in the comfort of your own home.
Web: www.chorus.org.au/aged-care/respite-care (external site)