Information for Carers

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GV Health recognises the vital role that carers, families and supporters play in the mental health and wellbeing of the people they care for.

We understand that caring can be challenging, and that every carer’s experience is different. This page provides information about your rights, available supports, and how carers can be involved in care in ways that respect the wishes and choices of the person you are supporting. It also outlines how GV Health works with carers under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022, and where you can find further support, advocacy and information.

Who carers are and their role

Carers are family members, friends, or supporters who provide care, assistance, or support to someone experiencing mental health challenges. This role may involve emotional support, practical help, advocacy, and coordination with services. GV Health recognises carers as important partners in care while also respecting the wishes and rights of the person receiving support.

Mental health services at GV Health

GV Health provides a range of public mental health services, including inpatient care, community-based services, crisis and acute response, and specialist programs. These services support people across different stages of mental health need and recovery. Carers may interact with services in different ways depending on the service type and the preferences of the person they support.

Support available for carers

Support for carers may include information, guidance, emotional support, and connection to carer-specific services. GV Health aims to recognise the needs of carers and provide support where possible, either directly or by linking carers to appropriate external organisations and resources.

Read more about the available supports for family and carers here: Information for families and carers | IMHA

Looking after yourself as a carer: Looking after yourself as a carer | Better Health Channel

Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centres: Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect | Better Health Channel

Tandem: Home

Carer Gateway: Homepage | Carer Gateway

Carers Victoria: Home page – Carers Victoria

Carer Support Group Directory: Carer Support Groups Archive – Carers Victoria

The Victorian Support for Carers Program: Support for Carers Program | vic.gov.au

State-wide Carer Advisory Service: Statewide Carer Advisory Service – Carers Victoria

Support for carers: Support for carers | Mind Australia

Carer rights under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 recognises the role of carers, families, and supporters. Carers have rights to be acknowledged, respected, and provided with information and support, subject to privacy and consent requirements. The Act promotes inclusive, respectful engagement with carers as part of the mental health system.

Read more about families, carers and supporters rights here: Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 – Families, carers and supporters | health.vic.gov.au

Carer involvement in care and decision-making

Carer involvement should occur in ways that respect the preferences, consent, and rights of the person receiving care. Where appropriate, carers may be involved in discussions, planning, and support. Services should explain how carers can be involved and any limits to involvement.

Read more about working with consumers and carers here: Working with consumers and carers

Privacy, confidentiality, and information sharing

Privacy and confidentiality are important parts of mental health care. Information about a person’s treatment can only be shared with carers when consent is provided or when required by law. Staff should explain what information can be shared, what cannot, and why.

Read more about privacy and information sharing at GV Health here: Privacy and Information Sharing – GV Health

Read more about the information sharing under the Act: Information sharing under the Act | health.vic.gov.au

Read more about your rights, privacy and feedback: 3803-carers-victoria-your-rights-and-privacy-flyer_aug24-1.pdf

Supporting someone during inpatient care

When someone is receiving inpatient mental health care, carers can play an important support role. This may include staying informed, offering emotional support, and participating in discussions where appropriate. Staff can explain ward processes, visiting arrangements, and how carers can raise concerns.

Supporting someone in the community

Community-based mental health services support people while they live at home or in the community. Carers may support appointments, routines, and recovery goals. Services can provide information about how community teams work and how carers can be involved where appropriate.

Understanding compulsory treatment

Compulsory treatment may occur when there are serious concerns about a person’s safety or wellbeing. This means treatment can be provided without consent under the law. Carers may have questions or concerns during this time, and staff should provide clear, respectful explanations about what compulsory treatment means and what rights apply.

Read more about what are compulsory treatment orders here: What are compulsory treatment orders? | IMHA

Read more about compulsory assessment and treatment here: Compulsory assessment and treatment | health.vic.gov.au

How carers can raise concerns or give feedback

Carers can raise concerns or provide feedback about services by speaking with staff, managers, or lived experience workers. Feedback helps services understand what is working well and what could improve. Carers should feel safe to raise concerns without fear of negative consequences.

Read more about how to provide feedback at GV health: Feedback – GV Health

Making a complaint or seeking advocacy

If concerns cannot be resolved informally, carers can make a formal complaint through GV Health or seek independent advocacy support. Advocacy services can help carers understand options, raise concerns, and navigate the mental health system.

Read more about how to provide feedback at GV health: Feedback – GV Health

Read more about how to make a complaint to mental health and wellbeing commission here: Make a complaint | www.mhwc.vic.gov.au

Read more about your right and options if you want to make a complaint about your treatment: I want to make a complaint about my mental health service | IMHA

Read more about mental health tribunal’s complaints and feedback policy here: Complaints and feedback policy | Mental Health Tribunal

Carer lived experience support

Carer lived experience workers use their own experience of caring to support other carers. They can provide understanding, information, and guidance, and help carers feel heard and recognised within the service system.

Read more about Carer Lived Experience Workforce here: CLEW

Read more about LLEW initiatives here: Lived and living experience workforces (LLEWs) initiatives | health.vic.gov.au

Read more about Carers Gateway here: Homepage | Carer Gateway

Cultural safety and inclusive support for carers

GV Health is committed to providing culturally safe and inclusive support for carers. Services should respect diverse identities, beliefs, values, and family structures, and work in ways that feel safe and respectful.

Read more about eccv’s supporting carers here: Supporting Carers – Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria

Read more about Carer Kafe program here: About Us – Carer Kafe

Read more about aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety here: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers can access culturally appropriate support that recognises the importance of culture, family, and connection to Country. Services aim to work in partnership with Aboriginal organisations and respect self-determination.

Read more about aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety here: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

Support for carers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities

Carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can access support that respects language, culture, and beliefs. Services aim to reduce barriers and provide information in accessible ways.

Read more about eccv’s supporting carers here: Supporting Carers – Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria

Read more about Carer Kafe program here: About Us – Carer Kafe

Interpreters and communication support for carers

Interpreters and communication supports are available at no cost if needed. Carers can request an interpreter to help understand information and communicate clearly with services.

Read more about wellways’s multilingual carer services here: Carer Gateway – Multilingual Carer Services

Read more about language services in Victoria: Understanding language services | vic.gov.au

Carer wellbeing, self-care, and support services

Caring can affect a person’s own wellbeing. It is important for carers to look after their own mental and physical health. Support services, peer groups, and respite options may be available to help carers sustain their caring role.

Looking after yourself as a carer: Looking after yourself as a carer | Better Health Channel

Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centres: Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect | Better Health Channel

Tandem: Home

Carer Gateway: Homepage | Carer Gateway

Carers Victoria: Home page – Carers Victoria

Carer Support Group Directory: Carer Support Groups Archive – Carers Victoria

The Victorian Support for Carers Program: Support for Carers Program | vic.gov.au

State-wide Carer Advisory Service: Statewide Carer Advisory Service – Carers Victoria

Support for carers: Support for carers | Mind Australia

Planning for discharge and ongoing support

Discharge planning should consider the needs of both the person receiving care and their carers, where appropriate. This may include information about ongoing supports, follow-up services, and who to contact if concerns arise.

Emergency and crisis support for carers

If there is immediate risk to safety, carers should call 000. Crisis mental health services and helplines are also available to provide urgent advice and support. Staff can help carers identify appropriate crisis contacts.

Useful resources and external supports for carers

There are a range of external organisations that provide information, education, advocacy, and peer support for carers. GV Health can help carers connect with these services and find resources that meet their needs.

Here’s a list of organizations that may be able to help carers, families and supporters:

Looking after yourself as a carer: Looking after yourself as a carer | Better Health Channel

Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centres: Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect | Better Health Channel

Tandem: Home

Carer Gateway: Homepage | Carer Gateway

Carers Victoria: Home page – Carers Victoria

Carer Support Group Directory: Carer Support Groups Archive – Carers Victoria

The Victorian Support for Carers Program: Support for Carers Program | vic.gov.au

State-wide Carer Advisory Service: Statewide Carer Advisory Service – Carers Victoria

Support for carers: Support for carers | Mind Australia

Resources For Young Carers:

Satellite Foundation: Satellite Foundation | Creativity and connection for mental health and wellbeing