Mental health respite
Caring for somebody with a mental illness can be difficult and confusing. The illness may cause them to think, feel or behave in ways that are hard to understand or cope with.
On this page...
It is important to remember that you are not to blame for the illness, nor is the person you care for. It is not something to be ashamed of.
We can provide information and respite and help you link up with local services and supports that understand what you are going through and can help make your caring role easier.
Who can we help?
You can access mental health respite:
- If you care for a family member or friend of any age who is experiencing a mental illness
- Carers calling from the south and east country region of South Australia will be linked with the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, South and East Country, which is a program of Carers SA. Staff will assess your eligibility and provide information and respite.
- Carers calling from outside the south and east country region of South Australia will be linked with the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre relevant to their location.
What kind of help?
- We offer support and give you the chance to talk to somebody
- We arrange respite and may be able to help with the costs
- We provide expert and local advice
- We provide information about appropriate respite options that may be available
- We link you to other services that may be able to help
- We put you in touch with carer support groups where you can meet other people in similar situations
- We provide support in times of crisis
- We can help you plan the future
Call for help
Freecall 1800 052 222 anywhere in anywhere in Australia (free call from land-line phones, mobile calls at mobile rates). Our staff can assess your eligibility and link you with services.
You can also ask your GP, case manager, service provider, support worker or family member to make a referral with your consent.