Carer Support Program
About Carer Support Program
Caring for someone with a mental health challenge is one of the most significant roles a person can take on — and one that often comes without a roadmap. The Carer Support Program is a structured 3-week group program designed to support parents, carers, partners, and family members with practical strategies, deeper understanding, and a space to focus on their own wellbeing.
Each session supports learning at a comfortable pace, building confidence in responding to challenges while promoting daily functioning and quality of life — for both carers and those they support.
This program may be suitable for you if:
- You are supporting a loved one experiencing mental health challenges
- You are looking for practical tools to respond to difficult situations with greater confidence
- You want to better understand mental health and how it affects behaviour and recovery
- You are finding it difficult to maintain your own wellbeing alongside your caring role
- You would like to connect with others who understand the experience of caring
Program content
- Understanding mental health, behaviour, and recovery
- Practical ways to respond to distress
- Supporting your own wellbeing as a carer
- Communication, boundaries, and connection
What you will experience
Throughout this program you will participate in weekly group sessions facilitated by a qualified Allied Health Professional. Each session builds on the last, providing you with new knowledge, practical strategies, and the opportunity to reflect on your own caring experience in a safe and supportive environment. You are encouraged to bring your experiences to the group, and to apply what you learn between sessions in your day-to-day life.
Treatment objectives
Understanding mental health
Build foundational knowledge of mental health conditions, how they affect behaviour, and what recovery can look like for the person you support.
Responding and connecting
Explore practical ways to respond to distress, manage boundaries, and maintain meaningful communication with your loved one.
Caring for the carer
Develop strategies to protect and sustain your own wellbeing, build resilience, and identify sources of ongoing support.
What's included
Education
To deepen your understanding of mental health and the caring role
Workbooks
To guide reflection, learning, and practical exercises
Action Plans
Step-by-step tools to apply new strategies at home
Extra Resources
Additional support for common challenges carers face
Progress Reflection
Guided check-ins to track your experience across the program
Peer Connection
A safe group space to share, listen, and learn alongside others
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
The Carer Support Program is self-funded. Please contact Deakin Private Hospital directly for current program costs and payment options on 02 5114 8100.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can register your interest by contacting us directly.
Who facilitates the program?
Sessions are facilitated by a qualified Allied Health Professional with experience in mental health and carer support.
How long does the program run?
The program runs for 3 consecutive weeks, with one 2-hour session per week.
Is this program only for people new to caring?
Not at all. The program is suitable for people at any stage of their caring role — whether you're just starting out or have been supporting a loved one for some time.
