Our Work
The Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre Southern Region recognise the significant role carers perform in society.
We aim to support carers living in the southern region of Melbourne, Victoria by assisting them to make informed choices about their short and long term needs, by providing them with practical and emotional support and arranging access to a range of respite options.
We also provide carers, service providers and the general public with information about the local and regional aged, disability and community care services available to meet their needs.
Through our role in service system development, community service providers are encouraged to become more 'carer friendly' and to consider ways of improving carer access to their services. We also assist carer support groups and give presentations at community events.
Our work has been guided by the following principles and values:
- A focus on valuing the self-determination, empowerment and contribution of carers
- Respecting and valuing carer knowledge and experience, and the work of caring
- Encouraging and supporting genuine carer and community participation in our business planning
- Building service system expertise in responding to carer needs, by partnering with other health and community service providers for the development and delivery of effective care and support models
- Providing a safety net of support for carers where they know they will be listened to 24 hours a day, and
- Fostering carer support groups as a vehicle to enhancing social connectedness and local networks.
As part of the Federal and State Governments’ carer and community information initiatives, our programs and services are designed to support and assist relatives and friends caring for someone living at home, who may be unable to care for themselves due to chronic illness, disability, mental illness or frailty.
The Centre’s programs and services are funded by the Federal Government Departments of Health and Ageing (DoHA); Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA); and the State Government Department of Human Services (DHS).
