Caring for someone living with a mental illness
Carers play a significant role in the support and recovery of many people living with mental illness. In 2018, there were approximately 50,000 mental health carers in NSW.1 Supporting someone who is living with mental illness can involve constant change, uncertainty and stress.
There are many supports and services available to carers of people living with a mental illness, including some that provide specialist advice around the clock.
1 Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2018 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers
Useful services
Carer Gateway - 1800 422 737 (Monday to Friday). Access to supports and services for carers.
NSW Mental Health Line - 1800 011 511 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Speak to a professional about concerns for someone you care about.
Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Professional counselling for people affected by suicide.
NSW Family and Carer Mental Health Programs - Education, information and advocacy for families and carers of people with mental health conditions and the people they support.
Mental Health Carers NSW ‘Carer Connection’ Helpline - 1300 554 660 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.30pm). Information, referrals and support for mental health carers in NSW.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) - 1800 800 110 (Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 8.00pm). Access to life-long supports and services for eligible people with psycho-social disability.
