Carer Support

Helping Minds provides free and confidential support for mental health carers across WA

Providing support for
mental health carers and families

Supporting and caring for a family member who is going through mental health challenges can be confusing, frightening, and deeply isolating — especially if you’re the main person they rely on. You might be trying to make sense of what’s happening, manage day-to-day responsibilities, respond to crises, and advocate for someone you love, all while holding everything else together. It’s common to feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn, and many mental heath carers tell us they feel alone in the experience.

Every year Helping Minds supports more than 10,000 children, young people, adults, and families affected by mental health challenges across Western Australia.

We offer free and confidential services that can support you and your whole family — whether you’re looking for someone to talk to, practical guidance, peer connection, education, or help navigating services.

Our team understands that caring can look different for everyone, and we’ll meet you where you’re at, with support that respects your role, your wellbeing, and your family’s unique circumstances.

Counselling

Free and confidential counselling to people seven or over who are supporting someone with mental health challenges.

Support and Services

Wraparound support for mental health carers — peer support, education and workshops, advocacy, respite pathways, and links to safe online forums.

Carer Gateway

Carer Gateway offers services for unpaid carers across mental health, aged care, disability, and medical needs.

Young Carers

Support for young people who have a loved one with a mental health challenge.

Frequently asked questions

Who can access Helping Minds mental health carer support?

Helping Minds’ carer support services are for people aged 7 and over living in Western Australia who have a friend or family member experiencing mental health challenges.

If I get paid as a carer/support worker, am I eligible for support from Helping Minds?

Helping Minds’ carer support eligibility focuses on people supporting a friend or family member (i.e., a personal relationship).
So, if you’re paid as part of a job (e.g., a professional support worker) you may not fit the “family/friend carer” criteria. If you’re both (paid and caring for someone who is your family member/partner/friend), you may still be eligible—Helping Minds can confirm based on your situation and the service you’re seeking.

Does the person I support need a formal mental health diagnosis?

Not always. Helping Minds notes that carers can access support even if the mental health challenges are not formally diagnosed.

Do I need to live in WA to access Helping Minds?

Yes—Helping Minds services are for people who reside in Western Australia (some programs also have specific catchment areas).

Is there an age requirement?

Some services are available for people aged 7+ (and certain programs have additional age rules). Do get in touch and we can discuss your requirements.

Is Helping Minds a crisis service?

No. Helping Minds is not a crisis service and may prioritise or refer people to more appropriate urgent supports when needs are acute.

What support is available for me as a carer?

Helping Minds offers a range of free supports for mental health carers in WA, including things like peer support, counselling, and other carer supports (service availability can vary by location/program).

Helping Minds also provide support via the Carer Gateway which is for people that are supporting someone that

  • Has a disability (including physical and psychological)
  • Has a mental health challenge
  • Has a medical condition (including chronic conditions)
  • Is frail due to age

Is there support for the person I care for (not just for me)?

Yes. Helping Minds provides supports for people experiencing mental health challenges, including psychosocial support services and, where relevant, NDIS mental health supports (eligibility applies). Please do get in touch to discover what supports are available from Helping Minds and other services.

What if the person I support won’t engage with services?

You can still reach out for carer support and advice. Helping Minds supports carers even when the person they care for hasn’t been diagnosed or isn’t ready to engage.

Can Helping Minds help me navigate the mental health system?

Absolutely, Helping Minds’ carer-focused services include support to help carers understand options and navigate systems (and can provide referral pathways when needed).

Real People
Real Stories

Hear from individuals, carers and families who have accessed Helping Minds services. They share the challenges, the turning points, and the difference that support can make.

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