Advocacy

Mental Health Carer Advocacy

Caring for someone living with mental health challenges can be complex, particularly when you’re dealing with hospitals, community services, and systems that feel hard to access or difficult to understand. Many carers tell us the most stressful part is not knowing what their rights are, how to share important information, or how to be included when decisions are being made. Our team supports mental health carers in Western Australia with clear guidance, practical support, and a stronger voice throughout this process.

Our mental health carer advocacy support is focused on helping you understand what to do next. We can talk with you about your situation, explain relevant rights and processes, help you prepare for meetings or appointments, and guide you through options for referrals, information, and resources. If you’re not being listened to, you’re unsure how to raise concerns, or communication with services has broken down, we can help you understand complaint and feedback pathways and how to navigate them. The aim is to support you to feel informed, confident, and heard—so you can advocate for the wellbeing, safety, and appropriate support of the person you care for, while also looking after your own needs as a carer.

If you have someone close to you living with mental health challenges, live in WA, and need assistance or guidance, please contact our Mental Health Carer Advocacy Team.

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Frequently asked questions

Who are mental health carers

A mental health carer is a close family member who provides ongoing care and support for someone experiencing mental health challenges.

What is a carer advocate and how can they help me?

A carer advocate will work alongside you according to your needs.

Examples of how advocates can help include:

Understanding your rights as a carer
Accessing mental health services
Referring for practical support
Providing information and resources
Processing complaints
Guidance on law related matters
Accompanying you to meetings

I am not supporting my loved one full-time, I still go to work! Surely, I’m not a carer?

Care giving comes in a wide range of scenarios. Care can be full time or part time. If you are providing ongoing care for someone that they rely on – then you are a carer.

I don’t live with the person that I provide support for, am I still a carer?

Care giving comes in a wide range of scenarios. Care can be full time or part time. If you are providing ongoing care for someone that they rely on – then you are a carer.

I’m not paid – therefore I’m not a carer, right?

This is a common misconception and not true. In fact, research shows that there are at least 240,000 unpaid mental health carers across Australia. It’s estimated that the annual cost to replace these carers would be around $13.2 billion.

What are some common challenges faced by mental health carers?

Common challenges faced by mental health carers include stigma, isolation, lack of support services, financial strain and emotional stress.

What rights do mental health carers have?

Subject to exceptional circumstances and clinical judgement, mental health carers have rights to:

access information about their loved one’s condition and treatment
participate in treatment decisions
receive support services
The Carers Recognition Act 2004 (the Act) and the Carers Charter recognise the rights and role of carers.

The Carers Charter states:

carers must be treated with respect and dignity;
the role of carers must be recognised by including carers in the assessment, planning, delivery and review of services that impact on them and the role of carers;
the views and needs of carers must be considered, along with the views, needs and best interests of people receiving care, when decisions are made that impact on carers and the role of carers; and
complaints made by carers in relation to services that impact on them and the role of carers must be given due attention and consideration.

Surely it doesn’t matter what I think or say about the mental health status of the person I am supporting – the medical team know more than I do, don't they?

Yes it’s true that we expect the medical team to be the experts in their field. However, they may have only just met your loved one. You are more likely to know how your loved one was before they started experiencing mental health challenges; you know what has or hasn’t worked in the past; you also know what the side effects of certain medications may have been. Respect for your rights to work together with clinicians should help get the best outcomes for your loved ones, and for you.

How can mental health carers advocate for themselves and their loved ones?

Mental health carers can advocate for themselves and their loved ones by educating themselves about their rights, seeking support from advocacy experts and communicating their needs and concerns to healthcare providers and policymakers.

Are there specific support services available for mental health carers in Australia?

Yes, here at Helping Minds we offer a range of support services for mental health carers. These services include carer advocacy, counselling and peer support programs, respite care, as well as education and training opportunities.