Mental Health Respite Program
Service description
The Mental health respite program (MHRP) is an Australian Government initiative forming part of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Action Plan on Mental Health. The program provides a range of flexible options for carers of people with a severe mental illness. We can provide support that is responsive to families, carers, children and young people affected by mental illness or at risk of mental illness. Our aim is to support families and carers to better cope with their caring role, improve their relationship with the person they support and balance their caring role with other parts of their life. This program can also support carers of those with autism and intellectual disability.*
*Carers who are already receiving respite services under other existing Australian Government or state and territory programs and carers who are not within the target groups are ineligible for support under this initiative.
Service Coverage
This service covers the North Metropolitan region of Perth.
Respite centres assist the carer and the care recipient to plan and tailor respite services appropriate to an individual’s specific needs. This allows maximum choice and flexibility of respite assistance with planned breaks, and assistance with an emergency or unexpected circumstance.
The Mental Health Respite Program works with local service providers to give carers and families a range of respite options to choose from. This can include community inclusion programs, in-home respite, camps and retreats, enhancing independent living skills, social support, relevant education and training, or linking in to other support services.
Who we can help (eligibility)
Persons eligible for this program are carers providing regular assistance and ongoing support with every day activities to a person with a severe;
- Mental Illness / Psychiatric Disability, and/or
- Intellectual Disability, * and/or
- Autism *
* Carers who are already receiving respite services under other existing Australian Government or state and territory programs and carers who are not within the target groups are ineligible for support under this initiative.
Fees
Respite centres encourage carers to contribute towards the cost of respite if they are able to. However, no person will be denied a respite service if they are unable to make a contribution towards the cost of the service.
Funding
The Mental Health Carer Respite programme is funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).
Contact
| Person: | The coordinator, Mental Health Respite Programme 13 / 386 Wanneroo Road, WESTMINSTER, WA 6061 |
| Telephone: | 1800 052 222 |
| Freecall*: | 1800 052 222 |
| Fax: | (08) 9381 0688 |
| comcarelink@ilc.com.au | |
| Service Manager: | (08) 9381 0600 |
| Open: | Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm WST |
| After Hours – emergency/unplanned respite, please call 1800 052 222 |