102 local events – supported consortia partners with planning and coordination of events . These included LGBTIQA +, CALD , Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander , Mental Health and Young Carer focused events
5 roadshows planned for future delivery and 2 roadshows planned and delivered across regional Victoria , reaching more than 250 carers
– in : Pakenham , Bairnsdale , Morwell , Bendigo , Ballarat
1500 + carers reached state-wide via in-person engagement at events / expos . Of these , 20 % - 30 % of carers instantly registered for a call-back from our Intake team . This has directly contributed to the increase of new carer registrations
strong collaboration and partnership with our consortia allows us to identify the diverse needs of carers and tailor our services to meet these needs
Where can we improve ?
linking more carers into peer support groups will help carers to connect with other carers in their local community in a safe and inclusive environment
carers lives are busy and can be unpredictable . We are implementing ways to combat difficulties in attending events , for example , hybrid meetings / events and supporting with transport needs
young carers need a space to thrive , and we are working towards expanding the types of services and supports they need
What ’ s next ?
recruitment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Advisor to identify how the Carer Gateway can better engage with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and provide appropriate supports and services
upgrading our contact centre , including live chat , in response to feedback about service accessibility from the Young Carer Advisory Group . This will also benefit people with hearing and / or speech impairment further increasing the ways in which carers can engage with Carer Gateway
establish additional In-person Peer Support groups ( IPPS ) – general , young carer and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander centrally run and facilitated by counsellors / psychologists
improved pro-active monthly feedback processes on customer experiences
launching Palliative Care carer support
Intranet to improve partner communications
“ The Carer Gateway team were very helpful … I don ’ t know what I would have done without the support provided by the Gateway team .”
Carer Gateway empowers carer to pursue her passions : THUC ’ S STORY
– carer
“ I am deeply grateful and satisfied with the exceptional service and support provided .”
– carer
Thuc , a carer from Melbourne ’ s West , put her personal interests on hold for 13 years for her caring role . As her children got older and she had more capacity , she began to look for support . With the help of Carer Gateway , Thuc has embarked on a journey to reignite her artistic passion .
After registering and working with the free coaching service for carers , she identified reactivating her art practise as a personal goal .
Along with working on her own art pieces , Thuc wants to be part of the art community . Together with her coach , she identified several art hubs she could join to meet other like-minded artists .
Thuc is well on her way to reaching her goals . Thuc has expressed feeling like she has ‘ started her life again ’, and says she is also enjoying her day-to-day life more . Thuc ’ s ultimate goal is to have her own art exhibition .
Thuc showcases her artwork . establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group
Merri Health Annual Report 2023 39