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For families and carers

You look after them.
Who looks after you?

Parents, partners, family members, friends and young carers do so much, often quietly and without a break. Caring is hard work, and it matters. This page is for you.

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  • Parents
  • Partners
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Young carers
Working together

How Thrive Pathways supports carers

You are part of the picture. Here is what you can expect from us.

We involve you

With the participant’s consent, we include you in planning and in decisions about their supports. You know them well, and that matters to us.

We keep you informed

If the person you care for would like you kept in the loop, we’ll let you know how things are going and talk with you early if anything changes.

Time with friends, and a break for you

Our group programs give participants regular time with friends doing something they enjoy. For many families, that time is also a welcome break.

Your voice counts too

You can give us feedback, share an idea or raise a concern at any time, and it will never affect the supports your family member receives.

Have your say

Want to talk it through?

Call or email and we’ll listen. There’s no pressure and no obligation.

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Looking after yourself

Support for carers, in one place

Trusted services for carers in Melbourne and across Australia. Links go to each organisation’s official website.

In an emergency, or if someone’s life is in danger, call 000.

Support for you

Free services set up just for carers, whoever you care for.

Money and concessions

Payments, cards and discounts that can ease the cost of caring.

Respite and breaks

Taking a break is not a luxury. It helps you keep caring for the long haul.

  • Planned and emergency respite

    Carer Gateway can help you arrange planned respite, where someone else steps in so you can take a break. If you become sick or injured and can’t keep caring, call Carer Gateway at any time and they will talk through emergency respite options in your area.

    Call Planned and emergency respite on 1800 422 737 Emergency respite: call at any time

    Respite on Carer Gateway (opens in new tab)

  • Short-term accommodation (NDIS)

    If the person you care for is an NDIS participant, their plan may include short-term accommodation. It gives them time away from their usual care arrangements, often while family has a break. It is usually funded for up to 28 days a year, and can be used flexibly, such as a block of up to 14 days at a time.

    Short-term accommodation on the NDIS website (opens in new tab)

Our group programs also give participants regular time with friends, doing something they enjoy.

Someone to talk to

Caring can be lonely and exhausting. These free services are there when you need to talk.

Rights, advocacy and planning ahead

Help to speak up, understand your options and plan for the future.

You can also give feedback or raise a concern with us directly. See Have your say or our complaints process.

These services are run by other organisations, not Thrive Pathways. Details were checked in October 2026. Hours and services can change, so please check the organisation’s website.

FAQ

Questions from families and carers

Can’t see your question? Call or email us and we’ll be glad to help.

Can I be involved in my family member’s supports?

Yes, with their consent. If the person you care for would like you involved, we’ll include you in planning, keep you updated and talk with you about decisions that affect their supports. They stay at the centre of every decision, and they can change who is involved at any time. If you are a guardian or NDIS nominee, let us know so we can work with you in the right way.

What is Carer Gateway?

Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program that provides free services and support for carers. It includes counselling, peer support groups, coaching, online carer skills courses, tailored support packages, and planned and emergency respite. Call 1800 422 737 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) or visit carergateway.gov.au. If you need emergency respite, you can call at any time.

Can I get a break from caring?

Yes. Carer Gateway can help you arrange planned respite, and emergency respite if you suddenly can’t keep caring. If the person you care for is an NDIS participant, their plan may also include short-term accommodation, which is usually funded for up to 28 days a year. Our group programs give participants regular time with friends, which can give you some time for yourself too.

Can I give feedback or raise a concern as a carer?

Yes. Anyone can give us feedback or make a complaint, including family members, carers and friends, and you can stay anonymous if you prefer. Raising a concern will never affect the supports your family member receives. You can also contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544 at any time.

You don’t have to do it all alone

Whether you have a question about our programs or just want to talk about what would help, we’re here.

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