Mental Health Respite Program

Service description

The Mental Health Respite programme is an Australian Government initiative forming part of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Action Plan on Mental Health. The programme provides a range of flexible options for carers of people who have a severe mental illness, psychiatric and/or intellectual disability (including autism spectrum disorders).

Service Coverage

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.

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

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
Email 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