Helping you help them
RippleAbility is proudly delivering:
What is Carer Gateway?
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative for family carers in Australia. It was designed to support families and carers nationwide with free online, phone, and in-person services and advice to reduce stress and enhance resilience.
In addition to resources available on the Carer Gateway website, help and services are available across states and territories. In Western Australia, Carers WA is providing these services in partnership with community champions like RippleAbility!
How is RippleAbility involved with Carer Gateway?
RippleAbility has teamed up with Carers WA, as a community champion social enterprise representing Carers of paediatric and young care recipients. We’re here to help get families connected to Carer Gateway. Some of the things we do as a community champion of Carer Gateway include:
Helping Carers access Carer Gateway via our own dedicated Carer Connectors.
Running free community events and programs for Carers, such as our In-Person Peer Support Groups.
Providing all the Carer Gateway services with a paediatric and youth focus.
As a community champion organisation, we also act as mentors, advocates, and support for community groups and organisations to better improve access and inclusion for carers and people living with disabilities. This includes:
Advocating for systemic change for the disability community.
Facilitating gatherings and meetings of like-minded, passionate people.
Providing FREE ongoing training to community groups and organisations.
Working with committees, advisory groups, sports clubs, and other community groups to bring about change for the disability community.
How do I access the Carer Gateway with RippleAbility?
It’s easy! You can access Carer Gateway services with RippleAbility in a number of ways, including by phone and online.
Get in touch with one of our Carer Connectors by calling 08 9560 6464 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, and they will be able to register you with Carer Gateway and book you in for an initial planning session. Alternatively, you can complete our online form and we will get in touch.
Book in an initial planning session. This process helps our staff learn more about you and your caring role so they can match services to your individual needs. To receive Carer Gateway supports, carers must complete a planning session to develop a personalised and tailored action plan.
Attend the planning session. The planning process may take up to an hour to complete over the telephone and is scheduled at a time convenient for you.
If you are an agency and would like to refer a carer to Carer Gateway, please call 08 9560 6464. Please note: you must have the informed consent of the carer to make a referral.
What services can I access through Carer Gateway?
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Paediatric Intensive Support Navigation
A comprehensive service led by specialized facilitators, aimed at guiding families through the paediatric disability landscape, enhancing advocacy, and connecting them to tailored supports and services.
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In-Person Peer Support
A peer support training program, run by a qualified Carers WA program facilitator, offering carers an opportunity to connect and develop self-care skills in a safe and supportive environment.
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Facilitated Carer Coaching
Carers work one-on-one with a carer coach to identify and reach personal goals whether they relate to the caring role or not.
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Counselling
For carers who are feeling sad, anxious, stressed or overwhelmed as a result of their caring role. Available in-person, online or over the phone through qualified and accredited counsellors.
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Tailored Support Packages
Packages combine a range of practical supports to assist with the caring role or help access education or employment.
Examples of supports may include; domestic help, transport to medical appointments, planned respite or a training course.
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Emergency Respite
Available for carers who are experiencing an urgent, unplanned and imminent event that temporarily restricts their ability to continue caring when no other formal or informal supports are available.
Upcoming In-Person Peer Support Sessions
Need a space where people truly understand what you’re going through? Our Peer Support Sessions are here for just that. Tailored for carers like you, these meet-ups are about sharing the load, finding practical advice, and making lasting connections. It’s free to attend with tea & coffee included.
Why Join?
Real Support: Direct from people walking the same path as you.
Exchange Tips: From managing daily care to keeping your spirits up.
Guided by Experts: Our facilitators know caregiving inside out and are here to spark meaningful conversations.
Secure Your Spot: We keep groups cozy to ensure everyone can share and connect. Spots are limited, so check out our next sessions and book your place early.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has disability, a mental health challenge, long term health condition (including chronic or terminal illness), alcohol or substance dependency or frail due to age.
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Carer Gateway welcomes every unpaid carer, regardless of whether you're receiving a government carer payment or not.
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Ripple’s Carer Connector team will book a planning session for you, which can take up to 60 minutes (depending on personal circumstance) and is typically conducted over the phone or online. From this planning session, we will create an action plan of services and supports tailored to your individual needs.
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Planned respite care is a possibility through Carer Gateway, but it's determined based on your unique situation during your planning session. If it's the right fit for you, respite care will be woven into your personalized support package. However, it's important to know that respite care isn’t automatically part of every action plan, and we're unable to cover costs for respite care that's already been provided.
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Absolutely. Carer Gateway operates independently from the NDIS and My Aged Care, ensuring that all the supports and services provided are exclusively for you, the carer.
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Yes. This is still considered unpaid as you are not employed to look after your loved one.
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After your planning session, it can take between 6 to 8 weeks to get your supports up and running, depending on the services you'll be using.