Providing Mental Health Support To
Caring for a member experiencing mental health challenges can be difficult for the whole family.
Supporting and caring for a family member going through mental health challenges can be a confusing, frightening, and an isolating experience, especially if you are the primary caregiver. However, you do not have to go through it alone! HelpingMinds offer free and confidential services that can help support your whole family.
Supports for family members and friends
Counselling for family and friends
When someone close to you changes because of mental health challenges you may feel a range of emotions including anger, loss and sadness.
We offer free and confidential counselling to people who are supporting a family member or a friend living with mental health challenges, including:
- Individual counselling appointments
- In-school counselling for students aged 7-17
- Phone counselling for people in regional and remote WA on 1800 811 747
Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more
Support Groups and Workshops
Our regular support groups, for family and friends of people living with mental challenges, provide a safe environment for people to come together and offer each other support and share experiences, coping skills and information.
Support groups can bring a sense of empowerment, improve connection and take away some of those feelings of distress, exhaustion and isolation. Our workshops are open to anyone affected by mental health conditions and are conducted across Perth.
Visit this page to learn more or book a support group
Advocacy
The mental health system in WA is complex and we can help you navigate it, protect your rights and express your own wishes. This is known as advocacy.
Our advocacy team can assist you with:
- Understanding your rights
- Having your voice heard when decisions are being made about the person you care for
- Access to mental health services
- Referrals to practical support
- Information and resources
- Complaints processes
You have a right to be involved and we can help.
Learn more or Contact us today to talk to one of our Carer Advocates.
Peer support
When you are supporting someone through their mental health journey life can be very challenging. Sometimes talking with someone who has lived through or experienced a similar situation can help ease your fears and concerns, as you realise that you are not alone.
Our Peer Support Workers are people who care for a friend experiencing mental health challenges and can support you by understanding the challenges you face.
Contact us today to talk to one of our Peer Support Workers or learn more
Carer Respite
Caring for loved ones with mental health challenges is a profoundly rewarding yet demanding role. Mental health carers provide invaluable support, often at the cost of their own well-being. This is where respite care becomes essential.
Respite care offers temporary relief for carers, allowing them to recharge and maintain their own mental and physical health. It provides carers with the necessary downtime to rest, attend to personal needs, and prevent burnout.
By giving carers the opportunity to step back and rejuvenate, respite care ensures they can continue to offer high-quality support to their loved ones.
Ultimately, respite care is not just a luxury but a crucial component in sustaining the overall health of both carers and those they care for.
Some of the respite activities allow for the opportunity to meet with other mental health carers.
Couples Counselling
Navigating a relationship can be challenging under the best of circumstances, however when one partner is living with a mental health challenge, or another loved one ( maybe a child or an older parent) is experiencing mental health challenges, complexities in the relationship can intensify.
We understand the unique dynamics that mental health challenges can bring into a relationship. Our specialised mental health couples counselling services are designed to provide a safe, supportive space where both partners can explore their feelings, improve communication, and develop strategies to strengthen their bond.
Counselling sessions are available either in person at a HelpingMinds office or through video conferencing.
Young Carers
Many young people, some as young as seven or eight, take on significant responsibilities at home, helping to care for parents, siblings, or other family members dealing with mental health challenges. These young carers often juggle their caregiving duties with schoolwork, social lives, and personal growth, facing challenges that many of their peers might never experience.
We believe that young carers deserve the utmost support and recognition. That’s why we offer a range of free services for young people aged seven upwards, designed to help them navigate their unique journey: Get in Touch or Learn More
We are proud to be part of the mental health support for family and carers all over WA
“I can’t thank HelpingMinds enough. Life has thrown our family a curveball and having someone who understands the game is invaluable. HelpingMinds is assisting us to understand the new rules of the game. A game we did not sign up for but nevertheless a game we will participate in until the very end whatever the outcome. I would and I do recommend the agency to anyone who needs the help of learning the rules of the same game we were thrown into. Thank you HelpingMinds Mandurah.” – Sonia
“Fabulous mob who have a real passion for helping people with mental health challenges and their carers to achieve a better quality of life. Thank you for all that you do!” – Hayley
“I had contact due to a friend and they assisted kids at schools going through custody issues. Happy with their approach.” – Anita
“Wonderful service to those of us having difficulties in life.” – Kaye.
