Help and support can help make the life of a carer easier. The availability of services may vary depending on where you live. Some services are free, but others may have a cost. Talk to the social worker at the treatment centre or call Cancer Council 13 11 20 to find out what services are available in your area.
The services below may help you as a carer.
Aboriginal resources
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Carer Gateway |
Resources to support First Nations carers and communities. |
Cancer information
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Cancer Council |
Cancer Council produces easy-to-read booklets and fact sheets on more than 25 types of cancer, treatment options, and emotional and practical issues. |
| Cancer Council podcasts |
Information and insights for anyone affected by cancer. Includes specific episodes for carers; a separate series about advanced cancer; and a |
| Detailed information about cancer types and topics from a health organisation in the US. | |
| Information about cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment from a leading UK cancer charity. |
Carer services
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Carer Gateway |
Practical information, support services and useful resources for carers. |
| Carer Help | Includes resources and information on 5 pathways that may be experienced when caring for someone approaching end of life. |
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Provides information and advocacy for carers. |
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Provides government payments and services for carers; includes Centrelink and Medicare. |
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| Support for young people aged under 25 caring for a family member or friend. |
Counselling
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Cancer Council |
Referrals to counselling services, as well as peer support programs. Can connect online, by phone or in person. |
| Australian Psychological Society | Use the “Find a Psychologist” search to look for a practitioner in your area. |
| Information about Medicare rebates for mental health services. | |
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Beyond Blue |
24-hour telephone counselling service; online and email counselling also available. |
| Carer Gateway Counselling Service 1800 422 737 |
Free counselling service for carers aged 18 and over; available Monday-Friday, 8am–6pm. |
| General practitioner (GP) | Can offer support and prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan so eligible people can get up to 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist. |
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GriefLine |
Telephone and online counselling service and support groups for all Australians who have experienced a loss. |
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Kids Helpline |
Telephone and online counselling service and crisis support for young people aged 5–25. |
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Lifeline |
24-hour telephone and online crisis support and suicide prevention service. |
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QLife |
Provides an LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral service over the phone and online. Available 3 pm–midnight. |
| Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 |
24-hour telephone and online counselling for people affected by suicide. |
Home help
| Call your local council, talk to your palliative care team or call Cancer Council 13 11 20 | Availability of home help services may vary depending on where you live. Some services are free, but others may have a cost. |
| Carer Gateway 1800 422 737 |
Practical information, support services and useful resources for carers. |
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My Aged Care |
Information about different types of aged care services, eligibility and service providers. |
Home nursing
| Talk to the palliative care team and/or the private health fund | Home nursing can be organised as part of palliative care or there are private services |
Legal and financial advice and information
| Cancer Council’s Legal and Financial Referral Program 13 11 20 |
Depending on where you live and if you meet the eligibility criteria, Cancer Council may be able to provide some financial support or refer you to a qualified legal or financial professional for assistance. Advice may be free if you can’t afford to pay. |
| Advance Care Planning Australia 1300 208 582 |
Information about planning for future health care, including making advance care directives. |
| Financial Counselling Australia | Information about financial counselling and help to find a qualified counsellor in your area. |
Palliative care
| Evidence-based website that provides palliative care information and links to services for people affected by cancer, as well as resources for health professionals. | |
| Information and resources; includes links to local palliative care organisations. |
Respite care
| Carer Gateway | Provides information about respite services, including emergency respite care. |
Support groups
| An online discussion forum where people can connect with each other at any time, ask or answer questions, or write a blog of their experiences. | |
| It can help to meet with others who understand what it is like to care for someone with cancer. Many people find that they benefit from the close bonds with others. |
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Telephone support groups 13 11 20 |
Includes groups for people with advanced cancer, for carers and for the bereaved. |
More resources
Dr Laura Kirsten, Principal Clinical Psychologist, Nepean Cancer Care Centre, NSW; Mary Bairstow, Senior Social Worker, Cancer Centre, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; Anne Booms, Nurse Practitioner – Supportive and Palliative Care, Icon Cancer Centre Midland, WA; Dr Erica Cameron-Taylor, Staff Specialist, Department of Palliative Care, Mercy Hospice, Calvary Mater Newcastle, NSW; Tracey Gardner, Senior Psychologist, Cancer Counselling Service, Cancer Council Queensland; Louise Good, Cancer Nurse Consultant, WA; Verity Jausnik, Senior Policy Officer, Carers Australia; David Larkin, Cancer Supportive Care Manager, Canberra Region Cancer Centre, Canberra Hospital and Health Service, ACT; Kate Martin, Consumer; John McMath, Consumer; Simone Noelker, Physiotherapist and Wellness Centre Coordinator, Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre, VIC; Tara Redemski, Senior Physiotherapist – Cancer Care, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD; Dean Rowe, Consumer; Chris Sibthorpe, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Queensland.
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Need to talk?
Support services
Support for carers
Cancer Council NSW offers carers support online, over the phone and in person and can link you to our practical support services, including support groups for bereaved carers
Need legal and financial assistance?
Pro bono services, financial and legal assistance, and no interest loans
Cancer information
Emotions and cancer
Suggestions for coping with a cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as how to get support
View our publications
Guides and fact sheets for people with cancer, their families and friends