Our disability program

The Respite Connections disability team operates in the Western Metropolitan region of Melbourne, providing expert and local advice, support in times of crisis, and the tools you need to plan for the future.

Who do we help?

You can access Respite Connections disability services if you:

• Care for a family member or friend up to the age of 65 years who has a disability or chronic illness; and you
• Live in the local government areas of Melbourne, Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Melton, Wyndham or Hobsons Bay

If you are caring for somebody aged 65 or older you may be able to access our aged care services.

If you live in a local government area not covered by us you may be able to use similar services provided by one of the other respite and carer support organisations across Victoria.

How can we help?

• We offer support and give you the chance to talk to somebody
• We arrange respite and may be able to help with the costs
• We give workshops on topics of interest to carers
• We provide information about appropriate respite vacancies in different care settings
• We link you to other services that may be able to help
• We put you in touch with carer support groups where you can meet other people in similar situations

We work hard to raise the profile of caring families in the West, partnering with other organisations to help them to develop services that are sensitive to the needs of people who are disabled or have a chronic illness and to the needs of the families that care for them.

Older families support and planning

Many older families have been caring for a son or daughter with a disability over many years without using formal respite services. They are concerned about what will happen in the future.

Our older family support and planning program can provide specialised support and advice if you:

• are over 65 (over 45 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island carers)
• live in the Western Metropolitan region of Melbourne
• care for a son or daughter who has a lifetime disability and lives at home with you
• have not accessed regular respite and are concerned about what will happen in the future.

Arrange a referral

Freecall 1800 052 222 anywhere in the Western Metropolitan region of Melbourne (free call from landlines, mobile calls at mobile rates). Our staff can assess your eligibility and make a direct referral.

You can also ask your GP, case manager or support worker to make a referral with your consent.

Your confidentiality and privacy

Our disability program is completely confidential and we handle the personal information you share with us according to the legal standards set by government. Read our privacy policy for more information.