Supporting the people who support others across the Barwon South West region

ACROSS the Barwon South West region, families, carers, supporters and kin play a vital role in supporting loved ones experiencing mental health challenges, substance misuse or neurodivergence.

While this care is often grounded in love and commitment, it can also be emotionally exhausting, complex and isolating.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect is a free, easy-to-access service designed specifically for the people who support others.

With centres in Geelong and Warrnambool, it provides welcoming spaces where carers can pause, reconnect and access support close to home.

No referral or Medicare card is required and support is available by phone, in person or at an agreed accessible location.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centre services are delivered by Wellways in partnership with Tandem and Satellite Foundation, with funding provided by the Victorian government.

A carer is anyone supporting a family member, partner, friend or loved one experiencing mental health challenges, substance misuse or neurodivergence.

This role can look different for everyone, from emotional encouragement and attending appointments to helping with daily routines or simply being a steady, reliable presence.

Wellways general manager of services Beth Fogerty said many people don’t immediately recognise themselves as carers.

“People often see themselves as a parent, partner, sibling, friend or simply someone trying to help make another person’s day-to-day life a little easier,” she said.

“Carers come from all ages and backgrounds and are often supporting someone unconditionally while managing their own responsibilities, emotions and wellbeing.”

What makes Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect unique is its strong focus on lived experience.

The service is staffed by peer workers who understand firsthand what it is like to support someone through difficult times.

“When carers connect with peer workers who have lived experience in the carer space, there’s often an immediate sense of understanding and connection,” Fogerty said.

“Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect recognises the people standing quietly behind others and that they also deserve support.”

The service offers practical and emotional support tailored to individual needs, including help navigating mental health and wellbeing services, connecting with peer support, and accessing wellbeing or practical assistance when needed.

Each centre was co-designed with community to reflect local needs, creating warm, inclusive and accessible environments where people feel safe, comfortable and understood.

“By offering compassion, guidance and connection close to home, our work is centred on helping family, kin and supporters feel more confident, informed and connected to their community,” Fogerty said.

To learn more, visit wellways.org/connect or call 1300 000 717.

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