Free online educational resources help carers help themselves

Carer Gateway provides practical information and resources to support carers via phone and through a website and service finder.

To further improve services for carers, the Australian Government is rolling out a range of new early-intervention services and supports for carers via Carer Gateway. Getting help early can make a big difference to a carer's life. These new services can help carers reduce stress, improve wellbeing and get the support they need before reaching crisis point.

As part of the new Integrated Carer Support Services, a series of online educational resources has been collaboratively produced by the Department of Social Services, Carers Australia and Healthdirect Australia.

Two of the planned six online resources, Dealing with stress and Effective communication techniques are already available, with the remaining four modules scheduled to be available to carers by July 2019.

Ensuring carers have access to information and support information online

Carer Gateway is a single point for carers to find information, services and resources that aim to make a difference in their daily lives.

In recognition of the need to support and sustain the vital work of Australia's 2.7 million unpaid carers, the Australian government has committed to ensuring they are supported with easy-to-locate support, services and resources in the one location, and introducing a range of new tailored supports and services.

Online access means carers can get valuable support, like the educational resources for free, anywhere at anytime, to help navigate the complexities of their commitments, caring for family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue, or who are frail aged.

Partnering with industry to provide valuable health resources

Healthdirect Australia works with industry partners and government to build a stronger health system, by providing information and advice to Australians that can help them manage their health and wellbeing.

"In managing the Carer Gateway website on behalf of the Australian Government, we have a responsibility to ensure all carers have access to practical information that will help them in their duties as a carer," says Michael Costello, General Manager, Innovation Gateway Services, Healthdirect Australia.

"Over the past three years of working in this sector, we have developed a depth of knowledge about the needs of carers and are pleased to contribute content advice and technical expertise during the production of the educational modules," said Michael.

A team from Healthdirect Australia, comprised of experts from the Clinical Governance, Innovation Gateway Services, Consumer Health Services and Content Development divisions, was involved in providing expert feedback on the content of each module to module developers, Carers Australia.

The team from Healthdirect Australia also provided technical guidance on best-practice and usability on webpages and mobile, such as how it integrates with the existing website, layout and illustrations.

If your organisation works closely with carers, we encourage you to let them know about the free online education resources, available here.