Mental Health, Respite and Support Services for Parents
Caring for a child with additional needs can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be physically, emotionally and mentally demanding. At our clinic, we recognise that supporting your child also means supporting you and your family. The resources below have been carefully selected to provide practical help, emotional support and trusted information for parents and carers — from mental health and wellbeing, to respite options and community services. We encourage you to explore these supports and reach out for help when you need it — you are not alone, and support is available.
Parent & Carer Mental Wellbeing
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Lifeline
24/7 phone & online crisis support (free): 13 11 14 — Australia-wide support for distress, loneliness and burnout
Carer Gateway
Free national phone/online support for carers’ emotional wellbeing, counselling, coaching and peer support (1800 422 737)
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Arafmi
Free support for carers of people with mental health challenges, including counselling, peer groups & respite accomodation options (1300 554 660 / 1800 351 881)
Parentline
Confidential telephone support and parenting counselling (contact details vary by region — e.g., Gold Coast Health lists (07) 3900 8100 for Parentline support)
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MyTime Groups
Regular peer support groups for parents/carers of children with disability/additional needs (free to join)
Livewire Online Community
An online space for carers of people with disability or chronic health conditions to connect and support each other
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Raising Healthy Minds
App offering tailored tips for family wellbeing and mental health routines
Raising Children Network
An Australian Government-funded website providing trusted, evidence-based information for parents and carers, including dedicated resources for families of children with disability or developmental delay.
Carer Respite & Support Services
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Caring for a child or loved one with additional needs is deeply rewarding, but it can also be emotionally and physically exhausting. Parents and caregivers often place their child’s needs first, sometimes at the expense of their own wellbeing. This is why respite care is so important.
Respite care provides temporary support so parents and caregivers can take a break, rest, and attend to their own needs. Having time to recharge helps reduce stress, protect mental and physical health, and prevent burnout.
Taking breaks through respite care supports parents and caregivers to continue caring for their child with energy, patience and confidence.
It is not a sign of needing “more help” — it is an essential part of caring for both yourself and your family.
Source: HelpingMinds, Carer Respite
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Carer Gateway can connect families to planned and emergency respite, skills courses, tailored support packages, or in-home help. Services include:
Planned respite services to get regular breaks
Emergency respite available when needed
Counselling & coaching
Practical support (cleaning, shopping, short-term care workers)
📞 1800 422 737
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The Queensland Government listing of carer support includes counselling, respite info, local groups and planning info for carers across age groups and need levels.
Click here to see the full list.
NDIS & Disability-Specific Resources
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A free, Australian Government-funded service designed to help people with disability, their families and carers find trusted information and support services across Australia.
It acts as a central entry point where you can search online or call on 1800 643 787 to connect with services in areas such as health and wellbeing, everyday living, housing, employment, education, transport, legal rights and more.
Click here for more information.
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The Brotherhood of St Laurence lists practical supports, apps and parenting information for those caring for children with disability and developmental delay.
Click here for more information.
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Positive Partnerships
Free workshops, webinars and online modules supporting parents of children on the autism spectrum
Early Days Workshops
Early family workshops for autism support and practical strategies
Click here for more information
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A Facebook community group for families of children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Click here to view the group.