Join our carer support program if you provide regular, unpaid help to a person with a disability, a chronic health condition or age-related needs.
We can help you connect with others, have a break and get support for yourself. Recharge, discover and connect with fellow carers.
Benefits
Our carer support program offers:
- advice and support to unpaid carers living in Banyule
- opportunities to look after your physical and mental wellbeing
- access to free activities and events, and updates to future group meets
- aquatic and group fitness wellbeing passes.
Independent of the program, you can also join our mailing list to receive updates on what services and help is available to carers.
Activities and passes
You must register with the program to access the activities and passes.
Aquatic and fitness wellbeing passes
Look after your own physical and mental health with one of our wellbeing passes.
Eligibility
Carers must be registered with our program, live within Banyule and provide unpaid care to a person with a chronic health condition, disability or age-related care needs.
Types of passes
You can apply for one of the following passes:
- WaterMarc Banyule: multiple aquatic visits (pools, spa, sauna, steam room)
- WaterMarc Banyule: multiple group fitness visits (classes).
- Ivanhoe Aquatic Banyule: 10 aquatic visits (pool, spa, sauna)
- Ivanhoe Aquatic Banyule: 10 group fitness visits (classes and gym)
- Ivanhoe Aquatic Banyule: 5 aquatic and 5 group fitness visits combination.
For all group fitness passes, you are welcome to mix and match what classes you would like to do, for example body pump one week, yoga the next.
Duration
You must use all your visits within a certain period:
- WaterMarc Banyule: by expiration date on pass (minimum 6 months)
- Ivanhoe Aquatic Banyule: 6 months
The leisure centres can keep track of how many visits you have remaining and let you know upon arrival.
Locations
Free carer support group and morning tea
Group meets are held on the second Thursday of every month from 10.30am to 12pm.
Share your ideas, have a laugh, find out about supports and services. The group is a safe, welcoming space for carers to enjoy a break and have a chance to chat with other carers.
Morning tea is provided.
Location
Free gentle yoga for carers
Courses are every Thursday 9.30-10.30am at Watsonia Neighbourhood House or every Tuesday 11.30am to 12.15pm at Olympic Leisure Centre. You must choose only one location.
Learn self-care tools through gentle movements in this short series of yoga classes.
Sindhu is a professional yoga teacher with years of experience in guiding and empowering participants through her gentle yoga and wellbeing classes.
Yoga mats provided or BYO mat.
Location
Coffee group for carers of a child with neurodivergence or disability
Group meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at 10am, starting Thursday 22 February 2024.
This is a chance for carers to chat with other local parents who are caring for a child with a disability.
Share information, empathy and a laugh and enjoy a complimentary hot drink.
Meets are informal and un-facilitated. You need to register with our carer support program to attend.
Location
Free tai chi qigong classes for carers
Classes are every Friday during school terms from 11am to 12pm.
Tai chi and qigong bring together acupressure, stretches, gentle flowing movements and stillness.
These moving meditation sessions are designed to leave you with energy and ease.
Led by Sabine, an integrative movement teacher who has been running these gentle, restorative sessions over many years, you will be left relaxed and rewarded.
Location
Free art therapy sessions for carers
Group sessions are held on the 4th Tuesday of every month from 1-2.30pm.
In these gentle sessions the art therapist guides participants to explore a variety of materials and reflect in a supportive and safe group environment, nurturing social connections. Group art therapy has been shown to reduce the burden and increase self-efficacy of caregivers.
Tanis is a registered art therapist who works with children, adults and their families. Her approach is gentle and compassionate, meeting participants where they are in the moment.
Location
Bringing along the person you care for
Certain activities are also open to the cared for person (not support groups, wellbeing passes or youth activities).
Please call the Carer Support Team to discuss beforehand.