Carer support program

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:

1. WaterMarc Banyule: multiple aquatic visits (pools, spa, sauna, steam room)
2. WaterMarc Banyule: multiple group fitness visits (classes)
3. Ivanhoe Aquatic Banyule: multiple aquatic visits (pool, spa, sauna).

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

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

Courses are every Thursday 9.30-10.30am (during school terms) at Watsonia Neighbourhood House.

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

Group sessions are held on the 1st Tuesday of every month from 10-10.45am, starting on 4 March 2025.

Come along and meet other carers and get some fresh air on this relaxing local walk. Participants need to be able to comfortably walk for at least a kilometre along paved and gravel paths.

Meet at Bellfield Community Hub.

Group meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at 10am, starting Thursday 27 February 2025.

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

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

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

Sessions are every Tuesday from 11.30am to 12.15pm at Olympic Leisure Centre.

Bring calm focus to your daily life in these accessible, inclusive sessions for carers.

Sindhu is a teacher with years of experience in guiding and empowering participants through gentle wellbeing sessions.

Group sessions are held on the 1st Friday of every month from 10am, beginning 7 March.

A peer support group co-facilitated with Merri Health Carer Services. Meet other carers and have a break over free coffee and cake from Whispers Cafe at Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub.