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Frequently Asked Questions
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- What is a Carer?
- Who can be a Carer?
- What is a CALD Carer?
- What does NESB mean?
- What is a support group?
- Who can become a member of a support group?
- What is a carer reference group?
Individuals close to (or often living with) someone who has a mental illness who offer continuing support in times.
A carer is not necessarily a family member. It can be a friend, neighbour or a significant other.
CALD means an individual is culturally and linguistically diverse. This refers to the wide range of cultural groups that make up the Australian population and Australian communities. It includes groups and individuals who differ according to religion, race, language or ethnicity. (Reality Check 2004).
NESB means an individual from a non-English speaking background.
A support group is a confidential place for people with a common condition or issue to meet and receive emotional and practical support. Members of a support group can relate to each other, share their feelings and what has worked for them, helping each other to normalise the condition and issue, learn new strategies to cope and decrease the sense of isolation that comes with having a condition. Some groups also provide education and information using guest speakers, audiovisual aids, literature or other methods.
A support group is centred on a common condition or issue. People who identify with that condition or issue can become members of the support group. Membership in some support groups is formally controlled, with membership fees, an application form and finite size of people (i.e. only 10 and then the group is considered full). Other groups are "open" and informal, allowing anyone to attend and numbers are unlimited. (MMHA Factsheet No.2)
A carer reference group has a specific purpose. It is a group of people who identify as caring for someone with a mental illness and who are proactive in providing carer input and advice into organisations or government's processes. A Carer Reference Group ensures the needs of the carers are identified, prioritised and met by the relevant government bodies/organisations/services.
A carer reference group has a specific purpose. It is a group of people who identify as caring for someone with a mental illness and who are proactive in providing carer input and advice into organisations or government's processes. A Carer Reference Group ensures the needs of the carers are identified, prioritised and met by the relevant government bodies/organisations/services.
Carer Reference Groups typically have rules called Terms of Reference where they define their roles, responsibilities, aims, objectives, purpose, frequency of meetings etc. These rules are usually designed and agreed upon by the group members (adapted from the MMHA Factsheet No. 2).
Last Updated: 21 Apr 2010
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