Step into Caring

Many people don’t see themselves as carers. They are just children, parents, partners, relatives, or friends who care for someone close to them.

You may be a carer if you are looking after someone with disability, a medical condition, mental illness or who is frail due to age.

A carer is often unpaid and usually cares for someone because of a personal relationship (for example, a parent, partner, sibling, adult child, friend or neighbour).

Who do carers support?

• An older person who is frail or has age-related support needs
• A person with a disability
• Someone living with a chronic or terminal illness
• A person with a mental health condition
• A child or adult with complex care needs
• A family member, partner, friend, neighbour, or someone they care about

How do carers care for someone?

Every caring role is different, but carers may help with:

• Personal care – bathing & showering, dressing & grooming, mobility, toileting & continence support etc.
• Health care – giving medication, attending medical appointments, communicating with healthcare providers etc.
• Practical support – cooking meals, cleaning & household tasks, shopping & banking etc.
• Emotional and social support – providing companionship, helping someone stay connected to family, friends & community, supporting independence etc.
• Advocacy and coordination – navigating service systems, organising supports, helping make informed decisions, advocating for the person’s needs & preferences etc.

Step Into Caring provides practical information, guidance, and connection to help you:

• Understand your role as a carer
• Learn about available supports and services
• Build confidence in your caring journey
• Connect with other carers in a supportive space.

To participate in the program, you must:

• Be new to caring (less than 18 months)
• Have a willingness to complete the online program modules within a 1-month period and attend online groups
• Participate in our brief pre and post evaluation to help us improve the program for others

Who is the Program For?

This free program is for anyone who has been in their unpaid caring role less than 18 months, regardless of who you are supporting.

Whether you care for a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour, due to chronic illness, disability, mental health, or ageing; the program can help you build the confidence, skills, and knowledge to meet the challenges of caring, while also looking after your own wellbeing.

How to register?

Call: 1800 783 746

Email: stepin@carersvictoria.org.au