Villa Maria was awarded $1.05 million in Federal Government funding for the Mental Health Respite: Carer Support program.

Villa Maria western community services team leader Kevin Dallinger said the program targeted carers in Ararat and Horsham, as well as those in Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera.

“We support up to 250 carers and a similar number of family members of carers,” he said.

Mr Dallinger said the programs offered many different support services for carers.

“Sometimes carers just need some information, other times they might have more complex care needs that need a case management type approach,” he said.

Mr Dallinger said the program offered flexible respite care options, including provision of information, referral, case management and carer support. 

“Practical assistance can include both in-home and out-of-home respite, help accessing assessment, education and counselling options and carer wellbeing programs including rest and rejuvenation activities and ‘emotional wellbeing for carers’ programs,” he said.

Mr Dallinger said ongoing co-operation with other mental health and carer services in the region was integral to the program to ensure it reached all carers who might need assistance.

He said about 80 carers attended the launch and a mini-expo in Horsham.

“There was a good mix of other service providers, community members and carers,” he said.

Mr Moneghetti, Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty and emotional intelligence life coach Nicholas de Castella spoke at the launch.

Mr Moneghetti spoke about the importance of living well for good mental and physical wellbeing and taking one step at a time to reach an ultimate goal.

Mr Dallinger thanked Mr Moneghetti, Mr Castwella and Mr Delahunty for their attendance.