If you are caring for a current or former ADF member, or have a Defence child with special needs, there are a number of support organisations and services that can help you to balance the needs of the person you are caring for, while also looking after your own wellbeing.

Carers SA

Carers SA is the key organisation for supporting carers across South Australia, with staff located across metropolitan Adelaide and in rural and remote areas.

The organisation can connect carers with support services including support planning, counselling and peer groups, respite care and wellbeing services. These services are available to anyone caring for a person with special needs, has restrictive health issues or is incapacitated.

Carer Directed Support, through Carers SA, offers carers practical support that suits them and their situation, providing the freedom for individuals to determine what may satisfy their needs as well as their responsibilities as a carer. This generally involves financial support for one-off solutions or ongoing support.

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Carer Gateway

The Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers.

If you care for a family member or friend with disability, a medical condition, mental illness, or who is frail due to age, then Carer Gateway can help you.

The Australian Government works with a range of health and carer organisations across Australia, known as Carer Gateway service providers, to deliver services to carers no matter where they live in Australia.

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Defence Member & Family Support (DMFS)

DMFS provides assistance to families caring for dependants with special needs to help to reduce the impact of relocations and minimise any interruption to specialist support required.

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Defence Special Needs Support Group

The Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG) is a volunteer-run organisation providing support, information and assistance to families that have a dependent with special needs, including children, spouses or other dependants.

The services provided by DSNSG are available to those still serving in the ADF, as well as those who have separated and are no longer serving.

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Partners of Veterans Association (PVA)

The PVA is a not-for-profit, voluntary organisation who support partners, carers and families of Australian veterans through a network of like-minded individuals with shared experiences.

A number of ex-service organisations provide support to families caring for former ADF members. These services include mental health and wellbeing programs and training, social connection and practical support.

Support Groups

The Partner and Carer Support Group, facilitated by The Home Post connects carers with other families who are providing care for current serving members. The group was developed to empower, support and educate Defence partners caring for a member who has experienced medical downgrades.

Carer Support Network SA consists of the key organisations that provide a range of targeted carer support services to unpaid family carers living in South Australia, and who are committed to using the Carer Support model as the basis underpinning how these services are delivered.

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