The Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre is an information and support service funded by the Australian Government. There are more than 50 Centres around Australia. In Southern Tasmania the CRCC is auspiced by Community Based Support South (CBS).

The CRCC has two functions:

    1.    A single point of access for information on aged and community care, disability services,            mental health services and other support services to assist people to live independently in            the community.

           By calling FREECALL 1800 052 222 you will be able to speak with someone about local            services. If you need information about services in other locations around Australia, your call            can be transferred free of charge.

           Call us if you are looking for information about community services such as transport,            showering assistance, home delivered meals and social activities. We can give you the            contact details for service providers and explain eligibility requirements and costs and make            referrals when necessary. This service is available to anyone: carers, self carers, family,            friends and health professionals.

           Information can be provided over the phone or mailed out to you. You can also visit the            CRCC Shopfront at CBS to talk to a coordinator and pick up some of our many brochures.            We also regularly host free information sessions in partnership with other organisations on            a variety of topics related to healthy ageing and living independently. Click here to see what            sessions are coming up. To find out more or register to attend a session call FREECALL            1800 052 222.

    2.    Support services for carers: There are 2.5 million carers in Australia, providing regular,            ongoing, unpaid assistance to people in the community. Carers need to take breaks from            their caring role. This might be to attend a medical appointment or just have some time out            or go on a holiday. Carers may also need additional support if an emergency takes them            away from their caring role. The CRCC provides short term and emergency support for            carers, as well as information and guidance through the aged and community care system.

           Every caring situation is different so the types of support that we coordinate will depend on            your circumstances. You must be caring for a family member, friend or neighbour who is            living in the community who is frail aged, has dementia, a disability, a chronic physical or            mental illness or palliative care needs.

           By calling FREECALL 1800 052 222 for carer support a coordinator will discuss the details            of your caring role with you and based on this information will match services to your            particular needs. All your information is strictly confidential and will only be shared with other            organisations with your consent.

We also coordinate a calendar of seminars and courses on a wide range of topics for carers. These are designed to equip you with the knowledge you need as a carer, to not only look after others but also to look after yourself. Click here to see what sessions are coming up. To find out more or register to attend a session call FREECALL 1800 052 222.

* Please note that the Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre provides short term and emergency respite only. Ongoing respite is available through the Home and Community Care program. To find out more click here.