Carelink

Commonwealth Carelink Centre’s aim to help you live independently in your own home. Anyone who needs information about community aged care, disability and other support services can call us on 1800 052 222 (except from mobiles). We can provide advice on:

• the range of services available and how to contact them
• who is eligible to receive the services
• whether there are any costs associated with receiving the services, and
• aged care assessment services for access to Community Aged Care Packages or entry into aged care homes

Carebus‘mobile information unit’

What is a Carebus?

A Carebus is a mobile information van stocked with displays of free information that can park near a library or a shopping centre so people can access important information about services and supports in their local community and beyond.

The first Carebus mobile information unit was an initiative of the Sunshine Coast Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre (SCCCRC). It was originally funded in 2002 as a one-off pilot project by the Department of Health and Ageing under the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) to reach carers in the community. By identifying basic operating principles and guidelines a model was developed to serve as a guide for the now successful Brisbane North and Central Queensland Carebus ‘mobile information unit’ Program.

One major element of the project has addressed the need for identifying carers in the community and supporting them through access to ‘information relevant to their role as a carer’. That information includes aged care, carer respite, residential care, palliative care, mental health, health and well being, seniors, young people, medical conditions, Federal, State and local services, support groups and much more.

The Carebus has been awarded:

• State Smart Stories – Queensland Government (Web site) 2004
• Fisher Community Australia Day 2004 – Des Scanlan  Memorial Award for Services to the Community
• E banc Foundation Volunteer Award
• Gambling Community Benefit Fund 

In July 2005 the Department of Health and Ageing granted additional Australian Government funding to Suncare’s Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre Sunshine Coast for an additional three (3) Carebus ‘mobile information units’ bringing the total number of their operational units to four (4).

The ‘mobile units’ are now under the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres programs with an increased capacity to cover the Brisbane North and Central Regions of Queensland more comprehensively in order to reach carers, ‘hidden carers’ and other community members requiring support and information.

To book the Carebus for an event or simply Carebus location information please contact your nearest Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 059 059 Freecall (except from mobiles)

VOLUNTEERS Needed

The Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre, Mobile Information Unit, ‘Carebus”
Volunteers are an important part of our community based not for profit Organisation.

Do you enjoy greeting and welcoming people?
Do you enjoy sharing information with people?
Do you like making new friends?

If the answer is “yes” then becoming a ‘Volunteer’ for the Carebus ‘Mobile Information Unit’ is right for you.
As a ‘Volunteer’ you will have the opportunity to provide individuals, carers, groups and service provider’s access to information that can be of great benefit as well as highlighting services in your local area.
All information on the Carebus ‘Mobile Information Unit’ is FREE

Example venues include:

• Libraries
• Hospitals
• Shopping
• Centres
• Other Community Settings
• Seminars
• Conferences

How much time will it take?

The time commitment is very flexible – you decide how many venues/visits you would like to undertake each month.
For further information or an application package please call office hours on (07) 5409 5900 (Maroochydore area) or (07) 5498 3315 (Caboolture area) or email info@crcsc.com.au

An Australian Government Initiative auspiced by Suncare Community Services Inc.