Emotional Support for Carers (and Former Carers) of Loved Ones with MND
Caring for someone with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is deeply meaningful but can feel overwhelming. It’s normal to experience stress, sadness, fatigue, guilt, and grief. You’re not alone.
At MND Queensland, we recognise the emotional toll that caregiving can take, and we’re here to support you – during the journey and beyond.
Here’s how we can help:
- 🧡 One-on-One Support
Speak privately with a staff member who understands the carer experience. We’re here to listen and support you—without judgment. - 🤝 Carer Kitchen Table Conversations
Join our relaxed, online support groups designed especially for carers. Share stories, ask questions, and connect with others who truly understand what you're going through. - 📞 Check-in Calls and Helpline
Whether you need a quick chat or more ongoing support, our friendly team is just a phone call away. - 🧠 Mental Health Resources
Access practical information and referrals to counselling, mindfulness tools, and wellbeing services tailored to the unique challenges of caregiving. - 🌸 Safe Spaces to Talk
Whether it's laughter, tears, or a bit of both—our support services give you space to express what you're feeling, whenever you're ready.
Taking care of your emotional wellbeing is just as important as caring for your loved one. We're here to walk beside you, every step of the way.
📧 Email: carers@mndqld.org.au
📞 Phone: 07 3372 9004
Additional Emotional Support Services
While MND Queensland is here to support you, we also encourage you to reach out to other trusted organisations that specialise in emotional wellbeing and mental health support.
You are not alone. These services are here to help:
Carer Gateway – Wellways
Support for carers including counselling, coaching, and emergency respite.
📞 1800 422 737 (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm)
🌐 www.carergateway.gov.au
Palliative Care Queensland
Specialist support for people and families navigating life-limiting illness.
📞 (07) 3842 3242
🌐 www.palliativecareqld.org.au
Grief Australia (formerly Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement)
Support for individuals dealing with grief and loss.
📞 1300 664 786 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm AEST)
🌐 www.grief.org.au
Lifeline
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
📞 13 11 14
🌐 www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue
Support for anxiety, depression and mental health challenges.
📞 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
🌐 www.beyondblue.org.au
Support for Young Carers
Young people who are helping care for a family member with MND face their own unique challenges. Balancing school, friendships, and growing up while supporting a loved one can feel overwhelming at times.
At MND Queensland, we recognise the vital role young carers play—and we’re here to support them too.
What We Offer:
🧒 Age-appropriate resources to help children and young adults understand MND and the caring journey
🧭 Guidance and emotional support tailored to young carers’ needs
🌐 Access to the National Youth Hub, a safe, informative space designed specifically for young people in caring roles
Visit the National Youth Hub → https://mndnsw.org.au/what-we-do/youthhub.html
Young Carers Network
Carers Australia also provides a national Young Carers Network—a hub for connection, resources, and sharing stories from other young carers across Australia.
🔗 Visit the Young Carers Network → www.carersaustralia.com.au/information-for-carers/young-carers-network/
Financial Support for Carers
Caring for someone with MND often comes with added financial pressure. You may be reducing your work hours, paying for additional care needs, or adjusting your lifestyle to provide ongoing support. Thankfully, there are several financial supports available to help ease the burden.
💸 Carer Payment
A fortnightly Centrelink payment for carers who are unable to work full-time due to their caring responsibilities. To find out more visit: Services Australia
💰 Carer Allowance
A supplementary payment for people who provide daily care for someone with a disability or medical condition. This payment is income-tested and can be received alongside other benefits. To find out more visit: Services Australia
🧾 Carer Supplement
An annual lump sum payment from the Australian Government to assist with the cost of caring. To find out more visit: Services Australia
🎟️ Carer Business Discount Card
Available to eligible Queensland carers, this card gives access to discounts at thousands of businesses across the state, including supermarkets, petrol stations, pharmacies, and more.
Eligibility: To qualify, you must be:
- An approved foster or kinship carer by the Queensland Government Department of Child Safety, Seniors, and Disability Services; or
- A Queensland resident with a residential address registered with Centrelink, receiving either the Carer Payment or Carer Allowance.
How to Apply: Eligible carers can apply online through the Queensland Government's Carer Card application portal.
Finding Discounts: You can search for participating businesses and available discounts using the Queensland Government's discount directory.
🎫 Companion Card
This card is designed for individuals with a significant and permanent disability who require attendant care support to participate in community activities. This card allows a companion to enter participating venues and events at no extra cost.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be a resident of Queensland;
- Have a permanent disability; and
- Demonstrate that they require lifelong attendant care support to participate in community activities.
How to Apply: Applications can be submitted through the Queensland Government's Companion Card page.
🛠️ NDIS or Aged Care Funding
If your loved one qualifies for support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or Aged Care Services, funding may be available for assistive equipment, respite care, therapies, and more—helping to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
💡 Additional Support and Concessions
- Essential Medical Equipment Payment: A yearly payment to help with energy costs for running essential medical equipment or heating/cooling for medical needs.
- Queensland Government Concessions: Various concessions on utilities, transport, and more, accessible through the Queensland Savers website. carersqld.com.au
- Taxi Subsidy Scheme and Lift Payment: The Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) subsidises taxi travel—half of the total fare, up to a maximum of $30 per trip—for people with severe disabilities. To find out more click here.
- Hoyts Cinemas Carer Concessions: For further information click here.
- Carers Queensland’s No Interest Loans Scheme allows carers on low incomes to access up to $2000 to pay for essential items including car payments, education essentials, household items, medical/dental services and more. They are unable to assist with crisis or emergency loans and cannot be used for rent, cash, food or consolidation of debts. Click here for more.