TRAILER

Conversations with Carers

This interview series was filmed to share a glimpse into the lives of different carers, and to help carers in the community recognise themselves in these stories. We thank the carers who participated in the production of this film and for sharing their very personal stories for the benefit of others.

CARER STORIES
Caring for someone frail due to age

George

George is a Consultant in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry with over 40 years of clinical experience, and he is also the Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the department of Psychological Medicine at Monash University.

But George is also a carer to his mother, and in this interview, he shares how despite all his clinical experience and training exposure, that he still felt unprepared when the demands of his caring role increased.

CARER STORIES
Caring for someone living with mental health

Janette

For most parents, caring for a child usually phases out when they become an adult. But for some extraordinary individuals like Janette, the responsibility of caring and supporting a child with a mental health condition continues over the course of their entire lifetime.

Janette is a carer for her son who was diagnosed with acute schizophrenia, and started caring for him when he was 18 years old.

He is now 49 years old, and she is doing her best to plan for the future by setting up supports and services, and linking him into the community. 

CARER STORIES
Caring for someone living with disabilities and medical conditions

Joe

For most parents, the responsibility of caring for a child usually shifts as they grow into adulthood. But for some dads like Joe, the commitment to caring and supporting a child with disabilities and medical conditions remains a lifelong journey.

In this candid interview, Joe opens up about his role as a carer for his adult son, who faces challenges such as generalised anxiety disorder, delayed sleep phase disorder, and is on the autism spectrum. As both a father and a male carer, Joe emphasises the importance of male carers reaching out for support and connecting with others who understand the unique challenges they face.

COMING SOON - CARER STORIES
Caring for someone living with mental health

Dalphne

For many carers, helping someone they love with mental health challenges can feel very hard and lonely. This can be even more difficult in families and communities from different cultures, where there may be extra challenges. For Dalphne, caring for her adult daughter who has Borderline Personality Disorder has been a journey of more than 13 years. 

In this honest talk, Dalphne shares that mental illness was often not talked about in her culture and extended family. Because of this, she did not have many people to ask for help or support. She also explains how getting help from services, going to information sessions, and talking to others can really help both carers and the people they care for. 

COMING SOON - CARER STORIES
Caring for someone with neurodivergence and mental health challenges

Alexis

For many parents, caring responsibilities change as children grow - but for Alexis, caring has been a long and complex journey. As a mother of two children - one with ADHD and learning disabilities, and the other living with complex post-traumatic stress syndrome and mental health challenges - she shares the realities of supporting her family over many years. 

In this honest conversation, Alexis speaks about the isolation of caring without a strong support network, the experience of being judged in public and school settings, and the toll of living in “survival mode” for over two decades. She reminds us that caring isn’t a lifestyle, but a responsibility many take on out of necessity. Her story reflects both the challenges carers face and the strength and growth that can come with it.

COMING SOON - YOUNG CARER STORIES
Caring for a parent with hidden disabilities and multiple chronic illnesses

Tamia

For many young people, childhood is filled with school, friends and discovering who they are. But for Tamia, caring has been part of everyday life from a very young age. As a young carer for her mum, who is blind and lives with multiple chronic illnesses and hidden disabilities, Tamia provides both practical and emotional support to her mum every day. 

In this honest conversation, Tamia shares how caring has affected her education and social life—from arriving at school exhausted and struggling to keep up with assignments, to having to miss out on precious time with friends. She also reflects on the importance of not judging people by their appearance, reminding us that many disabilities and health conditions aren't visible. 

COMING SOON - CARER STORIES
Caring for multiple people with complex health conditions

Jenny

Jenny cares for her granddaughter, who lives with a range of complex health conditions, as well as her adult son with schizophrenia and her former husband with frontal lobe dementia. Together, the appointments, paperwork, phone calls and day-to-day responsibilities leave little time for herself. 

Jenny reflects on how years of putting everyone else's needs first led her to neglect her own health. After experiencing severe pain, she was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with cancer—a turning point that changed how she views her role as a carer. 

Jenny now understands that caring for yourself isn't a luxury—it's essential. She shares why prioritising her own physical and mental wellbeing allows her to continue caring for the people who depend on her, leaving carers with a powerful message: putting yourself first isn't selfish—it's what makes caring possible. 

ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER STORIES

Dolly

Dolly is a carer for her two daughters.

“The respite is fantastic, I’ve had quite a couple of trips away. I can come back home and feel like I’ve been rejuvenated. To be able to enjoy doing what I do.”