This contribution will present results and analysis from the Carers NSW 2024 National Carer Survey identifying the barriers that carers of people with mental health support needs face when accessing services, the impacts of service gaps on carers’ own mental health and protective factors that support the resilience of mental health carers in Australia.
The Survey found that one in ten respondents caring for someone accessing mental health services was unable to access the required services, and one in four of those accessing mental health services could not do so locally. Not being able to access a needed mental health service for the person they care for was associated with significantly higher rates of high or very high psychological distress among carers.
Service gaps also exist for carer support services, especially respite services. 45.7% of mental health carers reported an unmet need for planned respite, and 45.6% for emergency respite. This was associated with significantly lower wellbeing and heightened psychological distress.
Respondents caring for someone with mental health needs experienced psychological distress and social connectedness at a higher rate than other survey respondents and reported lower wellbeing. Our findings suggest that personal relationships and recognition are fundamental for carer resilience.

Three Key Learnings:
1. There are significant access gaps to mental health services and services for mental health carers.
2. Mental health carers suffer at a higher rate from psychological distress, low wellbeing and social isolation than other carers.
3. Carer distress, social connectedness and wellbeing could be improved by improving access to services and supports for mental health carers and the people they care for.