Port Hedland, Western Australia.

The Pilbara Mental Health Respite Service received funding in May 2008 to set up a respite service to carers of people with mental illness, psychiatric and or intellectual or physical disability living in remote towns and communities. Respite for carers provides them with a break from their usual caring role. The service operates out of South Hedland and provides respite to town based clients as well as administrative and training support to the remote teams, ie the Pilbara Mental Health Mobile Respite team and the Pilbara Mobile Respite Team.

The service comprises of an Area Coordinator and Training and Development Officer. The role of the Area Coordinator is to provide administrative support to all of the Pilbara Respite Services and to assist in the coordination of referrals to the various services. The Training and Development Officer is responsible for organising training and support for carers of people with mental illness, intellectual or physical disability, frail aged or those exhibiting challenging behaviours. Facilitation of training and development opportunities are provided to staff of the Respite Services to assist in their respective roles.

Advocacy on behalf of carers is an integral part of the service.

The mobile teams deliver flexible respite options to remote and rural communities, including Marble Bar, Nullagine, Jigalong and other Western Desert communities, Tom Price, Onslow, Karratha and Newman.

The service also has access to the Roebourne Community Wellness Centre where carers and or care recipients can relax, watch TV, and participate in activities run by the Centre.

The Pilbara Mental Health Respite Service works in conjunction with other local service providers to ensure the best possible service is provided to carers within the region.