The latest news from Arafmi
No images? Click here
Irene Clelland
CEO Arafmi
Hello everyone,
I hope you’re well, withstanding the federal election campaigning, and enjoying the cooler weather that’s finally come over the state.
First, I want to give a big shout out to Arafmi’s Marketing Team for pulling together this newsletter every month, and for revitalising our messaging on social media. I’ve received lots of positive feedback lately regarding our messages and communications, which is great to hear. It’s an important way we keep mental health carers informed and share the voice of mental health carers with the wider community, too.
Sharing your voice is a major part of Arafmi’s work and next week I’ll be doing that at the 2025 Congress of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
It’s so important that psychiatrists are aware of the role of mental health carers, the knowledge they hold and their rights, because their decisions can be of immense consequence to the person we care for, and therefore, also impact the lives of mental health carers.
My presentation is focusing on research conducted by Griffith University and Queensland Health, with the support of Arafmi and the Queensland Mental Health Commission, to better understand carers’ attitudes towards the use of Involuntary Treatment Orders.
The findings will be revealed at the conference but suffice to say that they support what many carers already know – that sometimes Involuntary Treatment Orders feel like the only avenue when crisis hits.
And that’s not good enough. It’s why, along with so much of the mental health system, we’re advocating for more services that are accessible and affordable, to support the people we care for, and therefore mental health carers, too.
Speaking with psychiatrists is but one step on a long road to reform, but it’s a journey we’re committed to taking.
Have a great month,
Irene.
What's in the News
Each month explore a selection of articles we've curated especially for you.
Carers and the Election: What's Missing, What Matters
Election promises–where do carers fit in?
Mental health carers are still missing from major party commitments. Improved clinical services help—but carers carry the load between the gaps. This election, ask your candidates: Where is the support for carers?
Mental Health Carers Australia has reviewed what the big parties are promising for mental health and what they’ve left out. Their summary explains why carer voices must be part of the plan.
Click the links below to see what the promises really mean for carers and people with mental ill-health.
4 self-care tips to survive this election
Election time can stir up big feelings—especially for carers. When your daily life is impacted by policy decisions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, unheard, or even angry. You might want to speak up or tune out, either reaction is valid. Here are some simple ways to look after your mental wellbeing during this time:
- Name what you're feeling
Saying it out loud or writing it down—“I feel tired” or “I feel hopeful”—can help you process by creating space between you and the feeling. - Focus on what you can do
You can’t fix the whole system but you can choose how and when to engage. Take breaks from the news or social media when it’s too much. Pick doable actions—like emailing your MP or sharing a helpful social media post. - Balance caring and calm
You care deeply—that’s your strength. After signing a petition or going to an event, balance it out with something kind for yourself. A walk, a cuppa and/or some quiet. - Connect with others who get it
You’re not alone. Reach out to someone who understands or join a carer group. Talking with people who get it can be a real lifeline.
Whatever you're feeling right now, be gentle with yourself.
Advocacy Team Update
Worried about the future of the person you care for?
It's a question many carers ask: “Who will support my person when I no longer can?" Arafmi (Australia) and Mental Illness Caregivers Association (MICA-Canada) are working together on a new project to help carers of people with mental
ill-health to plan for the future.
We had an incredible response to our focus groups–thank you. The next step is a short survey. We're asking carers in Australia and Canada about the types of support you currently provide and whether you have a plan in place for the future.
Your voice matters. The results will help us advocate for better services and long-term support for the people you care for.
Carers leading the way on new resource hub
In April, Arafmi brought together a new Carer Consultative Group. These Queensland mental health carers—bringing a diverse range of Lived Experience, skills and perspectives—will play a key role in shaping Arafmi's advocacy work.
Their first project? Helping us design a new online Carer Resource Hub–a one-stop place where carers can easily find the information, services and supports they need to navigate the mental health system and look after their own well-being.
Carer Support Update
Curious about respite? Sunshine Coast carers visit respite hub
Two Sunshine Coast carers recently visited Arafmi’s respite accommodation to see what’s available and start planning their stay. They were joined by Meichelle Hughes, Social Worker for Family and Carer Support at Queensland Health.
The visit was a great chance to explore the space, ask questions, and learn how respite can support carers in their vital role.
Thinking about respite?
Visiting the hub and having a chat with one of our friendly Respite Coordinators—Leah or Marieke—is a great way to find out how Arafmi’s 5-star respite accommodation could work for you.
Culture Care Update
Growing peer support and community leadership across cultures
Culture Care recently ran a self-care workshop for Multicultural Peer Support Workers (MPSWs)—carers who support other carers from the same cultural background. They provide both emotional and language support, so it’s important that training is culturally appropriate and relevant to their work.
After the success of last year’s workshop for community leaders, Culture Care is planning another in June 2025 at the Inala Community Centre. Many community and faith leaders are also carers and often the first point of contact when someone needs support. This workshop will focus on sharing mental health knowledge and support options within different cultural communities.
Regional Carer Update
Communication and boundaries: free workshops for mental health carers
Ever felt like your conversations just go in circles? You're not alone.
Join Arafmi, in partnership with Wellways Carer Gateway, for 2 workshops designed for carers supporting someone with mental ill-health.
You can attend one or both sessions:
- Communication Workshop: 10am-12pm
- Boundaries workshop: 1pm-3pm
Date: Tuesday 13 May
Location: Toowoomba Library.
Lunch and refreshments provided. To attend, you'll need to be registered with Wellways Carer Gateway
Arafmi Carer Event Calendar
Explore Arafmi's free support programs. Our calendar includes tailored
support groups, workshops and events for mental health carers.
Opportunities and Resources
Have your say: help shape the future of youth mental health
Did you know there's been a 50% rise in youth mental ill-health over the past decade? Services are struggling to keep up, so Orygen is leading a national consultation with the Australian Government to explore new models of care that better support young people and their families.
Arafmi recently joined a Queensland roundtable to advocate for change. Now it’s your turn—upcoming online workshops will give carers, families and young people a chance to have your say to shape the future of youth mental health.
New name, same support: Head to Health phone service
The Head to Health Phone Service is now called the Medicare Mental Health Phone Service – you can still call 1800 595 212 for free mental health support.
Head to Health Kids Hubs are now simply called Kids Hubs – the number remains the same: 1800 595 212.
While the names have changed, the support hasn’t. Medicare Mental Health Centres are still safe, welcoming spaces where anyone can access free mental health services—no GP referral needed.
Sane: new resources for the bipolar community
We’re excited to share that Sane has launched a brand-new online resource hub for people living with bipolar disorder—thanks to the generous support of the Collendina 5 Foundation.
Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed, are supporting a family member, or just looking to understand more, this hub brings together helpful factsheets, practical guides and powerful stories from people with Lived Experience.
Help improve carer info and support
Have you or someone you support had contact with the Mental Health Review Tribunal or Mental Health Court?
The Queensland Mental Health Lived Experience Peak and the Queensland Council of Social Service want to hear from carers and families about how online information can be improved for those navigating these systems.
Welcoming new LGBTIQA+ space
Queensland Council for LGBTI Health has launched QC Gayawur Rainbow to offer affirming care, peer support, mental health resources, free essentials, creative activities and a safe space for LGBTIQA+ folk. Drop in at Fortitude Valley from 10am–4pm, Monday to Wednesday and Friday—no appointment needed. Find connection, support, and community.
Always here for you
You can call Arafmi’s 24-hour Carer Support Line to share your feelings, receive support, find new resources and learn helpful coping skills to help you in your caring role. It’s comforting to know that when you need to talk— someone who understands will be there— at any hour.
Call us on 1300 554 660 (Brisbane) or 1800 351 881 ( Regional QLD)
Arafmi acknowledges Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Nations peoples of Australia and recognises their continuing connection to country, waters, kin, and communities. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and future and are committed to ensuring that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples voices are heard and respected across Queensland.
