Hello everyone, 

It’s less than four months until we vote for our next state government. So from now until the October 26 state election, Arafmi’s advocacy work will have a particular focus on engaging with state politicians and candidates from all parties.  

The State Budget, released on June 11, allocated another $156.1 million for mental health, alcohol and other drug services. Arafmi welcomes that public investment and the measures taken to make it easier for community organisations to deliver mental health supports, such as increased indexation on state government contracts (including for Arafmi).

Queensland Health’s five-year mental health, alcohol and other drugs plan, called Better Care Together, has also entered its third year. Arafmi is a partner in this plan, providing advice and working to ensure mental health carers are considered at every step. We acknowledge that a lot of good has been achieved through this plan.

However, the sector is still waiting for key government reports to be released, including on the analysis of unmet need for mental health services in Queensland, and on the roll out of ‘foundational’ supports for people with psychosocial disability, as the NDIS is reshaped. When released, both of these will likely spur significant discussion about the need for more state-funded mental health services.  

Through this process, and the imminent election campaign, we want to ensure decision-makers know about the challenges facing mental health carers in their electorates, and how to help.  

We’ve begun by sending state MPs and Queensland-based federal MPs, our “At What Cost?” report (see link below), which is based on consultations with mental health carers in Queensland in late 2023.  

It sets out six goals for Arafmi’s advocacy:  

1. Raise awareness of mental health carers so that they can be better recognised and supported.
    
2. Advocate for physical, emotional, social, mental health, and practical support for mental health carers. 
    
3. Facilitate access to relevant information and training for mental health carers. 
    
4. Promote carer inclusion in mental health treatment planning and implementation. 
    
5. Increase financial assistance for carers. 
    
6. Advocate for inclusion of the voices of mental health carers in mental health reform. 

We’re requesting meetings with MPs and candidates and will let you know how they go (keep an eye out on our social media for updates). However, MPs and candidates are already out door-knocking and holding local stalls, trying to win your vote, so there is an opportunity for you as an individual to also raise these issues. 

The first step in speaking out, is ensuring you’re telling the right people. If you don’t already know which state electorate you’re in, you can head to the Queensland Electoral Commission website to look it up (click the link below).

Next month, we’ll discuss how to best raise these issues, whether in conversation or in a letter. 

Have a great month,
Irene 

NAIDOC Week

Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.

The season of NAIDOC for 2024 is here, with a week of celebration from July 7-14.  A common question is raised this time of year asking what does NAIDOC mean?

The acronym NAIDOC stands for: National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance committee. NAIDOC week has its roots from 1938-1974 as a day of mourning. Then in 1975 it became a weeklong event for the first time. NAIDOC week is an opportunity for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to come together to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations peoples across the country. Find out more below.

New National Family, Carer and Kin Peak Body 

Mental health carers have a new federal representative body to advocate to the federal government and other federal stakeholders for improvements in the mental health system and increased recognition of the role of carers.

The announcement was made earlier this month by the federal government, which also announced a new federal peak body for mental health consumers (click below to read the full media release).

After a competitive grants round, two organisations were selected:

• National Mental Health Consumer Alliance will establish the new Consumer Peak Body 
   
• Mental Health Carers Australia will establish the Family, Carer and Kin Peak Body.

Both organisations expect the new peak bodies to be operational in the next few months. Once established, they will work closely with the Government, people with lived experience and existing organisations to work to improve mental health outcomes for all Australians.

Thank you again to everyone who has helped guide the establishment of these peak bodies including through sharing their personal stories, experiences and thoughts. This includes all those involved in the co-design process in 2023 which was informed by and built on decades of previous work from tireless advocates. Arafmi is the Peak Body for mental health carers in Queensland and a member and close ally of Mental Health Carers Australia. We will continue to work closely with Mental Health Carers Australia to support the smooth establishment of these long awaited mental health, lived experience peak bodies.

Arafmi would especially like to acknowledge and thank Katrina Armstrong and Amaya Alvarez, who, with support from the Board of Mental Health Carers Australia, chaired by Jeremy Coggin, worked tirelessly and fearlessly to achieve this outcome.

In Memoriam - Tony Fowke AM

We were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Tony Fowke. Tony served as the Vice President of Mental Health Carers ARAFMI Australia for over a decade. In 2003, he was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for his outstanding contributions to mental health advocacy.

Arafmi Annual Carer Survey  - Now Open

This is an opportunity to provide feedback on Arafmi’s carer support services and tell us about what other kinds of services, information and events would help you in your caring role, as well as help with your own health and wellbeing.

In this year’s survey, you will also have an opportunity to tell us whether you would like to get involved in Arafmi’s growing advocacy work and build skills to do this.

The survey will close on 9 August. If you need help completing it, please contact the Carer Support Team on 1300 554 660.

This year we are also offering carers who complete the survey the opportunity to win one of 10 x $100 vouchers.

So make yourself a cuppa, sit back, click on the link below and tell us what you think.

Each month explore a selection of articles we've curated especially for you.

Laura Bounds and Gabby Dariz

Laura has worked in the community services sector for 14 years. In the last few years, she has discovered her passion, working with individuals with a mental health diagnosis and coordinating complex needs. In her role, Laura most enjoys the uplifting and inspiring environment that allows her to truly make a difference in the lives of participants, carers and staff.  

Outside work, Laura relishes time with her two, little, mature-aged dogs Poppie and Teddy and listening to true crime podcasts. Her go-to dance move is the Nutbush and she enjoys discovering great local brunch places with friends. 

Gabby has 12 years of experience in the community services industry. She started as a Support Worker, then became an Admin Coordinator and a Customer Services/Accounts Team Leader before moving into Support Coordination. Her journey led her to become a Team Leader at Arafmi, where she finds joy in the supportive environment with like-minded professionals. Gabby says that she loves what she does and feels a sense of satisfaction from achieving great outcomes for our clients.  

Ruby is Gabby's Chihuahua-cross-Smooth Fox Terrier dog, who provides her with unconditional love and companionship when her kids are busy. Gabby's go-to dance move is the Charleston Swing and she enjoys yoga, gardening and the great outdoors. 

Laura and Gabby's roles are expansive and include management responsibilities from keeping an eye on legislation changes to  supporting and mentoring team members in their work with participants, families, carers and providers to coordinate complex mental health supports.

Human Rights Act Review 

Arafmi recently made a submission to the Independent Review of Queensland’s Human Rights Act. 

The Human Rights Act was established in 2019 to protect and promote the human rights of Queenslanders when they interact with Queensland Government departments and services, including public hospitals, public mental health services, police and public schools.

Free Webinar - At What Cost? 

You may have read in the last newsletter that the advocacy team recently released our inaugural mental health carers report.

If you would like to hear author, Sue Goodwin, talk about the report, At What Cost? The experiences of unpaid mental health carers in Queensland 2023 - 2024 you might like to attend our upcoming webinar.

Sue will summarise the key findings of the report and is happy to answer your questions. 

Date: 17 July
Time: 12:30pm - 1:15pm
Where: Online via Zoom
Bookings required.

Atherton Update

Karen will now be supported by Arafmi to open another Coffee Connect group for unpaid mental health carers in Atherton which is due to launch in August this year. Watch this space for more updates or contact the Carer Support Team for more information

Upcoming Stanthorpe Day Retreat for Carers

We are offering a Day Retreat in Stanthorpe this month on 17 July from 9:30am-3:30pm. 

This retreat is a co-design project with carers from the region who have asked for an opportunity to connect with other carers in the region and Arafmi’s Carer Support Team. They’ve helped us design the day, including art sessions with a local Art Therapist and a drumming activity organised by Carer Gateway, which will also be there to outline their services. 

There are still a few places available if any carers would like to enjoy some warm conversation amid some crisp, wintery freshness in a local vineyard in Stanthorpe. Please contact the Carer Support Team on 1300 554 660.

Sunshine Coast Carer Retreat

Seventeen carers from South East Queensland enjoyed a mini retreat at the Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge over two days. The retreat provided well-needed R&R for carers to connect with one another, participate in self-care activities and learn about available supports and programs.

The evening painting session in the beautiful old church by the fire was a contrast to the crisp early morning movement mediation, the next day. Another highlight was taking photos on a mindfulness walk through the local rainforest.

Special thanks to Meichelle Hughes from Sunshine Coast Hospital Health Service for joining us at the retreat, Leticia Collins for assisting with designing and facilitating the art sessions and Keith from the Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge for the wonderful venue.

If you are interested in finding out more about carer retreats, please email the Carer Support Team or call 1300 554 660.

Support Group Facilitator Training

In June, seven carers completed the support group facilitator volunteer training and are now looking forward to starting new groups in Kallangar, North Sunshine Coast and Beaudesert areas. Over 2 days they shared their knowledge and experiences and learnt about how to set up a support group and what is needed for it to run effectively. They will attend ongoing Community of Practice sessions to continue to share and learn together. We are very excited about the passion and experiences they are all bringing to these roles. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the new groups or becoming a support group facilitator yourself click below.  

Carers of Youth Support Group -                     Date Change

From 23 July, we are changing the Carers of Youth support group to the fourth Tuesday of the month, from 1:00pm-2:00pm. This support group provides peer support to mental health carers supporting a younger person experiencing mental ill-health.

2024 ANU-ALIVE National Lived-Experience Priorities Study

Family & Friends Talking About Mental Health Free Event

Peer Work Scholarship Opportunity - Closing Soon!

Applications for the Mental Health Peer Work Scholarships will end on 15 July.

Here's what you get with the scholarship:

• payment of up to $4000 for the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work course fee
• up to $1000 to support attendance and study materials
• access to mentoring and workshops with Brook RED.

Gaining a  Certificate IV Mental Health Peer Work qualification can open the door to roles in peer work, support work, peer mentoring, wellbeing coaching, lived expertise facilitator and much more.

The program is supported by the Australian Government and managed by the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health.  

Apply now!

Tuning into Teens - Emotionally Intelligent Parenting 

KICS Secondary Family Support Service will be conducting Tuning into Teens, an evidence based parenting program about emotion coaching for parents with teenage children aged 10-18.  It will run over six weeks and is free.

Date: 26 July, 9 August - 6 September (6 sessions)
Time: 10:00am - 12:30pm  
Where: Kummara Ltd, 59 Lorikeet St, Inala

Managing Cravings - Alcohol and Other Substance Use

Join Brisbane South Recovery College for a FREE course on "Managing Cravings" in the Bayside area.

All individuals facing mental ill-health, substance abuse concerns, and/or providing care to a family member, friend or kin, are welcome. 

Learn about substance use versus dependence, discover triggers, and explore practical strategies to handle cravings. 

Date: 17 July
Time: 9:30am - 11:00am
Where:  Cleveland Library
Bookings required:  Click the link below to enrol

Carer Friendly Business Awards 

The Carer Friendly Business Awards recognise employers, employees and businesses that go above and beyond to make life better for carers. You're invited to nominate an exceptional business that is truly carer friendly. 

Nominations close on 31 July 2024. Nominate today and say “thank you” for making a real difference in a carer’s life.

The State winners and the carers who nominated them will be announced at the awards event on 16 October.

Carer Business Discount Card

Carers play a vital role in the lives of those they care for and their communities. 

The Carer Business Discount Card from the Queensland Government is there to show appreciation and help out carers with discounts at various businesses across Queensland. 

To qualify, you must be a Queensland resident who receives the Carer Payment or Carer Allowance from Centrelink.

Seeking Family/Carer Lived Experience Workers for Research Project

Griffith Uni would like to hear from Family/Carer Lived Experience workers to help improve support for this vital workforce. If you've been involved in QLD mental health services in the past five years, whether paid or voluntary, they'd appreciate your input through a quick anonymous survey.