The latest news from Arafmi
No images? Click here
Irene Clelland
CEO Arafmi
Hello everyone,
It’s that time of year when school holidays, summer parties and various festivities take a lot of our time, money and attention. Hopefully, it’s all manageable and creates lovely memories and connections, but for some of us it can be very challenging.
Given that, I’d like to highlight some of Arafmi’s programs that can help with these challenges.
In December, you can learn about Financial Information for carers, and then follow up with Preparation for the End of Year - online or in person. They’re free (of course), hosted by Arafmi’s Carer Support team and might give you some ideas to make the next couple of months a bit easier.
Trained volunteers with Lived Experience of caring for someone experiencing mental ill-health are also working throughout the holiday season to answer our Carer Support Line, to provide advice and support. In regional Queensland, the number is 1800 351 881 (free from a landline) and in Brisbane, call 1300 554 660.
Over summer, Arafmi is also preparing to open a new office, where policy and advocacy and carer support team members will work together. This is part of Arafmi’s strategy to strengthen our advocacy, to improve the lives of mental health carers in Queensland.
I wish you all the best for the season ahead and sincerely thank you for your support and feedback through 2024.
See you in the new year,
Irene
What's in the News
Each month explore a selection of articles we've curated especially for you.
Welcome Sarah!
We're excited to welcome Sarah to our team as the Manager of Home and Living and Individual Support in Arafmi's Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Service Delivery team. Sarah brings extensive experience from her previous roles at Open Minds, Community Lifestyle Support, and Endeavour Foundation. Throughout these positions, she has specialised in Supported Independent Living, both low and high-care residential settings, and supporting individuals with challenging behaviours and complex care needs. She has also coordinated NDIS-funded service delivery to ensure the best outcomes for those under her care. Currently completing her Bachelor of Community Services, Sarah will graduate in 2025, adding to her qualifications, which already include an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management and a Certificate III in Aged Care.
Advocacy Team Update
Representing the Voices of Mental Health Carers
Over the past month, the advocacy team has been representing the voices and needs of families, kin and other carers of people experiencing mental ill-health at a various events. These included the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Rural Mental Health Conference in Cairns, Mental Health Australia Policy Forum in Melbourne and the Queensland Mental Health Commission Leading Reform Summit in Brisbane.
Sue Goodwin, our Lived Experience Advocacy Team Lead, presented at both the Rural Mental Health Conference and Leading Reform Summit. She highlighted the challenges faced by carers across the state. In rural areas, families, kin and other carers face additional challenges as well experiencing more limited access to services and supports and greater social isolation.
These events enabled the team to build and strengthen relationships with organisations that can support Arafmi's advocacy work to address these challenges.
Systems Advocacy Community of Practice
Participants in the initial information sessions for Arafmi’s new Community of Practice are keen to continue meeting with others who support someone experiencing mental ill-health and share ideas to drive systemic change.
It’s not too late to get involved. Our next meeting is scheduled for mid-December, and we’d greatly value your input.
Powering Up: Queensland Lived Experience Workforce Summit 2025
Registrations are now open for the 2025 Summit (20-21 February). This event is for anyone working in, or interested in, identified mental health carer Lived Experience roles. Held on the Sunshine Coast, the summit will feature a dynamic line-up of inspirational speakers selected to spark meaningful discussions and encourage participants to share their perspectives on key workforce issues. Attendees can also have the opportunity to join in a range of interactive skill-building workshops.
Early Bird Registrations close 13 December 2024
Carer Support Update
Reflection on the Year
As we close out 2024, we're proud to reflect on the many achievements in supporting carers across Queensland. This year has been full of new initiatives, valuable partnerships, and expanded programs aimed at enhancing carer wellbeing.
We launched several new workshops, including a self-care session, Australia’s first Youth Emotional CPR workshop, and two 12-week Family Connections workshops in partnership with Queensland Health clinical practitioners. These have been vital in equipping carers with the tools and support they need.
Our support groups expanded across Queensland, with new groups in Townsville and Mackay through our partnership with Neami, and additional groups in Atherton Tablelands, Southern Downs, Murrumba Downs, Gold Coast, and Toowoomba. A standout moment was establishing the first multicultural support group in Brisbane South in collaboration with Culture Care, with plans to extend to North Brisbane in 2025.
We also focused on training, providing two-day workshops for volunteer carers in Brisbane to develop facilitation skills and offering tailored training for carer staff in Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Services.
Our growing network of partners, including Wellways Carer Gateway, Carers Queensland, Basic Rights Queensland, Eating Disorders Queensland, Deaf Connect, and the Deafness and Mental Health Statewide Consultation Service, helped us offer more support and raise awareness for carers. A major highlight was the launch of the Queensland Young Carer Network, which brings together organisations committed to creating change for young carers.
We welcomed new team members, including Nerida (Carer Gateway Respite Coordinator), Cheryl (Carer Gateway Phone Support Coordinator), Tina (Carer Support Manager), Susan, and Arna (Administration Officers), while bidding farewell to Coordinator Jenelle and celebrating the life of Arafmi's original volunteer Ailsa Whitehead, who passed away at 97, leaving a lasting legacy.
Respite has been a key focus this year, with the addition of new accommodation options and retreats, including a three-day retreat at Glass House Mountains in partnership with artist Leticia Collins. Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman MP also visited to highlight our respite services.
On the advocacy front, we established a dedicated Policy and Advocacy Team, ensuring mental health carers' needs are championed. We published the “At What Cost?” report on unpaid mental health carers, submitted responses for the Queensland Human Rights Act Review and National Carer Strategy Consultation and contributed to the Queensland Carers Action Plan2024-26 and Queensland Trauma Strategy 2024-29.
As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to supporting and advocating for carers across Queensland. Thank you to all our partners and supporters for being part of this important work.
Survey Open - Carer Support Groups
Arafmi Carer Support Groups are accessed by carers across Queensland. To help us continue providing groups that meet carers' needs, we are seeking your feedback on how these groups are run, the benefits they offer, and any suggested changes for 2025. We would greatly appreciate it if you could complete this short survey by Monday 16 December 2024.
Carer Support Events and Education
These free Arafmi workshops and events are specifically designed for people caring for a friend, family member or kin experiencing mental ill-health.
End of Year Preparation for Carers
For some, the end of the year and the lead-up to the holiday season can bring heightened emotions, stress and challenging situations. To help you prepare for this period and prioritise your well-being, we invite you to join us for the End of Year Preparation Workshop.
Online: 5 December, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
In Person: 11 December, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Our Carer Support Line is also available 24/7 on 1300 554 660 and you can book individual support sessions with one of our Carer Support Team members.
Remember - we're here for you every day of the year.
End of Year Celebration for Young Carers - Free Event
Join us for a fun-filled day on the Brisbane River.
When: Thursday 12 December, 9:30am-3:00pm
Who: Young carers (18-25) supporting someone with mental ill-health
Whether you're up for some kayaking action or just want to relax with new friends under the gazebo, this free event has something for everyone. Plus, we've got morning tea and lunch covered.
Carer Support Groups - Closed Over Holiday Period
Our Carer Support Groups will be taking a break over the holiday period (24 December to 1 January), including both face-to-face and online groups. The following groups will not run on the dates below:
- Atherton - 24 December
- Gold Coast - 26 December
- Toowoomba - 26 December
- Ipswich - 27 December
- Inner City - 28 December
- Online Dual Diagnosis - 30 December
- Online Boundaries - 30 December
- Indooroopilly - 1 January.
All groups will resume in January, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2025. In the meantime, our 24/7 Carer Support Line remains available on 1300 554 660.
Arafmi Carer Event Calendar
Explore Arafmi's free support programs. Our calendar includes tailored
support groups, workshops and events for mental health carers.
Opportunities for Carers
Holiday Season Hampers, Activities and Emergency Relief Supports
For a helpful list of crisis and support services that may assist you or the person you care for this holiday season, visit the resources and directories page on the Arafmi website.
Below is a selection of festive events and supports from other organisations that you may find useful:
Neighbourhood Centres - Many centres across Queensland are hosting Christmas events, from hampers to carols, lunches, and kids’ activities. Find your local centre here.
Redlands Community Centre: The Christmas Project - Gifts for children aged 16 and under. Must reside in Redlands/Bay Islands or Wynnum/Manly area. ID required. More info here.
Bay Islands Community Services - Christmas hampers & activities:
* Russell Island: 07 3409 1177
* Macleay Island: 07 3409 4990C3 Church Centenary - Carols Service & Lunch
Sunday 15 December, 9:30am. Register here.Mackay Merry Stencils Graffiti Session -
Thursday 14 December, 4:30pm, Fifth Lane, Mackay. Free event for all ages. Register here.The Salvation Army Christmas Meals - 25 December. Celebrate with a meal, kids’ presents, and activities. Find your local event here.
For further details, click on the event links or contact the organisers directly.
Are you a Carer Wanting to Work or Study?
Your Caring Way supports carers to achieve their goals, build confidence, and re-enter the workforce. Since 2020, they have provided personalised goal setting sessions, free training, and 12 months follow-up support. Registrations for their next intake close on 6 December. If now doesn’t feel like the right time but you’d like to discuss your future, please contact Your Caring Way on 1300 585 636 or via email.
New Suicide Prevention Resource - the Hub
Explore the new Suicide Prevention Hub by Everymind - a comprehensive online resource tailored to the Australian context.
Designed for policymakers, service providers, researchers, and individuals with Lived Experience, the Hub provides insights into implementation science (how to best do something) and its application in suicide prevention. Key areas include: strategies and frameworks, Lived Experience, research methods, equity considerations, and lessons learned.
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.
