The latest news from Arafmi
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Irene Clelland
CEO Arafmi
Hello everyone,
Summer in Queensland is certainly never dull! This month it was the south-east’s turn for a gale, even as our state’s north and far north are still recovering from theirs.
While not dull, it can be damaging, and I do sincerely hope you have been spared the worst of this summer’s natural disasters. Please let us know if there is anything Arafmi can do to ease your caring role.
I am so grateful to the Arafmi team for keeping our 24-hour Carer Support Line going through this latest emergency, and for working through what was a stressful time for everyone. If you ever need to talk to someone who understands, call 1300 554 660, and if you are calling from regional Queensland, you can also call for free on 1800 351 881.
As our operations begin to return to normal, I’m reminded that the normal situation for mental health-carers in the far-flung corners of our state, is still very difficult. Particularly when it comes to finding services for you and the person you care for.
So, in our State Budget Submission, we have highlighted the need to expand services for mental health carers in rural, remote and regional areas of Queensland. This includes accessible respite for carers, and appropriate support for carers who come from diverse cultural
communities.
For our part, Arafmi is working to build contacts and alliances throughout Queensland, such as establishing a carer support group in Townsville, in partnership with community mental health and wellbeing organisation Neami. You’ll find all the details below.
Wishing you all the very best,
Irene
What's in the News
Each month explore a selection of articles we've curated especially for you.
Disaster Recovery Support
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has impacted communities across South East Queensland and we recognise the unique challenges faced by mental health carers during times of crisis. If you have been affected, financial and emotional support is available to assist you in navigating this difficult period.
Financial Assistance
Eligible residents in the Gold Coast City, Logan City, and Redland City areas can apply for personal hardship assistance grants to help with immediate needs. Find out more and apply here.
You might also qualify for the Disaster Recovery Allowance, a short-term Centrelink payment for people and businesses who have lost income due to a declared natural disaster. More details here.
Emotional Wellbeing & Crisis
Support
Caring for others while coping with your own stress can feel overwhelming. Confidential support is available through:
📞 Community Recovery Lifeline Hotline – Speak to a qualified disaster counsellor 24/7 on 1800 116 671.
📞 Lifeline – Crisis support on 13 11 14.
📞 Beyond Blue – Mental health support on 1300 22 4636.
📞 13 YARN – Culturally safe crisis supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
📞 Arafmi 24/7 Carer Support Line 1300 554 660 or 1800 351 881 Regional Qld
Housing & Additional Support
If you or someone you care for needs housing assistance or other essential support, resources are available through local Community Recovery Hubs.
Find details on services in your area here.
Wellbeing Check-in
Looking after your wellbeing after a natural disaster
Experiencing a natural disaster can have profound impacts on mental wellbeing. After a crisis it's really important to check in on your wellbeing.
It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions— or even feel numb— after a crisis.
Here are some ways to look after your mind and body to support yourself:
🌳 Look after your physical health – Eat regularly, stay hydrated, and try gentle movement like walking or stretching. Sleep may be disrupted initially, but a consistent routine will help.
🌳 Rebuild a routine – Familiar habits can create a sense of stability. Simple rituals like a morning cuppa or journaling can provide comfort.
🌳 Break tasks into small steps – Recovery can feel overwhelming. Tackling tasks one step at a time makes progress more manageable.
🌳 Limit media exposure – Constant disaster updates can be draining. Take breaks from news and social media to focus on activities that bring relief.
🌳 Talk when you're ready – Whether it’s a trusted friend or professional, sharing your feelings can be helpful. There’s no right or wrong way to process your experience.
International Women's Day Brunch - New Date
Hurry! Registrations Open for Rescheduled International Women's Day Brunch
Carers, join Arafmi for a special brunch to celebrate International Women's Day.
Be inspired by some incredible speakers and take part in wellbeing activities that will leave you feeling refreshed.
This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” highlights the importance of fast-tracking gender equality. With caring roles more often filled by women, join with other carers to look at how we can take action to ensure carers get the support they need.
When: Friday 28 March, 10am-12pm
Venue: Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens and Café.
There’s plenty of free parking available.
Advocacy Team Update
Powering Up: Arafmi at the Lived Experience Workforce Summit
How Can Lived Experience Shape Mental Health Support?
The Powering Up— Lived Experience Workforce Summit in February brought together over 200 carer and mental health peer workers from across Australia to share insights, build networks and drive change.
Arafmi’s Sue Goodwin, Tim Johnston and Alex Tyson connected with Queensland-based peer workers and championed the power of Lived Experience in mental health support. Sue also hosted two engaging sessions, including a panel on Lived-Living Experience leadership.
A highlight? The Power of Storytelling session by Telena King and Klair Carney, which showed how personal and cultural narratives foster understanding, build trust, and create change.
Arafmi was proud to sponsor Heidi and Roy, members of our Systems Advocacy Community of Practice (CoP), to attend and strengthen their advocacy skills. They’ll continue this journey through a six-week advocacy capacity-building program with Lived Experience Australia.
This is just the beginning— we’re excited to keep working alongside carers and peer workers to drive real change.
Carer Support Update
Looking for Information and Skills to Help with Your Caring Role?
Join Arafmi’s free online and face-to-face workshops and information sessions. Learn skills to help you better communicate and support the person you care for while looking after yourself.
Caring for someone can be emotionally, physically, and mentally draining. Come along to a face-to-face workshop on self-care at the Carers Respite Hub, where we’ll share ways to recharge and support each other through life’s challenges.
Date: Monday 24 March
Location: Carers Respite Hub, Teneriffe
Register now.
Did You Know - We Have New Support Groups for Mental Health Carers?
Caring for someone with mental ill-health can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Arafmi has three new support groups where you can meet other carers, share experiences, and learn ways to cope— all over a friendly coffee.
Bayside Carer Support Group
When: Saturday 15 March, 1pm–3pm,
(then every third Saturday).
Caloundra Carer Support Group
When: Tuesday 18 March, 10am–12pm,
(then every third Tuesday).
Cooroy Mental Health Connection Group
When: Thursday 20 March, 10am–12pm,
(then every third Thursday).
Want to start a support group in your area? Join our Support Group Facilitation Training on 3-4 April and gain the skills to lead a group and support your community.
And if you're in Ipswich, our Carer Support Group has a new venue— a relaxed space with plenty of parking and beautiful park views. Join us for the next group on Friday 28 February, 10am–12pm— tea, coffee, and snacks provided. Contact us for more information.
Culture Care Update
Culture Care - Carers Retreat
For two carers from India, the Culture Care retreat at the Arafmi Mental Health Carer Hub was more than just a break— it was a chance to connect with someone who truly understands. With the support of a Hindu-speaking Multicultural Peer Support Worker (MPSW), they shared stories, listened, and formed a deep bond built on respect and shared experience.
Arafmi's friendly staff went above and beyond to make the carers feel welcome. Aynur cooked a heartfelt meal and created a warm, supportive space. Both carers and the peer support worker expressed deep gratitude for the experience.
Carer Retreat Participant:
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for inviting me for the three-day retreat. After thirteen months of life in pain and distress I got this chance to relax and learn so much. You were like an Angel showing us how to cope through our hard days and our life especially dealing with our loved ones who are not well. Sharing your knowledge and teaching basic and powerful skills gave me the strength and courage to put the past behind me and move on to a better future.
Regional Carer Update
Charleville: New Support Group Coming Soon
We’re teaming up with Lifeline to launch a carer support group in Charleville in the next few months—
a chance to connect, share experiences, and talk with people who truly understand. To find out more, please call or email our friendly Carer Support Team. Call 1800 351 881.
Townsville: Connect with Other Carers
Despite the poor weather, our Townsville Support Group with Neami is still going strong. It’s a great place to meet other carers, connect and take a break over a friendly coffee. We meet every third Friday at a
local cafe.
Young Carers Update
Young Carers Network
Did you know there are over 391,300 young carers in Australia? Young carers— people under 25— provide unpaid care and support to family members or friends who have a disability, experience mental ill-health, a chronic condition, alcohol or drug issues or frailty due to ageing. While they play a vital role, their own wellbeing can suffer without the right support.
The Young Carer Network, established in Queensland in 2024, works to raise awareness, connect services, and develop best practices and resources to better support young carers. It creates opportunities for collaboration and identifies emerging needs to improve support now and into the future.
By working together, we can ensure young carers’ voices are heard, their needs are met, and they have access to better support.
Carers of Youth Support Group
Do you care for a young person experiencing mental ill-health? Our Carers of Youth Support Group meets via Zoom, offering a safe and supportive space to connect with others who understand. Share ideas and coping strategies, or simply listen and observe.
Next session: Tuesday 25 March, 1–2 pm (then every fourth Tuesday).
Youth Emotional CPR Training
Are you aged 18-25 and would like to learn skills to provide support to anyone experiencing emotional distress?
Join us for a free 2-day workshop to learn skills to support yourself and others through emotional distress. Participants must attend both days.
Date: Wednesday 16 to Thursday 17 April, 10am–4pm
Location: Fortitude Valley
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
Morning Tea for Peer Support Workers
Carers, do you work as a peer support worker for Health and Hospital Services, Queensland Health? We’d love you to join us for a relaxed morning tea—
a small way to show our appreciation for all you do.
Date: Thursday 3 April
Location: Arafmi's Carers Respite Hub, Teneriffe
Enjoy some refreshments and connect with others in your field.
Share Your Lived Experience – Help Shape Support for Families
Are you a parent, carer, or family member supporting a young person with mental ill-health? Join Resilience in Reach, a project by Raising Minds and Parent2Parent, and take part in paid workshops designed to improve support for families and young people.
Date: Multiple dates
Location: Milton, Brisbane & Kawana, Sunshine Coast
Travel Discounts for Carers
Do you care for someone with mental ill-health who needs assistance when flying? The Qantas Carer Concession Card offers discounted fares when travelling with the person you support on domestic, regional, and international flights.
Free Online Learning – Working with Interpreters
Do you work with carers from multicultural backgrounds? This free, self-paced online course will help you communicate more effectively with professional interpreters.
Open to Queensland-based workers until September 2026. Delivered by SSI in partnership with Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) and 2M Language Services.
Free Workshops for Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma
Blue Knot Foundation offers free, research-based workshops for adult survivors (16+) of childhood trauma and their families, friends, and partners. These sessions provide practical strategies for understanding trauma, managing triggers, and supporting recovery.
Workshops are open to those who grew up with a parent experiencing mental ill-health, substance use or other challenges.
Free Online Training – Understanding the Lived-Living Experience Workforce
Want to build a stronger understanding of the Lived-Living Experience workforce? Thanks to funding from the Queensland Mental Health Commission, this free, self-paced online training helps you and your organisation recognise the value and roles of Lived-Living Experience workers.
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.
