Arafmi QLD – who we are
Arafmi has provided free support for mental health carers in Queensland for over 45 years. Our services include a 24-hour Carer Support Line, individual and group support, workshops and respite accommodation.
As the peak body for unpaid mental health carers in Queensland, Arafmi advocates for systemic reforms to government and service providers.
Arafmi quick links:
Carer Support Services
Arafmi offers a range of free support services for mental health carers in Queensland. These are specifically designed for anyone caring for a family member, friend or community member experiencing mental ill-health and include:
24-hour Carer Support Line
24-hour Regional Queensland
Arafmi understands the unique challenges faced by mental health carers. We are here for carers at any time of the day or night.
You can call Arafmi’s 24-hour Carer Support Line to receive support, discover new resources and learn helpful coping skills. It’s comforting to know that when you need to talk, someone who understands is there. Regardless of where you are in Queensland, support is available.
Please note this is a support line, not a crisis line.
For more information, click here.
The Arafmi Carer Support Team offers one-on-one sessions for mental health carers, providing personalised support and connecting them with relevant community supports. These solution-focused, short-term sessions can take place in-person, online or over the phone.
Contact us to book a session.
Click here for more information.
Support groups provide a safe place for carers to come together, share their caring experiences, socialise, discuss helpful coping skills and find out about relevant services and resources.
To see upcoming face-to-face and online support groups in Queensland click here.
Arafmi’s free workshops and information sessions assist mental health carers to expand their practical skills and knowledge. The sessions are informed by the latest research, the Lived Experience of facilitators, and insights shared by fellow carers.
For more information, click here
Arafmi supports mental health carers across regional Queensland. The Regional Engagement Coordinator partners with local community groups and government services to strengthen supports for carers in these areas.
Arafmi offers carer retreats, support groups, workshops, and one-on-one support to help regional carers stay connected and supported.
For more information, click here.
Culture Care is a free program providing individual and group support for mental health carers from multicultural backgrounds across Queensland. This is offered in partnership with World Wellness Group.
For more information, click here.
Arafmi offers mental health carers a chance to relax and recharge with free respite accommodation, available for 1 to 3 nights.
Nestled in the heart of Brisbane, this accommodation is designed with carers in mind. As an Australian-first, it provides a personalised experience, offering a supported environment for carers to focus on their wellbeing and reconnect with family members or friends.
For more information, click here.
Arafmi can provide presentations at conferences, team meetings, expos and events. Our presentations can be on a variety of topics to increase awareness and understanding of carers needs, share information about carer supports and programs, build connections for carers and advocate for systemic changes for carers.
Click here to request a guest speaker or presentation.
The Arafmi Carer Gateway funded programs have expanded across Queensland and we now have Carer Support team members based in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.
This team is focusing on supporting mental health carers to ensure they are aware of and can access a range of programs and supports through Carer Gateway and Arafmi. Team members will be available in communities and at the Wellways regional Carer Gateway hubs to provide information, coaching and in person peer support and will continue to coordinate respite accommodation in Brisbane.
The Arafmi Carer Gateway team offers one-on-one coaching sessions for mental health carers in-person, online and over the phone and group coaching sessions in-person and online. Sessions are designed to assist carers to identify goals and ways to make gradual positive changes in their lives.
In the sessions, you can explore a range of topics to support you in your caring role including the topics below:
- Your health and wellbeing
- Understanding the carer journey
- What makes for good support
- Understanding inclusion and advocacy
- Work, study and volunteering
- Getting your finances in order
- Everyday life
- How do you feel
Contact us for more details or to book a session.
Carer Self-Referrals
Mental health carers can self-refer to any of the programs by calling our friendly Carer Support Team on 1300 554 660 or completing the relevant enquiry form.
Referrals by Health Professional, Family Member or Friend
Health professionals, family members or friends can refer a carer (when consent has been given) by completing the carer referral form.
Who is a mental health carer?
A mental health carer is someone who provides unpaid care to a family or community member living with mental ill-health.
Cost of services
The Arafmi Carer Supports are free for mental health carers and funded by Queensland Health and Wellways Carer Gateway.
Policy and Advocacy
Arafmi’s policy and advocacy team represents the collective interests of family, kin and other carers of individuals experiencing mental ill-health across Queensland.
As the state’s peak body for unpaid mental health carers in Queensland our aim is to ensure their voices are heard by policy and decision makers.
Our advocacy is grounded in Lived Experiences and addresses real gaps in the system. This ensures that our efforts lead to tangible change.
Upcoming Events:
Get Involved
It’s an exciting time to get involved with Arafmi. As the peak body for Queensland’s mental health carers, there are now more opportunities than ever for carers to shape the future of mental health care.
There are many ways you can have your say:
- join a consultation
- participate in focus groups
- share our posts on social media
- join the Community of Practice.