Arafmi Ltd

Arafmi advocates for systemic reforms to government and service providers. Mental Health Service

Arafmi provides free support for mental health carers in Queensland, including a 24-hour Carer Support Line, individual and group support, workshops and respite accommodation.

19/02/2026

Thinking ahead about housing and renting can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone 💛

Yesterday, 33 mental health carers joined our Future Planning housing workshop to hear:
✨ how to get free help with rental issues and know your rights (Ashley Campbell, QSTAR, Tenants Queensland)
✨ where to get support if someone is facing homelessness (Ryan Twomey, Micah Projects)
✨ where older women can get housing support and connect with others (Amy Tidbold, Housing Older Women’s Support Service, Footprints Community)

Missed out? Join our next online Future Planning workshop on Thursday 26 February, 11.30am to 1.30pm via Microsoft Teams.
👉 Register https://buff.ly/WgqMxGa

18/02/2026

Mental health carers often tell us they want practical tools to feel more confident supporting the person they care for, especially during challenging moments.

Free, fully funded regional Mental Health First Aid training is currently available for people in unpaid caring roles, delivered by Wellways Carer Gateway in partnership with Headspace Toowoomba and Get Real International. The training is designed to build confidence, skills and understanding in a supportive learning environment.

Both Standard and Youth Mental Health First Aid courses are available.

Toowoomba blended online and in-person training:
• Saturday 14 March 2026 – Standard Mental Health First Aid (in person)
• Friday 20 March 2026 – Youth Mental Health First Aid (in person)

To register, go to https://buff.ly/gJlHb8G or the link in our bio.

If building your skills feels helpful for you or the person you support, this is an opportunity to learn at your own pace, with no cost involved.

Please share with other carers who may benefit.

16/02/2026

Information Session - Am I a Carer?

Do you support someone with daily tasks, health needs or emotional support? You might be a "carer" — even if you don’t see yourself that way.

Join Wellways Carer Gateway for an informative session exploring what it means to be a carer and recognising the vital role you play. Rochelle from Arafmi will be speaking about mental health carers and available supports.

📅 19 February | ⏰ 1–3pm
📍 Cairns Harbourside Hotel Conference Room 209-217 The Esplanade, Cairns

RSVP via Eventbrite here: https://buff.ly/prWPbmO
📧 For more info contact Donna:
Draymond@wellways.org

16/02/2026

Culture Care Carer Support Group - Logan
This new group starts on 24 February.

Do you care for a family member, partner, or friend who is feeling stressed, sad or overwhelmed? You might be a carer, even if you don’t call yourself one.

Join our safe and welcoming group for adults from multicultural communities. Get support, help with stress and worries, share experiences or just listen.

📅 10am–11.30am, fourth Tuesday each month
📧 carersupport@arafmi.com.au | 📞 1300 554 660

13/02/2026

Yesterday Irene, (Arafmi CEO) delivered training to staff from the Office of the Health Ombudsman, including their intake and investigations teams.

The session explored the carer journey, why mental health carers raise concerns, and how services can engage respectfully and early so issues do not become complaints. Irene also shared the Working with Carers, Family and Kin guide, a practical resource to help health professionals work better with carers.

Read the guide here
👉 buff.ly/skohG40

12/02/2026

Everyone’s experience of caring is different. Caring for a friend, family member, kin or loved one can affect many parts of your life, and at some point, support for you can make a difference.

The Arafmi Bayside Carer Support Group offers a safe and welcoming space to talk, listen, share experiences, explore coping strategies, or simply sit alongside others who understand. There is no expectation to speak. Being present is enough.

Support groups are also a gentle way to learn more about the services and resources available that may support you in your caretaking role.

🕐 1pm to 3pm, February 21
📅 Meet monthly, third Saturday of each month
📍 Brisbane Bayside

Please note: groups do not run on public holidays.

To register or find out more, contact Arafmi’s Carer Support Team:
📧 carersupport@arafmi.com.au
📞 1300 554 660

12/02/2026

Most carers are expected to just “figure it out”. Our new free online Carer Toolkit sessions are designed so you don’t have to.

These practical sessions connect you directly with organisations who can explain:
• your rights as a carer
• what support is actually available
• how to navigate local mental health services
• and where to go next

🗓 1st and 3rd Friday of each month
⏰ 11.30am–12.30pm
📍 Online and free

Our first session kicks off Friday 20 February with Wellways Carer Gateway educators, sharing how their vocational coaching can support carers with work, study and personal goals.

If you want clear information, real pathways and less guesswork in your caring role, this is for you.

More info or register: https://buff.ly/OtN3hcV

11/02/2026

Many people are used to getting on with it.
You step up. You take responsibility.
You don’t always stop to check in with yourself first.

Self care is not about doing less caring. It is about caring sustainably.
Before you say yes, pause and ask:
- Do I have the energy for this today?
- Am I overextending myself?
- What support do I need?

Looking after yourself isn’t indulgent. It protects your health and your ability to keep showing up.

Sometimes the most powerful act of care is a boundary:
“I can help, but not tonight.”
“I need a break and will check in tomorrow.”
“I can support you to find the right service.”

Protecting your time and wellbeing does not make you selfish. It makes you steady. And steadiness is what allows you to keep showing up with compassion rather than resentment or exhaustion.

Saying yes to yourself might look like rest, asking for help, attending a support group, booking your own appointment, or simply sitting in silence for ten minutes.

Your wellbeing matters too.

08/02/2026

This month’s newsletter shares free upcoming events, support groups and workshops, self-care tips from other carers, toolkits designed for regional carers, and how we are advocating for carers ahead of the upcoming budget.

Want to know the latest - subscribe to our monthly newsletter here: https://buff.ly/VENjMos

07/02/2026

The Office of the Victims’ Commissioner is reviewing victims’ rights for the first time since 2017. Stage 2 is now open, focusing on awareness of rights and what happens if they aren’t upheld.
Everyone’s voice matters. Help shape a system that better supports victims of crime.

- Complete the survey or make a submission by 5pm 18 March 2026.
- Easy English paper available.
- Share your thoughts here: https://buff.ly/rWnfSe0

06/02/2026

**Paid Participation** Carers with lived experience are invited to share your lived experience and insights on the challenges faced by carers supporting people through suicide-related distress.

Your perspective will help inform and shape a new national learning module focused on “Supporting Carers of People in Su***de Related Distress” module, which focuses on practical and emotional skills for compassionate carer support, fostering peer connection, and identifying resources to promote carers’ wellbeing.

Paid participation is available for eligible participants. This community consultation is organised by , funded by

Scan the QR code to learn more and register buff.ly/cs45wp5, or visit www.rosesintheocean.com.au for more information.

05/02/2026

Our thoughts and sincere condolences to everyone affected by the tragic events at Bondi Junction on 13 April 2024.

Today is another difficult day, as the Coroner presents her findings and closes the inquest.

For mental health carers, remember, Arafmi is here for you. You are not alone.

If you would like to talk to someone who understands, please call our 24-hour Carer Support Line on 1300 554 660.

Address

6 Ambleside Street, West End
Brisbane, QLD
4101

Website

http://www.arafmi.com.au/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Arafmi Ltd posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Brisbane?

Our Story

In 1976, a young social worker on his final placement at the Stones Corner Community Mental Health Service, (then the only such service in Queensland) recognised a need among the families of his clients for a ‘relatives’ discussion group’. Such a group would enable families to meet and share their experiences as carers of family members with a serious mental illness. The group initially commenced with five people who discovered, many for the first time, that they were not alone. They began the fragile process of hearing each other’s stories and working through the pain together, with both tears and laughter.

From these beginnings Arafmi built a model which mutually supports people in one of the most primary roles of humanity – caring for people more vulnerable than ourselves and the ones we love. Arafmi built a model of service which both created and shared knowledge about how to understand who we are, the roles we fulfil and how to take action in the world. From these humble beginnings, Arafmi took action in the world!