MIFWA - supporting mental wellness and recovery

23/02/2026

☕🌻 Carers Coffee Club – East Fremantle

Are you caring for someone experiencing mental health challenges? Step away from your caring role for a little while and connect with others who truly understand.

Our relaxed coffee catch-ups are a chance for mental health carers to:

✨ Meet like-minded carers
✨ Chat with carer peer workers
✨ Share experiences in a safe, welcoming space
✨ Make new friends

📅 When: Tue 24 Feb 2026
⏰ Time: 10.00am – 11.30am
📍 Where: Dome Café - 26 Riverside Road

We look forward to seeing you.

For more info, visit https://www.mifwa.org.au/event-category/carers-coffee-club/

21/02/2026

Our team acknowledges and honours the extraordinary dedication, compassion and vital role of mental health nurses across Australia and the world.

Thank you for walking alongside people experiencing mental health challenges to offer genuine care, understanding and hope.

Thank you for providing invaluable support to family carers and friends, often during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

And thank you for the many hours you give so generously to improve outcomes and overall wellbeing for everyone you support.

The difference you make may not always be visible to the wider community, but it is deeply felt by the people whose lives you touch.

17/02/2026

Looking to build your skills and confidence in supporting young people’s mental health?

Our 2-Day Youth Mental Health First Aid Course provides a safe, supportive space to engage in important conversations that can make a real difference in young people’s lives and emotional wellbeing.

You’ll gain practical knowledge, evidence-based strategies, and the confidence to respond when it matters most.

Upcoming 2026 Dates:
• March 11 & 12
• April 15 & 16
• May 6 & 7

Course Details:

📅 9am – 4pm (on both days)
📍 Midland
💲 $460 + GST
☕ Includes morning and afternoon tea

Spaces are limited.

Purchase your ticket by contacting externaltraining@mifwa.org.au or book via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/youth-mental-health-first-aid-tickets-1633684106139

Invest in skills that support young people to feel heard, understood and supported.

10/02/2026

Back in January, we hosted a 🦈 Shark Tank–style youth group where young people from our Early Intervention Recovery Program came together to pitch ideas and help shape our youth groups for the year ahead. 💬✨ The conversations were fun, engaging, and full of creativity.

We were so impressed by the wonderful, unique ideas shared and the supportive, inclusive environment everyone helped create. Huge thanks to our young people for leading the way!

Learn more about the program here: mifwa.org.au/our-services/young-adults-support/

30/01/2026

A free online event featuring real stories and insights from people with firsthand lived experience of mental health challenges.

🗓17 and 18 March 2026
⏰ 12pm - 5pm AEST
📌 Online

MIFA is proud to support this powerful lived experience-led event.

It’s an opportunity to hear real stories, challenge stigma, and strengthen understanding across our communities.

The program will explore a wide range of topics, including peer support, perimenopause, stigma, migrant perspectives, social and emotional wellbeing, Mad Pride, older people, and more.

If you’re interested in lived experience leadership, inclusive conversations, and practical insights you can take into your work or everyday life, this is a great opportunity to be involved.

▪️Free to register and attend (online)
▪️Sign up in under 30 seconds
▪️Watch live, or catch the recording later when it suits you

Register now and join the conversation.
https://tinyurl.com/dp53sv9a

15/01/2026

✨ 2026 Applications Now Open ✨

Are you, a family member or a carer currently receiving MIFWA services and could benefit from a little extra financial support?

You may be eligible for a Tecwyn Jones Grant to help with:

✔️ Purchasing resources and equipment
✔️ Attending events
✔️ Enrolling in a course
✔️ Accessing respite

If you’re a current MIFWA member registered before Monday 16 March 2026, we encourage you to apply.

🕔 Applications close 5pm, Monday 16 March 2026.

👉 Check the guidelines and apply at https://www.mifwa.org.au/useful-information/tecwyn-jones-grants/

Please share with anyone who may benefit.

14/01/2026

Start 2026 with your accreditation as a Standard Mental Health First Aider!

Are you passionate about supporting others who may be experiencing mental health challenges?

Join us on Tue 10 to Wed 11 February for this 2-day Standard Mental Health First Aid course that will equip you with the confidence and skills to:

- Recognise signs of mental health challenges in adults
- Offer meaningful support
- Know where and how to seek professional help
- Respond effectively in a crisis situation

🕘 When: 10 to 11 February 2026 | 9am–4pm

📍 Where: MIFWA Midland Office

👥 Who: Ideal for anyone looking to learn simple, practical first aid skills for helping a family member, friend, co-worker or other person experiencing mental health challenges. Whether it’s for personal knowledge or professional development, this course is valuable for anyone who wants to make a positive difference.

Don’t miss out! Register now on Eventbrite! https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/standard-mental-health-first-aid-course-tickets-1832151537569

13/01/2026

The annual MIFWA Parent Peer Support Program Christmas Party was an absolute blast!

Right before Christmas, we gathered at the vibrant Kingsway Aquatic Play Space for a family-friendly celebration filled with sunshine, smiles, and holiday cheer. The day was packed with fun-filled activities, splashes of laughter, delicious food and drinks, fun costumes, and plenty of presents for everyone!

From kids giggling in the water play area to families enjoying games and sharing stories, the atmosphere was nothing short of magical. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and everyone left with happy hearts and big smiles.

It truly was a perfect day of connection, joy, and celebration for all involved.

Wishing you all a wonderful 2026!

09/01/2026

Rosie Clayton, our Training Officer, recently delivered the accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid course at WA College of Agriculture – Narrogin to 17 teachers and staff.

Rosie writes:

“Powerful conversations were shared about how to best support young people living with mental health challenges in what can sometimes feel like a very turbulent and scary world that we live in.

“It's been my absolute pleasure to deliver this course thanks to funding from CBH Group and the support of MIFWA. Thank you to the teachers and staff at Narrogin Ag College for being so open minded and participating in a course that truly helps change outcomes and lives for the next generation. Also - how lucky was I to get the cutest, fluffiest addition to the group.” 🦘

Here's what participants said about their course with Rosie:

"The instructor was knowledgeable, engaging and supportive. Content was clear, well-paced and relevant. The sessions created a safe environment for discussion and increased confidence in supporting teen mental health."

"Thanks for the two days Rosie. You presented a difficult topic in a light and informative way that did not detract from the importance of the content."

Check out our website to find out about our upcoming courses for 2026!

https://www.mifwa.org.au/workshops-training/

If you’d like to know how we can bring our training to you, contact Rosie at externaltraining@mifwa.org.au

05/01/2026

Join us for our first carers workshop of 2026! 🌟

We’re excited to invite family carers to our Communication Strategies Workshop for Carers, a free online session supporting adults who care for a loved one experiencing mental health distress.

🗓 Tuesday 6 January 2026
⏰ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
📍 Online via Zoom
🔗 Zoom link will be sent to registered participants

About the workshop
Relationships are at the heart of mental health. This session will help carers strengthen communication and connection when mental distress is present.

We’ll:
✔ Explore communication styles for carers
✔ Learn 5 key relationship strategies for carers
✔ Watch and reflect on a short video about “relationship dances”

Who can attend:
This session is open to family carers only who are in a caring role for a loved one experiencing mental health distress.

Cost: Free

Bookings are essential
To register, contact Samantha Scott on 0408 204 219
Or samantha.scott@mifwa.org.au

Please share with anyone who may find this helpful 🌻

For more details, visit mifwa.org.au/event/communication-strategies-workshop-for-carers/

01/01/2026

✨ Happy New Year! ✨

Wishing everyone a year filled with hope, kindness and new possibilities. As we step into the new year, let’s remember to take care of ourselves and look out for one another. Small moments of care can make a huge difference. 💙

Here’s to a positive year ahead for us all!

25/12/2025

We wish you a safe, joyful and Merry Christmas! ✨🎄

If you need urgent support, we've compiled a list of helpful contacts at mifwa.org.au/helpful-contacts