Support for Mental Health Carers
ARAFMI Hunter offers support and counselling for the families and friends of people with mental illness.
Mental illness can have a ripple effect on families, creating tension, uncertainty and significant changes in how people live their lives. There is often little training or support for families and friends, and their personal needs and mental health can sometimes be overlooked.
ARAFMI has been operating in the Hunter since 1979 to support anyone caring for someone with mental illness. The service joined Samaritans in 2019.
Who we assist
Our service can assist people who:
- Are providing unpaid help to someone with a mental illness
- May be receiving a Centrelink Carers Payment
You can refer yourself to our service, you do not need to already be connected to a formal referral body.
You do not need to provide a formal diagnosis for the person you are helping.
How we can help
ARAFMI Hunter offers the following services:
Support Group
Our monthly support group is a place where you can share your story and be supported by other carers with similar experiences. Our group is facilitated by one of our counsellors.
Borderline Personality Disorder Support Group for Carers
When: 2nd Tuesday of the month
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Phone: (02) 4922 1546
Email: arafmi@samaritans.org.au
Registrations Essential
Workshop for carers
Therapeutic Workshop for 8 Stages of Healing
Move from ‘just coping’ to living better with the impact of mental illness on your loved one.
Learn to move the focus back to your own life journey, deal with fear and guilt so you can better care for your mentally ill loved one without losing sight of your own needs.
This workshop runs for 10 weeks, with a 3-hour session each week.
To register your interest in attending the workshop, please reach out via the contact details below.
Get in touch
Call our team on (02) 4922 1546
or email arafmi@samaritans.org.au
* ARAFMI Hunter is funded by the NSW Government through the Hunter New England Local Health District.