Category: Carer Event

Arafmi Mental Health Carer Galas – 2025 Arafmi was proud to be a co-host of two Carer Gala Dinners in Queensland this year.  On Friday 10 October, Arafmi and Wellways Carer Gateway co-hosted the first Ipswich Gala Dinner in the Dandiiri room, above the Children’s Library in the new Ipswich City Council building on Union street. Over 70 guests attended the evening which included a two course dinner, a live band as well as dancing and lucky door prizes. A great night was had by all, and the feedback by the attendees was all very positive. A week later, on Friday 17 October, Arafmi, Wellways Carer Gateway and Carers Queensland co-hosted the first Cairns Gala dinner at the Shangri La Hotel. Guests dressed to the nines, and enjoyed a live band, three course meal along with a photo booth for the evening. Arafmi would like to thank all of the guests who attended these Gala evenings, who  made them such a great success. We look forward to hosting further events like these again in 2026.  

Arafmi Mental Health Carer Forum – Cairns 2025 On Thursday 16 October 2025, Arafmi hosted their first-ever Mental Health Carers Forum in Cairns at the Shangri-La Hotel. Around 80 mental health carers took part, alongside 10 community organisations and government bodies hosting stalls that provided valuable opportunities to connect with services and resources. This Mental Health Carer Forum was an inspirational and uplifting event, giving carers the chance to hear directly from leaders in the mental health system, connect with others who share similar experiences, and explore how to use their Lived-Experience to advocate for improved supports and services. The event was very well received, with participants sharing an abundance of positive feedback about the value of the discussions, connections and sense of community created on the day. The day featured a full and engaging program, beginning with a Welcome, guest speaker introductions and connection activities, followed by a panel discussion with local supporters and opportunities to meet exhibitors over morning tea and lunch. The afternoon included a somatic movement session, a consultation activity with carers and a guided meditation before wrapping up with feedback, surveys and lucky door prizes. The program created a balanced mix of learning, sharing and

Arafmi Mental Health Carer Forum – Brisbane 2025 On Thursday 18 September 2025, Arafmi hosted our annual Mental Health Carers Forum at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, with carers also joining online. More than 110 mental health carers took part, alongside 30 community organisations and government bodies hosting stalls that provided valuable opportunities to connect with services and resources. Our Mental Health Carer Forum provided an inspirational and positive event for mental health carers to hear from leaders in the mental health system, connect with other carers and learn how to utilise their Lived-Living Experience to advocate for better support. The program featured guest speakers, Q&A panels, round-table discussions, an art space, free massages, dance performances, professional headshots, self-care gifts and shared meals, with generous prizes from Queensland Ballet, QPAC and Loving Loudly adding to the celebration.  Feedback from Carers The feedback that carers provided about the forum was that they valued:  space to pause and reflect on their caring role learning about their rights and available supports building confidence to advocate for themselves and those they care for connecting with others who “get it.” Some of the carer attendees stated: It reminded me that I am not alone

Arafmi Mental Health Carer Forum 2024  Our Mental Health Carer Forum on 16 October provided an important opportunity for mental health carers to hear from leaders in the mental health system, connect with other carers and learn how to utilise their Lived-Living Experience to advocate for better support for themselves and the people they care for. Outcomes of the Carer Forum Round Table Discussions The insights from the Carer Forum round table discussions will guide the Advocacy Team’s priorities and future focus areas. The top priorities identified by carers on the day were centred around enhancing mental health awareness and carer support by: education of GPs and other health professionals about carers and support for carers promotion of existing supports to carers, including making distinctions between crisis supports and ongoing supports for young carers (aged 4 – 25), training for schools and teachers on how to recognise, refer and support young carers, as well as education of young people on signs of mental health challenges. Other top issues included: raising awareness of trauma from past mental health and child safety systems, proactive outreach to carers when someone engages with the mental health system, providing clear information to carers and involving