From carer to lifeline: The Queensland volunteers helping others mental health carers
From carer to lifeline: The Queensland volunteers helping other mental health carers For Arafmi volunteer Louise Dutton, when her son became unwell with mental ill-health, she “didn’t really know what she was dealing with.” That’s where her connection with…
The hidden role of young carers
“I just thought it was normal” – the hidden reality of young mental health carers For many young people, caring doesn’t have a name. It’s something they do as part of everyday life, being there when someone needs them. As Tanya Boge from our Carer Support…
Meet the Carer Gateway Team: Tracy from Bundaberg
A lifelong carer supporting carers Meet Tracy, supporting mental health carers in Bundaberg When Tracy sits down with a carer for the first time, she often asks a simple question, “And how are you going?”There’s usually a pause. “Most carers start by telling…
Future Planning Workshops – Housing worries – support and advice for carers
Housing worries? Support and advice for carers Housing can be one of the biggest uncertainties carers face when thinking about the future. Renting, housing options and long-term stability are common concerns, especially when supporting someone living with…
Future Planning 19 November – Focusing on Rights and Support
Future Planning Workshop: Focusing on Rights and Support – 19 November 2025 Our latest Future Planning workshop, held on 19 November at the Greek Club, brought together carers, families and supporters for an important conversation about rights, advocacy, and…
Making the holidays easier: support and tips for carers
Making the holidays easier: support and tips for carers The holidays can bring extra stress for mental health carers, especially if the services your person relies on are closed. While everyone is dealing with the usual summer holiday celebrations (and…
Regional highlights: connecting for mental health and celebrating carers across Queensland in October
Regional highlights: connecting for mental health and celebrating carers across Queensland in October October was a busy month for our team, as we travelled across Queensland, visiting Toowoomba, Gympie, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Charleville, Bundaberg,…
Brisbane highlights: connecting for mental health and celebrating carers across Queensland in October
Brisbane highlights: connecting for mental health and celebrating carers across Queensland in October Across Brisbane, Arafmi hosted and joined a range of events throughout October for Queensland Mental Health Week (4–12 October) and National Carers Week…
Shaping the Future of Mental Health – Arafmi at TheMHS Forum 2025
Shaping the Future of Mental Health – Arafmi at TheMHS Forum 2025 Arafmi was proud to be a gold sponsor at the TheMHS Forum 2025 in Brisbane (2–5 September), where sector leaders, carers and advocates came together to imagine a better mental health system. A…
New policy and advocacy staff: welcome Sasha and Farina
New Policy and Advocacy Staff: Welcome Sasha and Farina Our Policy and Advocacy Team welcomes two new staff members – Sasha Ong (Engagement and Advocacy Officer, Lived Experience) and Farina Murray (Policy and Research Officer) – both bringing a wealth of…
Working with Carers, Family and Kin – A Guide for Healthcare Professionals
We are excited to share a new resource Arafmi has developed, through our membership of the Queensland Carer’s Advisory Council. This new resource is designed for healthcare professionals, to ensure they are aware of the rights of carers, the challenges they…
Volunteer Profile: Julie
Arafmi Volunteer Profile: Julie As part of National Volunteer Week (19–25 May), Arafmi Communications Officer Lilly Provenzano sat down with one of our volunteers, Julie, to reflect on her experience as a carer support group facilitator. Can you tell us a…
Volunteer Profile: Helen
Arafmi Volunteer Profile: Helen As part of National Volunteer Week (19–25 May), Arafmi Communications Officer Lilly Provenzano sat down with one of our volunteers, Helen, to reflect on her experience as a carer support group facilitator. 1. What motivated…
Volunteer Profile: Margaret
Arafmi Volunteer Profile: Margaret As part of National Volunteer Week (19–25 May), Arafmi Communications Officer Lilly Provenzano sat down with one of our volunteers, Margaret, to reflect on her experience as a group facilitator of one of our Brisbane carer…