Our Cairns Carer Support Groups provides a safe and supportive environment where participants can share their experiences, explore alternative coping strategies, support other group members, or simply listen and observe.

This half-day workshop is designed to support carers of individuals living with mental illness.This half-day workshop is designed to support carers of individuals living with mental illness by fostering self-compassion and emotional resilience. Through guided activities, reflective exercises, and group discussions, participants will explore practical strategies to manage stress, reduce burnout, and enhance their own wellbeing.Expected outcomes for participants include:- Increased understanding of self-compassion and its relevance to the carer role- Practical tools for managing emotional challenges and stress- Enhanced sense of connection and shared experience with other carers- Improved capacity for self-care and personal wellbeing.Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Please notify organisers of any specific dietary requirements.Information regarding parking can be found -> Click here

We're excited to announce the Inaugural Arafmi Mental Health Carer Forum for Cairns this year, and warmly invite you to join us. When: 9:00am–3:30pm, Thursday 16 October 2025 Where: Ballroom, Shangri La Hotel, Cairns This is a free event with over 100 mental health carers in attendance. It will be a wonderful opportunity for you to relax, socialise, participate and learn, and for you to hear more about current trends in the mental health sector. Buffet lunch will be provided, as well as Morning and Afternoon Tea. Paid parking is available on site, or nearby street parking. There will be guest speakers including: Ivan Frkovic, Queensland's Mental Health Commissioner Simon Katterl, CEO Mental Health Lived Experience Peak Queensland (MHLEPQ) It promises to be a wonderful opportunity to connect with carers and have a bit of fun too including a photographer taking professional headshots, 10 minute massages and more.

Our online support groups provide a safe and supportive environment where participants can share their experiences, explore alternative coping strategies, support other group members, or simply listen and observe.

Our Cooroy Carer Support Group offers a supportive environment where people have the opportunity to talk about their feelings, help explore alternative ways of coping, offer support to other group members, or to simply listen and observe.

Our online support groups provide a safe and supportive environment where participants can share their experiences, explore alternative coping strategies, support other group members, or simply listen and observe.

Our Redcliffe Carer Support Group provides a safe and supportive environment where participants can share their experiences, explore alternative coping strategies, support other group members, or simply listen and observe.

Join us for Coffee Connect on the third Friday of the month in Townsville. Drop in, have a chat and catch up with Arafmi and other carers.
All mental health carers supporting family members, kin or friends experiencing mental ill-health are welcome.

You're invited! Last year, we joined forces with Wellways Carer Gateway and Carers Queensland to host our Carer Gala dinner during National Carers Week. We're delighted to let you know that the Carer Gala Dinner is back this year, and we're coming to Cairns for the first time. We hope you can join us. You're invited to submit an Expression of Interest to attend this year's event at the Shangri La Hotel Cairns. Let's celebrate this National Carers Week with a two-course dinner and entertainment. It promises to be a special night of dancing and great company! WHEN: 6.00pm - 10.00pm, Friday 17 October 2025 WHERE: Shangri La Hotel, Cairns Please note that consideration of attending the Carer Gala Dinner is via Expression of Interest (EOI). Submitting an EOI doesn’t guarantee a spot at this event. Depending on numbers and circumstances, preference may be given to those who did not attend last year. All carers will be advised if they are successful or unsuccessful in securing a spot. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at marketing@arafmi.com.au

Our Bayside Carer Support Group offers a supportive environment where people have the opportunity to talk about their experiences, help explore alternative ways of coping, offer support to other group members, or to simply listen and observe.