Arafmi Ltd

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Arafmi Ltd Arafmi advocates for systemic reforms to government and service providers. Mental Health Service

Arafmi provides free support for mental health carers in Queensland, including a 24-hour Carer Support Line, individual and group support, workshops and respite accommodation.

It was all about celebrating mental health carers today, at the annual Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health Carers eve...
16/10/2026

It was all about celebrating mental health carers today, at the annual Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health Carers event at Queensland Parliament. This one was an special one - kicking off 50th birthday celebrations for Arafmi!

Thankyou to our Co-Chairs Kerri-Anne Dooley MP and Jonty Bush MP, who both know what caring is really like, and to all of the carers who came along.

A special thank you to Paul Hayman for coming all the way from the Wide Bay region to share his story, and to everyone who continues to support and advocate for carers. We were grateful to also be joined by Donna Kirkland MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol Treatment, Families & Seniors & Central QLD.

Arafmi began with volunteers handing out their own phone numbers so other carers had someone to call. Today, we have a Carer Support Line funded by the Queensland Government. It's a long way from where we started, and it's thanks to every carer who kept speaking up and connecting with others. We're proud to keep listening to carers and advocating for them in spaces where decision makers are listening.

Thank you also to our friends at the Queensland Mental Health Commission, Queensland Health, Eating Disorders Queensland and Eating Disorders Families Australia for supporting this important event for mental health carers in Queensland.

So now Arafmi's 50th year celebrations are on! Follow along for weekly stories, throwbacks and celebrations with carers across the regions 💚



Thank you for stopping by and connecting with us, especially during Carers Week! 💚 Donna Kirkland MP Jess Pugh MP for Mount Ommaney Margie Nightingale MP Sandy Bolton MP Steve Minnikin MP John-Paul Langbroek Di Farmer MP Amanda Camm MP Amanda Stoker MP Charis Mullen MP Nigel Dalton MP Dr Christian Rowan MP Grace Grace MP Wendy Bourne MP John Barounis MP Eating Disorders Queensland Barbara O'Shea MP

What a way to end Carers Week 🌳
16/10/2026

What a way to end Carers Week 🌳

One of the highlights of our Carers Week was having Michael Elwan - Lived Experience Solutions LEXs facilitate two uniqu...
16/10/2026

One of the highlights of our Carers Week was having Michael Elwan - Lived Experience Solutions LEXs facilitate two unique workshops that gave carers something genuinely practical to take away. 💚

Michael is the Founder and Director of Lived Experience Solutions and the 2026 Australian Mental Health Prize winner in the Lived Experience category. His work is about making sure that when carers speak to services, something actually changes.

For anyone who missed the sessions, Michael has generously shared a sample of his template so no one misses out.

Use it after a phone call, meeting or conversation with a service. Keep it on paper or as a voice note on your phone.

Short on time?

Start with just three lines: what was agreed, what is still unanswered, and your next step.

Save this one. Share it with a carer who needs it. 💚

15/10/2026

It was all about celebrating mental health carers today, at the annual Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health Carers event at Queensland Parliament. This one was an special one - kicking off 50th birthday celebrations for Arafmi!

Thankyou to our Co-Chairs Kerri-Anne Dooley MP and Jonty Bush - Member for Cooper MP, who both know what caring is really like, and to all of the carers who came along.

A special thank you to Paul Hayman for coming all the way from the Wide Bay region to share his story, and to everyone who continues to support and advocate for carers.

Arafmi began with volunteers handing out their own phone numbers so other carers had someone to call. Today, we have a Carer Support Line funded by the Queensland Government. It's a long way from where we started, and it's thanks to every carer who kept speaking up and connecting with others. We're proud to keep listening to carers and advocating for them in spaces where decision makers are listening.

So now Arafmi's 50th year celebrations are on! Follow along for weekly stories, throwbacks and celebrations with carers across the regions 💚

Yesterday, carers came together for a lunch in Noosa during Carers Week, a chance to connect with each other and celebra...
14/10/2026

Yesterday, carers came together for a lunch in Noosa during Carers Week, a chance to connect with each other and celebrate how important they are 💚

It was wonderful to see carers reconnect with past acquaintances and perhaps make some new friends. It was also a lovely reminder of how valuable it can be to make time for support groups and other Arafmi activities, with some carers sharing that they'd be returning to activities that had slipped into the background.

And they were thrilled to hear Arafmi is celebrating 50 years young! 🎉

Thank you to Meichelle from Queensland Health for helping organise the day, and Portia for joining us. Proudly delivering for and in partnership with Queensland Health and Wellways Carer Gateway.

This is what Care for a Carer looks like in practice, and it can come in many forms. 💚 Today we gathered with mental hea...
13/10/2026

This is what Care for a Carer looks like in practice, and it can come in many forms. 💚 Today we gathered with mental health carers at the State Library of Queensland to enjoy what the rest of us so often take for granted. Someone thinking of them first.

It was a delightful afternoon to recognise their contributions. Navigating conversations where they did not have to explain themselves, make a decision or update anyone on someone else.

No agenda. No to-do list. Carers being seen, heard and looked after on a Tuesday afternoon. It was great to have visitors from the Queensland Mental Health Commission and Wellways Carer Gateway.

Because caring for carers is not just a theme this week. It is what we all show up to do. 💚

Proudly delivering for and in partnership with Wellways Carer Gateway.

The support carers need does not stop after Carers Week. Neither do we! Whether you are looking for a chance to connect ...
13/10/2026

The support carers need does not stop after Carers Week. Neither do we! Whether you are looking for a chance to connect and pick up something useful, get out and about, or simply a few hours where your needs lead, there is something on for you.

Arafmi exists to support, connect and recognise carers, and to advocate for a mental health system that better reflects their role in recovery, safety and wellbeing. We do this work every month adn are available for Carers in Queensland every day of the year.

Swipe through to see what is coming up and register for whatever calls to you. Everything is free for mental health carers across Queensland.
https://buff.ly/4ndAtN6

This Carers Week, one of the ways we are caring for carers is by bringing in someone extraordinary.Meet Michael Elwan - ...
12/10/2026

This Carers Week, one of the ways we are caring for carers is by bringing in someone extraordinary.

Meet Michael Elwan - Lived Experience Solutions LEXs, 2026 Australian Mental Health Prize winner in the Lived Experience category. Michael’s work is about making sure that when carers speak, something actually changes. Not just a tick in a consultation box. Real influence. Real outcomes.

He is facilitating two free online workshops this week, built around practical tools for real conversations with services.

Being Heard will help you prepare for and navigate conversations with the services you deal with. From Consulted to Heard goes further, exploring how to raise recurring concerns and identify who can actually act on them.

Pick one or come to both. Spots are still available.

📅 Being Heard, Wednesday 14 October, 12pm to 1pm
📅 From Consulted to Heard, Friday 16 October, 12pm to 1pm
💻 Free, online

👉 14 October: https://buff.ly/xpG4Oil
👉 16 October: https://buff.ly/L7bCdnV

Please note these sessions are not recorded out of respect for participant privacy

💚 It’s National Carers Week! This year’s theme is about making carers visible. Recognising the care you give, the challe...
12/10/2026

💚 It’s National Carers Week! This year’s theme is about making carers visible. Recognising the care you give, the challenges you navigate and the difference you make in the lives of those you support.

If you care for a family member or friend experiencing mental health challenges, this week is a reminder that you matter, too.

You deserve to be recognised, listened to and supported. And sometimes, a small act of care can make a big difference.

🌿 This week, we celebrate you and the care you give.

OH EM GEE Carers Week is here 🥳 This one is extra special. This week also marks the beginning of Arafmi's 50th anniversa...
11/10/2026

OH EM GEE Carers Week is here 🥳 This one is extra special. This week also marks the beginning of Arafmi's 50th anniversary year. Half a century of advocating for and supporting unpaid mental health carers across Queensland.

We have a full week of free events running across the state and online. From community building workshops to practical advocacy sessions, an afternoon tea and a Gala lunch, there is something for everyone. These are just the highlights, with many support groups, information sessions and forums ahead for the month.

Who's excited to join us this month as we kick off celebrations? We can't wait to see you!

Register here 👉 https://buff.ly/AjPI8n7 💚

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6 Ambleside Street, West End
Brisbane, QLD
4101

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