Kincumber (02) 4369 4233 | Bateau Bay (02) 4334 3666

Family Support

Families, Friends and Carers

Who is a carer?

Families and friends of people with mental illness in Australia have always had an important, leading role in supporting and caring for their relative or friend with mental illness. As treatment of mental illness has become more community oriented, so the responsibilities of these families and friends have grown.

The main aim of all ARAFMI services and programs is to enhance the well-being of the whole community and provide support for the carer role. The role of the carer is a valuable one to the person with the mental illness, as well as to family, friends and the community. The time and resources involved in the caring role would otherwise be a cost borne directly by the community.

A carer is a family member, friend, neighbour or other community member who provides regular (although this may be intermittent) and sustained support to someone who has a mental illness or disorder. Family members who are carers include children and young people who assume the carer role. The carer may not necessarily live with the cared for person, but is someone who has assumed the close, caring role as a friend or advocate, and provides financial and/or emotional and/or practical support. This caring, committed back-up role had been demonstrated over time, with the carer being in the front line of care during past episodes of illness and crises.

Adult Family Support Program

Central Coast ARAFMI adult support program provides a range of support services to family and carers over 18 years of age.

The main aims of the family support program are to:

Provide a safe, non-threatening environment for carers
Foster an environment of mutual support for carers
Reduce isolation and increase social support networks

Provide ongoing support through:

Telephone counselling
Face to face counselling
Outreach services

Provide information to carers including:

Mental illness and its management
Services and how to access them
Stress management
Problem solving techniques

Provide community education which aims to:

Dispel the myths surrounding mental illness
Develop positive community attitudes towards people with a mental illness
Advocate on behalf of carers
Offer appropriate referrals to other organisations and services
Work in partnership with Northern Sydney Central Coast Health Service to improve services
for families
Identify and address the unmet needs of carers in the community

For details on these services or to arrange an appointment, contact the Family Support Worker on
(02) 4369 4233, or email us.

Family and Carer Workers

The Family and Carer Program is managed by and under the direction of ARAFMI NSW covering the Northern Sydney/Central Coast Health region.

Family and Carer Workers are available to assist carers in times of crisis by helping them through the often difficult process of getting help for their relative and providing the necessary support and information while that person is in hospital.

Family and Carer Workers also:

Advocate on behalf of carers
Liaise with health professionals on behalf of carers
Liaise with other service providers
Support carers at magistrate hearings
Represent the needs of carers on various committees
Provide individual support and education
Provide community education
Visit psychiatric in-patient wards
Facilitate monthly support groups.

For details on these services or for a referral, phone (02) 4369 4233, or email us.

Young ARAFMI Program

Children can be carers for their parents/siblings or extended family members who reside with the child. Our Child and Adolescent Support Worker will provide a quality service to children where mental illness has disrupted the family, through services including:

Assessment of child and family needs
Child and adolescent counselling around mental health issues
Individual and family consultations
Liaison with and referral to other services
Education and training regarding mental illness and its effects, including medication
Group work including "Kids Club' and 'Kids Konnecting' – support for children whose parents have a mental illness
Telephone support

Click here for full details about Young ARAFMI

Contact Child and Adolescent Support Worker, phone (02) 4369 4233 or email us.