ARAFMI Hunter is committed to follow the National Standards for Mental Health Guiding Principles in its every day operations:
(Source: National standards for Mental Health Services 1997 pg2)

- “the promotion of optimal quality of life for people with mental disorders and or mental health problems;
- a focus in consumers and the achievement of positive outcomes for them;
- an approach to consumers and carers that recognizes their unique physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual dimensions;
- the recognition of the human rights of people with mental disorders as proclaimed by the United Nations Principles on the Protection of People with Mental Illness and the Australian Health Ministers Mental Health Statement of Rights and Responsibilities;
- equitable access to appropriate mental health services when and where they are needed;
- community participation in mental health service development;
- informed decision making by individuals about their treatment;
- continuity of care through the development of intersectoral links between mental health services and other organisations;
- a mental health system which emphasizes comprehensive, coordinated and individualised care;
- accountability to consumers, carers, staff, funders and the community;
- adequate resourcing of the mental health system;
- equally valuing the various models and components of mental health care

Commitee members 2011 - 2012:

President - Bob Hunter
Treasurer - David Farley
Secretary - Zorica Ciganovic

Committee

Bryan Abery, Shirley Finney, Janet Mundie, Jack Kelly.

Volunteers

ARAFMI Hunter recruits volunteers for the following:
information and support
telephone support
administrative duties

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!

History
The Association of the Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill (ARAFMI) NSW was formed in 1974. It was the first family support service in Australia for families and carers of people with a mental illness.

ARAFMI Hunter was formed in 1979 when relatives met to provide one another with support. The constitution, aims and objectives of ARAFMI NSW were adopted. In 1985-1986 a service coordinator was employed on non-recurrent funding through the Commonwealth Employment Programme. In 1987 ARAFMI Hunter received recurrent funding though the NSW Health Department – Mental Health Branch. Since then both staff and management committee have worked to maintain funding and establish a service responsive to its client group.
In addition to ARAFMI NSW there are currently four ARAFMI branches established. Each of these branches develop their own objectives according to the needs of the families in the area where the service is located.

ARAFMI Hunter is an incorporated, non-profit organisation

Staff

Regional manager - Joanne Sinclair
Family counsellor - Coralie Reeve
Book keeper – Kay Riley
Admin – Helen Leman
Project Workers – as required by funding received

Joanne Sinclair (B,Couns, Dip Adol MH, Dip Bus)

Joanne has grown up in a family were her father had a mental illness. Her caring role began at a very young age. The journey of self discovery has been very difficult at times but also very empowering. Joanne is the Regional Manager for ARAFMI Hunter in Newcastle. She has worked extensively in schools educating adolescents about mental illness and how to care for their own mental health. Joanne has worked as a psychotherapist and believes with the right help and support important inroads occur. She is a strong advocate for mental health and has organized the "Walk of Pride" during Mental Health Week for the past six years to de-mystify and de-stigmatise mental illness. Joanne has a passion for being a voice for carers and frequently appears at conferences, forums and community events.

Vision

Our vision is for a community that understands and responds to the impact of mental illness on families, relatives and friends.

Statement of Purpose

United by our shared experiences, we provide a voice and a range of services for families, relatives and friends of people with mental illness in the Hunter region.

Mission

To provide mutual support services for families and carers of people with a mental illness, including interventions such as information, counselling and support.

Objectives

1.To respond in a timely manner to emotional needs through the provision of individual and group based support and referral to appropriate services.
2.To provide written and verbal information about mental illness and appropriate services.
3.To work in partnership with Hunter Mental Health Service to improve services for families.
4.To work in cooperation with other services to provide community education and information.