Counselling carers, families, friends and significant others who have someone in their life with a mental illness. 

The Eight Stage Program - a healing program for relatives, friends and carers 

A bi-monthly newsletter 

Library - members can borrow from a range of information relevant to carers 

Volunteers visits to Mater Mental Health Unit and Maitland Hospitals 

Family Carer support groups
Carers’ Retreats

Education programs for carers and the community include various workshops, click here to see which
one is available

Carers respite weekends available - Contact ARAFMI Hunter for more details.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!

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

Professor Patrick McGorry (2010 Australian of the year)
is a leading international researcher and clinician in the field of Mental Health. He is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne and is a founding member of Headspace, The National Youth Mental Health Foundation.

Patrick is The Patron of Mental Health Carers ARAFMI NSW Inc Hunter Region also Patron for the Newcastle Mental Health “Walk of Pride” held in Newcastle annually. His Knowledge and Compassion is making a huge difference to the way mental illness is understood and perceived in the 21st Century.

Support groups available:

Newcastle ARAFMI Support Group for carers and family members:
Every second Friday beginning on the 18th November from 10am-12pm
At 22 Stewart Avenue Hamilton East 2303. Contact Joanne (ARAFMI) 02 4961 6717
Maitland ARAFMI Support Group: Meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7pm - 9pm. Contact Jack or Brenda on 02 4933 6153 
Lingard Private Hospital Support Group: Meeting lat Friday of the month from 4-5pm. Contact Joanne (ARAFMI) on 02 4961 6717.
Warners Bay Private Hospital (Lakeside Clinic) : Meeting 3rd Thursday of the month from 6.30pm to 9pm. Contact ARAFMI Hunter for details on 49612842
Borderline Personality Support Group for families and carers: 2nd Tuesday of the month 6.30-8.30pm held at ARAFMI office 22 Stewart Ave Hamilton East. Contact Joanne (ARAFMI) on 02 4961 6717
Lakeside Clinic (Warners Bay) Group: Meeting 3rd Thursday of the month 6-8.30pm. Contact Joanne (ARAFMI) on 02 496 6717
Charlestown (Lake Macquarie Care and Share Group): Meeting 1st Thursday of the month 12.30-3pm at Supported Recovery, 29 Smith St. Charlestown. Contact Cheree on 02 4904 9000
Peer Support Group for people with bipolar and/or depression: Mondays forhtnightly 4-6pm at ARAFMI premises. Contact Joanne (ARAFMI) on 02 4961 6717

Want to become a member? Click here to download a membership form