Launch of Unique Mental Health Respite Service

Carers of people with a mental illness provide a crucial role to their family members wellbeing. Now carers in the eastern region of Melbourne have access to more support, to aid the difficult role of caring. This week was the launch of ARAFEMI’s new respite program for people with a mental illness and their carers.

Warren Jenkins, the Executive Director of ARAFEMI states " ARAFEMI responds daily to carers who are struggling in the community, carers provide the forgotten link in our current mental health system - and their need for real and tangible help is desperate - we are proud to be responding."

“It is very difficult to care for someone with a mental illness”, agrees Jenny Blaikie. Jenny Blaikie is the convener of Bridging the Gaps (carer support group) and a carer for a family member with a mental illness. Jenny continued, “You never know when they [the family member] are going to be unwell. [Being mentally unwell] can be constant. There hasn’t been a lot of respite provided previously for carers” explains Jenny.

Carers provide invaluable support to someone with a mental illness. However, they face significant health, financial and other issues related to caring for their family member. SANE conducted research in 2005 which showed that 56% of carers’ physical or mental health declines as a result of their caring role. Therefore, ARAFEMI’s Flexible Respite Service aims to support the unique needs of the carer and the person with a mental illness and increase their wellbeing.

“This is a great opportunity for carers. To have someone come in to look after [your family member] while you get away. It would give you some breathing space and time to clear your head. It is refreshing that people recognize, the mental health [sector], that the carers do a very good job and take the burden off the mental health system, by caring for people at home.”

The new Flexible Respite Options Program offers planned and emergency respite to carers and consumers in the eastern region. The 24hour services include; home based respite and respite accommodation. The multifaceted support ensures that families, carers and consumers individual needs are met. More specifically, ARAFEMI’s respite is available to assist people in the Boroondara, Maroondah, Yarra Ranges, Manningham, Knox and Whitehorse.

For further information please contact:
FOR INTERVIEWS OR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE PHONE WARREN JENKINS OR FRANCES SANDERS ON (03) 9810 9300.
Interviews / Photos available at the Launch event 11am 28th March at Banyan House, 564 Middleborough Road Blackburn North