Carer Education

“Mental illness was completely new to me and I had to learn as much as I could whilst dealing with my sick son. Education and support was provided at a time of despair and bewilderment” - carer consultation 07

Family Education

ARAFEMI is a statewide, non-profit organization, which aims to promote and improve the well being of people affected by mental illness, and to better inform the community about the needs of carers of people with a mental illness.

ARAFEMI’s Family Education program aims to empower family, friends & carers of people with mental illness to:

  • Improve carer coping, knowledge & management skills
  • Enhance carers wellbeing, resilience & relationships
  • Enhance relationships between carers and mental health services
  • Improve consumer mental health through supporting families and carers
  • Share & validate the lived experience of carers
  • Provide specific education & support to assist in the role of caring

 

We also provide:

  • Education and training to support mental health workers and professionals to better meet the needs of families and carers in Victoria

 

All of our training follows the Carer Life Course Framework, which maps supports across a continuum of caring and recovery. This model allows us to plan supports for carers from early identification (something is wrong) through to ongoing management and coping.

The ARAFEMI Family Education program is open to family members, friends and carers of people with a mental illness and any other interested people.

ARAFEMI provides regular courses and workshops throughout the year at our ARAFEMI head office in Hawthorn. We also deliver education to community and carer groups’ throughout Victoria.

Download our 2008 Family Education Calendar

To find out more about booking a course for your group or service or to register for our Family Education Program please telephone our Helpline on 1300 550 265

WORKSHOPS:

Carers Coping Skills* - 5 hours

This workshop aims to assist families, friends and carers to explore issues and develop skills in supporting someone with a mental illness. Through group work and discussion, our peer educators will support carers to develop self-care skills, feel more confident in communicating in difficult situations and in developing supports to help reduce feelings of isolation. The course also provides assistance with planning treatment and recovery pathways.

Recovery – the Carers Journey* - 5 hours

This workshop aims to assist families & carers of people with mental illness to understand and support recovery. It utilises group work and discussion, videos and carer led experience to help carers maintain hope, explore strengths and feel more effective as a caregiver.

Compassion fatigue – 3 hours

Families and carers of people who have a mental illness may experience physical and emotional exhaustion through their ongoing roles and responsibilities. In this workshop, families will learn about how to recognise compassion fatigue, and self-care strategies for prevention and healing.

Communicating with professionals – how to work in partnership with your care team

Helping a family member or friend towards recovery can be a lot easier when you are part of a supportive team. Learn about mental health services and ways to effectively communicate with your’s relative’s treatment or support team.

Sibling workshop/ forum – 2 hours

This forum will explore the experiences and needs of brothers and sisters of people who have a mental illness. Guest presenters will talk about strategies for siblings and there will be an opportunity to talk about ideas for future supports.

Grief & Loss – 3 hours

Feelings of grief and loss are common for families and carers of people who have a mental illness. This workshop will explore the experience of grief and loss and mental illness, and new ideas about living with grief. An experienced grief counsellor will facilitate the workshop.