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 2007
Family Education
ARAFEMI is a statewide, non-profit organisation, 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.
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’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 Professional Development 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 Family Services 2012 Education Calendar
Download Family Services Education Booking Form
2012 WORKSHOPS:
These workshops run for 3 hours from 10am-1pm on a Tuesday or Saturday
ARAFEMI aims to promote and improve the wellbeing of people affected by mental health issues. The following workshops aim to increase carers’ skills and improve their wellbeing. Thus the wellbeing of the person with the mental illness is also positively affected.
1. Carers Coping Skills
This workshop aims to assist carers to explore issues in supporting someone with a mental illness. Carers will develop self-care skills and feel more confident in communicating in difficult situations. The course also provides assistance with planning treatment and recovery pathways.
2. Challenging Behaviours
One of the most difficult areas for carers of people with mental health conditions may be that of setting and maintaining limits and clearly defining personal boundaries. This workshop provides an opportunity to enhance these kinds of communication skills.
3. Recovery and Hope
This workshop aims to assist families and 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.
To register your interest in these workshops email volunteers@arafemi.org.au or call the Helpline 1300 550 2652011 Evening Seminars:
These evening seminars are held on Tuesdays 7-9pm.
Carers can enhance their understanding of living with mental illness in the family and have the opportunity to meet other carers. These seminars are also helpful for those working with families.
1. Grief & Loss Seminar
Feelings of grief & loss are common for families & carers of people who have a mental health issue. This workshop will explore the different areas of loss for family & friends as well as helping them to hold the hope for their loved one.
2. Future Planning
Planning for the future when caring for someone with mental health issues has individual challenges, as compared to caring for someone with a physical illness. This seminar will explore legal issues, wills, and various options to ensure your family member will be supported in the future.
To register your interest in these seminars please email volunteers@arafemi.org.au or call the Helpline on 1300 550 265