Family and Carer Support Groups
Our range of support groups provide voice to the lived experience of carers, shared compassion to the journey of caring and partnership in supporting recovery.
ARAFEMI provides a range of support groups for those who care for, and care about people experiencing mental health problems. Groups provide an opportunity for family, friends and carers to connect with those with similar experiences and to learn current ideas and practices in the field of mental illness. Group members gain strength and support from each other and learn new ways of coping through each other’s experiences. Groups are facilitated by professionals and carers who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge. Speakers from specific areas of mental health are a regular feature of the groups.
As a statewide support service for carers, ARAFEMI also provides a database of support groups across Victoria and our Helpline Team are available to talk through the best options for you. Contact them on 1300 550 265. All groups are free to attend. Northern groups are run in partnership with Northern Area Mental Health Service.
Database of Support Groups
Please click here to view the database of Support Groups (non ARAFEMI support groups) in Melbourne & Rural Victoria. For further information on support groups for carers throughout Victoria please ring our Helpline 1300 500 265.
ARAFEMI Support Groups
Northern Families & Carers of People with a Borderline Personality Disorder
What: Open support and information group for carers of people with a Borderline Personality DisorderWhere: ARAFEMI, Level 2, 76-80 Turnham Ave, Rosanna
When: THIRD WEDNESDAY evening of each month, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Contact: ARAFEMI Carer Helpline on 1300 550 265
Partners Group
What: Open support and information for partners of someone with a mental illnessWhere: ARAFEMI, Level 2, 76-80 Turnham Ave, Rosanna
When: FIRST WEDNESDAY evening of each month, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Contact: ARAFEMI Carer Helpline on 1300 550 265
Supporting Carers (formerly known as ARAFEMI Caring 4 Carers Group - Northern Group)
What: Open support and information group for carers of someone with a mental illnessWhere: Reservoir Neighborhood House, 2B Cuthbert Road, Reservoir (cnr of Strathmerton St)
When: SECOND WEDNESDAY evening of each month, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Contact: ARAFEMI Carer Helpline on 1300 550 265
ARAFEMI Caring 4 Carers Group (formerly Caring 4 Carers Group - Wood Street)
What: This group offers both peer support and recreational activitiesWhere: Reservoir Neighbourhood House and community locations
When: FOURTH WEDNESDAY of each month, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Contact: ARAFEMI Carer Helpline on 1300 550 265
Support Group for Families & Carers of People with a Borderline Personality Disorder
Where: ARAFEMI, Ground Floor, 270 Auburn Road, Hawthorn
When: FIRST WEDNESDAY evening of each month, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm
NOW ALSO AVAILABLE IN ROSANNA
Where: ARAFEMI, Level 2, 76-80 Turnham Ave, RosannaWhen: THIRD WEDNESDAY evening of each month, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Contact: ARAFEMI Carer Helpline on 1300 550 265
Bridging the Gaps – Eastern
What: Education, Information and support for Parents & Family CarersWhere: ARAFEMI, Ground Floor, 270 Auburn Road, Hawthorn
When: SECOND THURSDAY evening of each month from 7.30—9.30pm
Contact: ARAFEMI Helpline 1300 550 265
ARAFEMI Bipolar Consumer Support Group
Where: ARAFEMI, Ground Floor, 270 Auburn Road, Hawthorn
When: THIRD WEDNESDAY evening of each month from 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Contact: ARAFEMI Helpline 1300 550 265
ARAFEMI Bipolar Carer Support Group / ARAFEMI Bipolar Combined Carer and Consumer Support Group
What: These groups alternate monthly to provide additional support to carers of people with bipolar disorder and people experiencing bipolar disorder.Where: At ARAFEMI Ground Floor, 270 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn
When: FIRST THURSDAY evening of each month from 7.30pm to 9.30pm: Combined group commencing 4th February(bi-monthly), Carers Group commencing 4th March (bi-monthly)
Contact: ARAFEMI Helpline 1300 550 265