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. These groups provide an opportunity for family, friends and carers to connect with those with similar experiences, and to learn about 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. The groups are facilitated by family carer givers who bring a wealth of experience to the meetings, and speakers from specific areas of mental health are a regular feature of meeting programs.
Database of Support Groups
Please click here to view the database of Support Groups (non ARAFEMI support groups) in Melbourne & Rural Victoria.
ARAFEMI Support Groups
Please regularly check support group flyers, as guest speakers and events are frequently updated.
Flyer for All ARAFEMI Support Groups
Support Group for Families and Carers of People with a BPD
Download flyer for Support Group for Families and Carers of People with a BPDBridging the Gaps – Southern
Education & Information sessions for Parents & Family Carers of Young People
Download flyer for Bridging the Gaps - Southern
Bridging the Gaps – Eastern
Education, Information and support for Parents & Family Carers of Young People
Download the flyer for Bridging the Gaps - Eastern
Bendigo Relatives and Friends Support Group
Open support and information group for relatives and friends of people with a mental illness
Download the flyer for the Bendigo Relatives and Friends Support Group
ARAFEMI Bipolar Consumer Support Group
Open support group for people experiencing bipolar disorder
Download the flyer for the Bipolar Support Group
ARAFEMI Bipolar Carer Support Group / ARAFEMI Bipolar Combined Carer and Consumer Support Group
These groups alternate monthly to provide additional support to carers of people with bipolar disorder and people experiencing bipolar disorder.
Groups Starting Later 2009
- Support Group for Carers of Young People
- New Carers Support Group
For more information about our support groups, or if you would like to attend a group for the first time, please contact the ARAFEMI Carer Helpline on 1300 550 265 during office hours 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
Download Flyer outlining all ARAFEMI Support Groups
Non-ARAFEMI Support Groups
For further information on support groups for carers throughout Victoria please ring our Helpline or download our Victorian support groups list (we apologise for the inconvenience, this will be available shortly).
This list is regularly reviewed and updated. If you would like to add your support group details to our list please contact our ARAFEMI Carer Helpline on 1300 500 265.