Victorian Carer Advocate

Carer Advocacy Program 

Service Information

As a carer or family member of a person with a mental illness, you might sometimes find it hard to advocate to have your needs and those that you care for met.

We aim to provide one-to-one advocacy and facilitate collective advocacy, and work closely with carers to raise concerns with service providers. We can assist you:

• To be heard in the way you wish to be heard in your contact with mental health services.
•  To support your involvement in the planning and delivery of mental health services.
•  To support you in making better use of mental health services.
•  To promote quality and partnership in mental health services.Our Advocate can provide:
•  Face-to-face or telephone support to carers of people with a mental illness seeking advocacy.
•  Community representation and support. Our Carer Advocate is able to be present in the community acting as an advocate at the place of carer need (i.e. attending mental health review, family meetings, etc.)
• A confidential and non-judgmental space to talk about your feelings and concerns with someone who cares.
• Help to put your concerns into perspective and to see ‘the big picture’. 
•  Help you to discover and explore your needs and strengths so that you can make the best possible choices for your life and those for whom you care.

Access

The Carer Advocacy Program is available to carers of people with mental health and dual diagnosis issues. The program has access to interpreters and supports to ensure access to carers from CALD backgrounds.

The program is available to carers within the public and private sectors of Victoria. The program is available to carers throughout Victoria, though community representation or in-home support is only available in the metropolitan region at the present time. Rural and regional Victorians may access telephone and internet support.

Appointments for face-to-face advocacy support are available at ARAFEMI’s premises: Ground Floor 270 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, 3122 (Melways 45 F 12) or at ARAFEMI’s northern office from Mondays to Thursdays.

The initial consultation will allow for 60-90 minutes. Subsequent communications and/or appointments will generally be shorter unless they involve outreach.

Please advise us if you need an interpreter or need additional assistance when you make your booking.

Telephone: 1300 550 265

What Families Should Expect

• Services to be provided in an environment, which is safe, private, comfortable and free from disruptions.
• A focus on your individual needs.
• To be treated with care, consideration and dignity.