advocacy

ARAFMI is active in improving conditions for people with a mental illness and in seeking to increase recognition of needs and rights of carers and consumers. ARAFMI representatives are involved in state, regional and local mental health advisory and policy making groups.

Advocacy resource

ARAFMI has been selected as one of the carer and consumer organizations to hold copies of 'THE KIT - A guide to the advocacy we choose to do'.

What is the KIT?

THE KIT -A guide to the advocacy we choose to do is a training and information resource which came out of the national Community Development Project (CDP) 1997/98. An initiative of the National Mental Health strategy, the goal of the CDP was to enhance advocacy activity through increasing knowledge and strengthening skills within the mental health community sector.

Information and advice in the Kit includes:

• Advocacy and the Individual
  • Conflict resolution/mediation/complaints/conflict of interest
  • The business end of participation
  • Being the layperson among experts
  • Being a committee member
• Advocacy and the Organisation
  • Becoming an incorporated body
  • Creating networks
  • Submission/report writing
  • Leadership
• Learning About and Valuing The Experience of Consumers and Carers
  • Maximising Healing Potential: Consumer, Carer and Service Provider Relationship.

Segments of The Kit may be photocopied and used by consumers, carers and mental health professionals to provide training and information as required. Contact Head Office for photocopies of sections that interest you or to arrange for a short loan of the entire kit.