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January 24, 2012
ARAFMI's Mental Health First Aid Training: Feb - Aug 2012

ARAFMI's Mental Health First Aid courses are back in 2012! Bookings required! Call 02 93320777 or email, admin@arafmi.org

ARAFMI will be running the mental health first aid training program again in 2012. Anyone wanting to equip themselves with knowledge on dealing with those suffering mental illness should register for the course. Courses will be run between February and August 2012.

Bookings essential!  To register phone 02 93320777 or email admin@arafmi.org.

October 12, 2010
Who cares? A film for carers - part 1

Part one of a three part series looking at how mental illness can effect other family members.

Part One of a three part film highlighting how mental illness can effect family members who often become carers. The responsibility can be overwhelming and these films aim to spread the word that carers are not alone in their struggle, and that help is out there.

February 28, 2012
The Triangle of Care - Summary

The Triangle of Care is a guide jointly published in the UK by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers emphasizing the need for better involvement of carers and families in the care planning and treatment of people with mental ill-health.

Here is a summary of the general principles of this guide and links to further information that carers, consumers and clinicians may find of interest.

The Triangle of Care is a guide jointly published by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and the National Mental Health Development Unit emphasizing the need for better local strategic involvement of carers and families in the care planning and treatment of people with mental ill-health.

January 30, 2012
Neuroscience Research Australia calling for research participants!

Neuroscience Research Australia are looking for a total of 88 patients with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder (male and female) to take this medication for six weeks in addition to their ongoing anti-psychotic medication.

 

Neuroscience Research Australia are looking for a total of 88 patients with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder (male and female) to take this medication for six weeks in addition to their ongoing anti-psychotic medication. There will also be a 6 week placebo treatment phase.  For a criteria factsheet please contact Nick on Ph: (02) 9399 1683 or email n.vella@neura.edu.au

November 22, 2011
ARAFMI NSW CARER SURVEY NO. 1 ‘The Carer’s Experience’– 2009 Results

In 2009 ARAFMI conducted a survey of members and other carers about the implementation of the primary carer changes in the Mental Health Act 2007.

The purpose of this survey was to better understand the impact that the recognition of the role of Primary Carer in the Act has had on the treatment of carers by Mental Health Services in NSW. It also asked about the information carers would have liked to receive both before their loved one’s admission and before discharge back into the community. ARAFMI is repeating this survey today but here are the results of that original inquiry.

The purpose of this survey was to better understand the impact that the recognition of the role of Primary Carer in the recently passed NSW Mental Health Act 2007 has had on the treatment of carers by Mental Health Services in NSW. It also asked about the information carers would have liked to receive both before their loved one’s admission and before discharge back into the community.

November 22, 2011
Intangible DVD and Book Launch

On the 17th of October Mental Health Carers ARAFMI CEO Keiran Booth attended the launch of the ‘Intangible’ DVD and book by the Far West Local Health District as key-note speaker.

On the 17th of October Mental Health Carers ARAFMI CEO Keiran Booth attended the launch of the ‘Intangible’ DVD and book by the Far West Local Health District as key-note speaker.

The launch was very successful, being strongly supported by the local community and well attended in Broken Hill.

The Intangible storytelling project is based on the thoughts, emotions and experiences of seven carers who are supporting a family member living with mental illnessin and around Broken Hill in regional New South Wales.

November 14, 2011
On line 'Mental Health Carer Survey,' now available to complete until Christmas 2011!

The on-line 'Mental Health Carer Survey' is available for completion. Mental health carers and those that work with carers are urged to participate , to have their colletctive voices heard. Please complete before 25 December (Christmas day) 2011. Click  Mental-Health-Carers-Survey-2011-12.  This is an important project that influence mental health policy and project development.  Have your voice heard!

The online Mental Health Carer Survey 2011-12 is available now to all mental health carers to complete and convey their position. The survey will remain open until Christmas Day.  If you are a mental health carer please complete the survey or if you work with carers please pass on this link:  Mental-Health-Carers-Survey-2011-12

November 14, 2011
‘Puerperal Psychosis - A carer's survival guide’

Resource for partners of women suffering Puerperal Psychosis, a rare condition than post natal depression. CraigAllatACarersSurvivalGuide-Web171011.pdf

A new booklet was launched for partners of women with puerperal psychosis, a condition much rarer than the blues or post natal depression (PND) and occurs in one woman in every 500 or so deliveries.  The rarity of the condition makes it difficult for carers to locate information to assist them. This booklet was written by a man, Craig Allat, a person with lived experience of the condition his wife faced.

October 31, 2011
New Mental Health Commission Legislation

In honour of Mental Health Month the Minister for Mental Health, Hon Kevin Humphries has released a guide to the proposed NSW Mental Health Commission entitled, “DELIVERING REFORM to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the NSW community Legislation to establish the NSW Mental Health Commission”. Read our summary or download the guide to this legislation below.

In honour of Mental Health Month the Minister for Mental Health, Hon Kevin Humphries has released a document entitled, “DELIVERING REFORM to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the NSW community Legislation to establish the NSW Mental Health Commission”.

October 17, 2011
Update on the development of NSW Mental Health Commission

Current status on the establishment of the NSW Mental Health Commission from Kevin Humphries, NSW Minister for Mental Health. Click  Newsletter - Oct 2011.pdf 

 The Office of the Hon Kevin Humphries, NSW Minister for- Mental Health, Healthy Lifestyle and Western Sydney-released a newletter updating  progress  on the establishment of the NSW Mental Health Commission.

September 30, 2011
Reviewing the Implementation of Primary Carers Rights under the Mental Health Act 2007

The new Mental Health Act introduced in 2007 for the first time explicitly recognised the role of carers in mental health care. In 2009 ARAFMI conducted a survey of carers to understand how the primary carer changes had been implemented across NSW and how beneficial they had been. Now, two more years later ARAFMI would like to repeat this survey to better understand how the situation has changed since that time, and what further improvements could be made.

The new Mental Health Act introduced in 2007 for the first time explicitly recognised the role of carers in mental health care.

 Section 68: (j) the role of carers for people with a mental illness or mental disorder and their rights to be kept informed should be given effect.

 Further than this it sought to address specific long-standing issues for carers in the mental health area, particularly around the exclusion of carers from information about their loved one’s treatment by the creation of the ‘primary carer’ role.

September 30, 2011
Survey Results on Smoking Ban at NSW Health Sites

ARAFMI has conducted an on-line survey for carers and consumers about the impact of the implementation of the smoke free workplace policy on all NSW Health controlled or funded sites. Here are the results of this preliminary survey.

September 26, 2011
Carer hearing for NSW Ombudsman Inquiry into the access of mental health inpatients to supported accommodation

ARAFMI will be hosting representatives from the Ombudsman’s Office at ARAFMI’s NSW Offices:

Suite 501, Level 5, 80 William Street  Woolloomooloo 2011, to hear from carers interested in this issue from:

2.00pm to 4.00pm on the 4th of October 2011

The NSW Ombudsman is conducting an inquiry into the roles and responsibilities of the Departments of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) and NSW Health to provide services for mental health in-patients who are not being discharged due to a reported lack of community based support and accommodation options.

September 2, 2011
Who are Australia’s ‘Hidden’ Carers?

The 2011 Census represented only the second time when questions regarding Carers were included in an effort to capture statistics on how many people look after someone with a disability or illness on an unpaid basis in Australia.  The statistics captured by the Census, whilst noteworthy, only reflect those who have recognised and identified their role as that of a carer.  Accordingly, it is reasonable to expect that there are potentially far more carers in Australia than suggested by statistics. Who are these ‘Hidden Carers’? Are you?

Defining the act of Caring

 The 2011 Census represented only the second time when questions regarding Carers were included in an effort to capture statistics on how many people look after someone with a disability or illness on an unpaid basis in Australia.  Everyday tasks or actions considered “assistance” or support given by a carer were listed in the Census as a means to help classify a carer.  Accordingly, a carer role involves:

August 22, 2011
Mental health reform agenda presented at COAG

 Experts present Mental Health reform roadmap at COAG!

Mental Health experts, Frank Quinlan, Patrick McGorry and David Cappo provided a special briefing to the Prime Minister, State and Territory Premiers and Chief Ministers, on the challenges of mental health issues facing all state governments at COAG last week.

August 18, 2011
Canberra Forum- More Than Medication: Critical Conversations about Medication, Mental Health and Recovery

Tried and experienced other mental health treatments beyond medication? Then join the conversation at this forum in  Canberra on 12 October 2011! 

University of Canberra, with the ACT Health Directorate and Inside/ Out and Associates, will present a forum Critical Conversations about Medication, Mental Health and Recovery on Wednesday 12 October at the Ann Harvey Conference Centre within University of Canberra.

Discussions around mental health treatment beyond the efficacy and hazards of medication will be the focus. The aim is to surface those with lived experience of mental illness and their carers to talk about other treatments they have explored and their experiences with them compared to straight medication.

August 14, 2011
Seeking people with Schizophrenia and their carers, for paid market research!

Recruiting now! Schizophrenia sufferers and their carers for paid market research. Contact Murray Gale or Shannon at QRA, recruiting for particpants, at (02) 9371 0311 or 0425 030 311 or office@qra.net.au, asap! 

Ward 6, (www.ward6.com.au),   a Surry Hills based Market Research Company  is seeking people suffering from Schizophrenia and their carers to take part in paid market research.

In particular, Schizophrenia sufferers and/or their carers, using a depot in the treatment of their illness are being sought.

July 28, 2011
Survey on Impact of Smoking Ban in NSW Health Facilities

NSW Health and Local Heath Districts have adopted the ‘NSW Health Smoke Free Workplace Policy’ aiming to create environments for all visitors, patients and staff free of smoking and Environmental Tobacco Smoke at all hospital campuses and sites controlled or funded by NSW Health. ARAFMI is conducting an on-line survey to gauge the impact of the smoking ban on mental health consumers and carers. Take it now and share you experiences.

NSW Health and Local Heath Districts (LHDs) have adopted the ‘NSW Health Smoke Free Workplace Policy’ aiming to create environments for all visitors, patients and staff free of smoking and Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) at all hospital campuses and sites controlled or funded by NSW Health. Since the commencement of the policy in 1999, each of the Area Health Services (now LHDs) progressed through the phases of implementation of the policy at different rates.

July 28, 2011
What is a carer?...

In the last issue, the role of ARAFMI’s (the Association of Friends and Family of the Mentally Ill) , as the peak carer organisation specifically set up by carers of people living with mental illness to support other carers facing challenges in their role, was explained.  In this issue, the focus on mental health carers continues, to firstly explain “What is a carer?” more specifically the characteristics of a mental health carer, and how State and Federal Mental Health laws define them.

In the last issue, the role of ARAFMI’s (the Association of Friends and Family of the Mentally Ill) , as the peak carer organisation specifically set up by carers of people living with mental illness to support other carers facing challenges in their role, was explained.  In this issue, the focus on mental health carers continues, to firstly explain “What is a carer?” more specifically the characteristics of a mental health carer, and how State and Federal Mental Health laws define them.

 Definition of a Carer

June 30, 2011
Access to Mental Health Services through You GP

People with certain types of common or ‘high prevalence’ mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression may be able to seek psychological assistance for their mental health through their General Practitioners (GPs). It is important for carers to know how to access such services not just to assist the people they care for but because carers suffer from much higher rates of anxiety and depression than the general community.

 Find out how to access psychologists, psychiatrists and other ‘allied health professionals’ through the primary care system through the ‘Better Access’ and ATAPS’ programs and how this has been changed by the 2011 federal budget.

People with certain types of common or ‘high prevalence’ mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression may be able to seek psychological assistance for their mental health through their General Practitioners (GPs). It is important for carers to know how to access such services not just to assist the people they care for but because carers suffer from much higher rates of anxiety and depression than the general community.

June 30, 2011
Judging Judges Judgement

SYDNEY Magistrate, Brian Maloney, has attracted widespread community support following a judicial commission report which deemed him permanently incapacitated due to his recent diagnosis of a bipolar II disorder.

However, particular issues apply to Magistrates and Judges due to the nature of the role they fill in our government system.  The ability to supervise judicial officers on the discharge of their duties is limited because of the need to preserve judicial independence; an issue which will not apply in most other workplaces. This article explores this issue in more depth.

SYDNEY Magistrate, Brian Maloney, has attracted widespread community support following a judicial commission report which deemed him permanently incapacitated due to his recent diagnosis of a bipolar II disorder.

June 30, 2011
Tribute to Margaret Lukes, ARAFMI Founder

Margaret Frances LUKES OAM; Founder of ARAFMI Passes Away

June 28, 2011
ARAFMI Information and Support Line Survey

ARAFMI operates a carer Information and Support Line which provides carers of people living with mental illness information about mental health services and a range of carer support services and support groups right across New South Wales. Take our survey to help us improve our service.

Mental Health Carers ARAFMI NSW Inc (ARAFMI) operates a carer Information and Support Line which provides carers of people living with mental illness information about mental health services and a range of carer support services and support groups right across New South Wales.

‘For me, the Information and Support Line was not just a telephone support line, it was hope,’ said Joanne, 45.  Her husband suffers from depression and she is looking after three young kids,

May 27, 2011
Physical health and mental illness

A life expectancy 20 years lower than the general population. That's the estimated gap in physical health between those with a mental illness and other Australians.

A life expectancy 20 years lower than the general population.  That's the estimated gap in physical health between those with a mental illness and other Australians.  The warning comes from Associate Professor Sharon Lawn from the Human Behaviour and Health Research Unit at Flinders University in Adelaide, inteviewed on ABC radio's LifeMatters

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/stories/2011/3220311.htm

May 19, 2011
Negotiating Care and Support Survey

ARAFMI has received feedback from carers that sometimes it can be very hard to know how to negotiate care and other living issues with the loved one they are caring for. Has this issue affected you? Take our survey and let us know if it has.

Mental Health Carer’s ARAFMI NSW Inc has received feedback from carers that sometimes they find it difficult to know how to negotiate with their loved ones regarding care and other issues involved with living and daily functioning.