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ARAFMI Hunter, is organising the Walk of Pride on October 15, all in support of mental health carers' recognition and  well being. The event will be held at Pacific Park and scheduled to start at 10am.  For further details call ARAFMI (Hunter) at 02 49612842.

There will be guest speakers, entertainment and information on mental health topics. Don't be surprised if Professor Patrick McGorry (2010 Australian of the Year) is there to address the crowd at the event.

Mental Illness can change a person. And not always for the worse. Watching my family struggle to understand me taught me how to appreciate peoples efforts to maintain my wellness. However there are obstacles. Not everyone is willing to understand and support. And never is stigma so apparent than in the field of employment. If you do not disclose  your illness you may keep your job but live with feelings of guilt  loneliness and isolation, and the constant fear that you may have an episode at work.

Geoff Williams as a friend of ARAFMI has had first had experience with mental illness; Paul Scott Williams, his son having several experiences with suicide. These experiences have now been expressed in music with the release of Geoff's son album. You can listen and experience this music by downloading the attached audio file. Dangerous Thoughts

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

The Mental Health Assoc NSW (MHA) is one of ARAFMI NSW’s Partners in Mental health (along with the NSW Consumer Advisory Group). The MHA produces a members’ magazine that appeals to a broad spectrum of readers. We currently are seeking contributions from consumers and carers. That may be you! Theywant to hear what activities you are involved in that may enhance understanding of mental health issues in your community. Theyalso want to hear what people are doing for themselves to maintain or improve their level of wellbeing.

The Red Chocolate Elephants is a resource for children bereaved by suicide, particularly those who have lost a parent to suicide. The text speaks directly to children, and is simply illustrated with the drawings and quotations of children who have lost a father to suicide. The accompanying DVD offers these same youngsters speaking their words aloud as we also see their drawings of their experience.

The Way Ahead, is a comprehensive listing of mental health services that assist the people of NSW, is a useful guide for any allied health professional, community worker, or GP seeking to make a referral for their client.

Ann Grahame is a very compassionate and passionate advocate for mental health. “We have mental illness in our family”. At times it’s difficult to talk about this illness, even to close friends”. The sufferers can exhibit behaviours that they would normally be ashamed of.

The Mental Health Carers ARAFMI NSW Inc (ARAFMI) Annual General meeting was held on Saturday 19 February 2011, with a guest speaker, President of the Mental Health Review Tribunal, the Hon Greg James.

After Mr. James’s informative speech (and some close ballots) a new Board of Management was elected.

 The new Board is:

 Kristine Havron, President

Colin Levy, Vice President

Robert Hunter Treasurer

Anne Steadman, Secretary

Mental Health Carers ARAFMI NSW present the Annual Report for 2009 - 2010 for the information of members and supporters.

A copy of the Annual report is available here for download.

The Annual report will be formally presented to members at the Annual General Meeting to be held on the 19th february 2011.

For further details of the AGM please refer to the "Events" tab on this website.

View the survey results regarding changes made by the Mental Health Review Tribunal in May regarding the decision to assess involuntary patients based on the decision of the Tribunal only.