ARAFMI’s tagline “you are not alone” provides comforting words.
In particular, these words can represent hope and relief for people who, as Carers of loved ones, are trying to negotiate the sometimes devastating, almost certainly challenging path, of providing what can be substantial daily support.
We first met ARAFMI at the Carers Queensland 2021 Carer Friendly Business Awards where they sponsored our GREAT Business Award.
In a nutshell, this 40+ year old not-for-profit Community Organisation provides quality support, education and advocacy services to people with mental health support needs, and to their Families and Carers.
No matter what the circumstances, the team at ARAFMI are equipped to provide a vast array of support in the mental health area.
Counselling Services
Up to 5 sessions online or face to face for mental health carers. Delivered by qualified Social Workers, this service is person-centred and strength-based counselling within a human rights framework.
Carer Support Groups
Online & South East Queensland. Supportive environment provides opportunity to talk about feelings, explore ways of coping, support group members, listen & observe.
Education Workshops
Examples: Communicating with the person you support (2 hours), Borderline personality disorder family connections (12 weeks), Understanding and supporting recovery (2 hours)
NDIS Accommodation
Arafmi Houses allow NDIS participants with core funding to have time away from home in a safe, supportive environment with staff throughout the visit. Short-term accommodation includes week-long holidays, one weekend per month, overnight stays, and a few hours per week.
Carer Support Line
People can call any time of the day to share their feelings, receive support, find new resources, and learn helpful coping skills to support them in their caring role. It is comforting for people to know that when they need to talk – someone who understands will be there – at any hour of the day or night.
Navigating the NDIS
ARAFMI is passionate about understanding Participants’ needs, goals, likes & dislikes. They customise support services that ensure Participants feel supported when applying for NDIS funds, and get the most out of their Plans once approved. They offer a range of NDIS services throughout SE Queensland.
This month we had the great pleasure of presenting Membo Noticeboard to the members of the ARAFMI Support Team – a wonderful mix of people whose vocation in life is to improve quality of life for others.
Having presented in the house at number 6 Ambleside Street in West End, which now acts as home to the ARAFMI head office, I was taken for a look at where the Support Team works.
Behind the head office is a building that was once a Stable – one of the last remaining historic Stables in Queensland.
Now this magnificently renovated building, is where the Support Team call home, and where individual and group sessions take place.
With an air of quiet calm and simple elegance, there are spaces for individual and group sessions and workspaces that foster a culture of care and support.
And truly, demonstrably Carer-Friendly!
In closing, recently a good friend and colleague shared a Facebook post – it was Lady Gaga with Liza Minelli at the Oscars.
Lady Gaga could see that there was something amiss with Miss Minelli and her words were “I got you.”
I get the same feeling with ARAFMI – they’ve got you.
CLICK HERE to visit ARAFMI website
If you know someone who is supporting a loved one whether it’s because of a mental health issue, dementia or an acquired brain injury Membo Noticeboard can help.
For more information visit our website www.membonoticeboard.com contact us by email info@membonoticeboard.com or by phone on 07 3880 4535
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