Arafmi Ltd

17/04/2026

The Community Leaders Connect Forum was an insightful evening that brought together community leaders, hosted by IWA Australia Ltd.

With a focus on “Stronger Together – Building a Connected and Inclusive Community,” the conversation explored what social cohesion looks like in practice. From cultural safety and representation, to the importance of community-led solutions and trust built over time, there was a shared understanding that connection doesn’t happen by chance.

It’s something we actively create, together.
It’s built through listening, respect and ongoing collaboration.

There was a strong sense of shared commitment in the room, recognising both the challenges and the opportunities in creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard and included.

These conversations matter.
They strengthen relationships, deepen understanding and help shape more connected communities.

Pictured: The inspiring panel, including Dr Inez Fainga'a-Manusione, Uncle Terry Stedman, the Logan City Council Mayor Jon Raven, Ali K. (Islamic College Of Brisbane), Ari Heber (President, QLD Jewish Community Services), and Dr John Bosco Ngendakurio (ECCQ - Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland), Mary, Julian Hill MP (Assistant Minister for International Education and Member for Bruce in the Australian Parliament), Sasha (Engagement and Advocacy Officer (Carer Lived Experience) Arafmi Ltd), Aynur (Carer Support CALD Senior Coordinator Arafmi)

Special thanks: hosted by IWA Australia in partnership with Logan City Council, SSI - Settlement Services International and MultiLink Community Services Inc.

16/04/2026

Many don’t call themselves a carer. They’re just… showing up. Checking in.

Holding things together.

Helping through the hard days.

It's what you do for friends, for family, for those who need extra practical and emotional support... right?

If that sounds familiar, you might be a mental health carer.

And while you’re supporting someone else, we want you to know there is support for you too.

Our Carer Support Team is here to listen, provide support, new resources and share helpful skills.

Whether you’re looking for carer support services, want to refer a carer, book a guest speaker or become a volunteer, we’re here to help.

24-hour Carer Support Line
📞 1300 554 660
📧 carersupport@arafmi.com.au

15/04/2026

Are you currently supporting someone through a difficult time and in need of a break yourself?
Did you know there’s FREE support for you too?

Arafmi has been supporting mental health carers in Queensland for nearly 50 years. Now we have a local presence, Carol, who is connecting with community in Townsville and the surrounding regions. Based in Townsville!

In a region where distance, limited services and constant change are part of everyday life, Carol is there to make sure carers feel supported, understood and less alone.

📍 You can find Carol for coffee this Thursday

☕ Join her at Coffee Connect in Townsville on April 17 by registering here:
https://buff.ly/zFKYVbF](https://buff.ly/zFKYVbF

If you’re supporting someone experiencing mental health challenges, in or around Townsville, you don’t have to do this alone.

Sometimes, a coffee and a chat can go a long way ☕💚 Arafmi Coffee Connect in Townsville is a relaxed space to drop in and connect with others who understand the caring role. Carol, our local Carer Support Facilitator, will be there to welcome you. She has been a carer herself for most of her life and understands the role deeply.

No pressure, no expectations, just good conversation and support. All mental health carers supporting family, kin or friends are welcome.

📅 Friday 17 April
⏰ From 10am
📍 Townsville

Find out more or register here:
https://buff.ly/8xx5A1c

👇
We’re Arafmi, a Queensland organisation supporting family members and friends who care for someone experiencing mental health challenges. We offer free support, groups, and activities to help carers feel seen, connected and supported.

Arafmi is proudly delivering for and in partnership with Carer Gateway, across rural and regional Queensland.

15/04/2026

“Keep doing what you’re doing, it helps us to help our loved ones”
We’re not crying, you are 💚 🥹

This is exactly why Youth eCPR exists. To give young carers real tools, real confidence and a space where they don’t have to have it all together.

Because let’s be real…
Supporting someone through tough mental health moments is a lot.

This Youth Week, we’re celebrating the young people who are quietly doing the most.
The check-ins. The late-night chats. The “are you okay?” texts.

You’re showing up in ways that matter. And you deserve support that shows up for you too.

We run Youth eCPR quarterly for young carers aged 18–25 across Queensland, along with many free workshops to help carers on their journey.

Keen to join the next one? Keep an eye out or reach out 💌 Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://buff.ly/2yqz5DT

14/04/2026

Sometimes, a coffee and a chat can go a long way ☕💚 Arafmi Coffee Connect in Townsville is a relaxed space to drop in and connect with others who understand the caring role. Carol, our local Carer Support Facilitator, will be there to welcome you. She has been a carer herself for most of her life and understands the role deeply.

No pressure, no expectations, just good conversation and support. All mental health carers supporting family, kin or friends are welcome.

📅 Friday 17 April
⏰ From 10am
📍 Townsville

Find out more or register here:
https://buff.ly/8xx5A1c

👇
We’re Arafmi, a Queensland organisation supporting family members and friends who care for someone experiencing mental health challenges. We offer free support, groups, and activities to help carers feel seen, connected and supported.

Arafmi is proudly delivering for and in partnership with Carer Gateway, across rural and regional Queensland.

14/04/2026

Sharing an opportunity from Roses in the Ocean. This program is open to people across Queensland who want to strengthen their role in su***de prevention, whether you’re an individual or part of an organisation.

For peer workers (or those curious about peer work), it’s a chance to build your skills, grow your knowledge and deepen your impact.

For organisations, it’s about learning how to meaningfully include lived experience in the way services are designed, delivered and led.

There are a range of workshops and training sessions available, designed to meet you where you’re at and support the role you want to play in su***de prevention.

Find out more or get involved here: (https://rosesintheocean.com.au/lived-experience-at-work/)

Peer work with the lens of a lived experience of su***de and workplaces who integrate the voice of lived experience into their day-to-day are a vital part of a workforce that efficiently and appropriately supports people with a lived experience of su***de. The Queensland Mental Health Commission are...

13/04/2026

Not all carers are adults. Some are still in school. Across Australia, over 391,000 young people are caring for someone, many without realising there’s a name for what they do.

You might notice it as:
• a young person taking on extra responsibilities at home
• checking in constantly on a parent, sibling or friend
• missing out on typical young person experiences
• carrying more than others their age

This Youth Week, we’re encouraging adults, families, teachers and communities to look a little closer. There may be a young carer in your life who hasn’t been recognised yet. That recognition can be the first step to tailored support, shared understanding and connection to others who truly understand.

If you’re supporting a young person, or know someone who might benefit, there are events happening across Queensland this week that offer safe, welcoming spaces to connect and take a break.

Explore what’s on here: https://buff.ly/GqYzJjd

We’re proud to be a part of the Queensland Young Carers Network alongside Carers Queensland, Carer Gateway, Kids Helpline Official, Mind Blank Ltd, Eating Disorders Queensland, Little Dreamers Australia, Copmi and Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation to ensure young carers are seen, supported and advocated for.

13/04/2026

Supporting someone with mental health needs in the Sunshine Coast Region? Interested in connecting with others and learning new skills?

Join our 9-week online program in a safe, supportive space to reflect on your caring role, share experiences and develop new skills. Facilitated Coaching supports you to make positive changes and live a more fulfilling life. In a small group with a carer coach, each week you will focus on a different topic to identify your needs, build resilience, and learn practical wellbeing strategies.

📅 Each Monday, 20 April - 15 June
⏰ 4.30pm - 6.00pm
📍 Location: Online
📅 Limited spots available – get in touch to learn more : https://buff.ly/QSerXer

Wellways

13/04/2026

Serving 80s style and good vibes 💛💖 Out and About with Arafmi is heading to Pine Rivers Heritage Museum next week and it’s shaping up to be a feel-good morning you won’t want to miss.

Think bold colours, a little nostalgia and plenty of laughs, even better when you bring a friend along.

🚌 Transport available from the Arafmi Carer Hub in Teneriffe
👗 80s dress-up + photo backdrop (go all out or just have fun with it)
♻️ Bring a piece for the clothes swap
☕ Morning tea + guided tour included

Come for the fun, stay for the connection and leave feeling lighter.

📅 24 April, 10am–12pm
📍 Old Petrie Town, Whiteside
🎟️ RSVP: https://buff.ly/hO1xHAt

For more info: respite@arafmi.com.au

10/04/2026

Supporting someone with mental health needs?
Interested in connecting with others and learning new skills

Join our 9-week program in a safe, supportive space to reflect on your caring role, share experiences and develop new skills.
Facilitated Coaching supports you to make positive changes and live a more fulfilling life.
In a small group at Upper Mount Gravatt, with a carer coach, each week you will focus on a different topic to identify your needs, build resilience, and learn practical wellbeing strategies.

📅 Limited spots available – get in touch to learn more : https://buff.ly/MJOwP8S
Wellways

09/04/2026

A few reasons why people love Out and About with Arafmi. “Really helped me feel lighter”
“Felt so good to connect with others” “Loved the symbolism of setting intentions”

Our April Out and About adventure at Pine Rivers Heritage Museum will include a guided tour, interactive fashion installation and light refreshments. It will be a mix of
- Vintage dress-up & clothes swap 🎽
- Creative, hands-on activities ✂️
- Opportunities to meet others and share laughs 🌿

Come for the fun, leave feeling inspired and connected. Bring a friend and make it a morning to remember!

📅 24 April, 10am–12pm
📍 Where: Old Petrie Town, Whiteside
🎟️ RSVP: https://buff.ly/hO1xHAt

09/04/2026

Meet Carol 💚 Supporting mental health carers across Townsville and the surrounding regions, Carol sees something powerful every day — that moment a carer realises the support is for them too. We've coined it **“the great exhale.”**

Through one-on-one coaching and local connection, Carol meets carers where they’re at. Whether that’s a park, a café, or somewhere quiet creating space to talk, reflect and take things one step at a time.

In a region where distance, limited services and constant change are part of everyday life, Carol is there to make sure carers feel supported, understood and less alone.

📍 You can find Carol:
• At the Medicare Mental Health Hub (Tues & Thurs mornings)
• Out in the community, including places like Charters Towers, Ayr, Basalt
• At local events and expos (including an upcoming disability expo in May)
• Or by simply reaching out to meet in a way that works for you

☕ Join her at Coffee Connect in Townsville on April 17
https://buff.ly/zFKYVbF](https://buff.ly/zFKYVbF

If you’re supporting someone experiencing mental ill-health in or around Townsville, you don’t have to do this alone.