Mental Health Carers Arafmi Illawarra

17/06/2025

Family Connections Program for carers of people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) - Commencing on 24th of July 2025 at ARAFMI Illawarra

We are providing a 12-week Family Connections™ program at the ARAFMI Illawarra office, 17 Princes HWY, Fairy Meadow. This program will occur on Thursday evenings, 5:30pm – 7:30pm and commences on the 24th of July 2025.

Places are limited and registration is a must. While ARAFMI Illawarra will deliver the program, registrations are processed by NEABPD Australia and can be submitted via the following link:
https://neabpd.supporterhub.net.au/events/fairymeadow-250724

About the Family Connections™ Program
Family Connections™ is a free, 12-week evidence-based program that provides current information and research on BPD and family functioning, discussion of treatment theories and practices, and individual and family coping skills based on tenets of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. During the Family Connections™ program, 10 participants meet weekly for two hours with specially trained leaders who facilitate the program, and cover the following areas:

· Education and Research on BPD
· Family perspectives and experiences
· Relationship mindfulness skills
· Emotional regulation skills
· Effective communication and validation skills
· Problem management skills.

The program also provides group support that builds an ongoing network for Family Connections™ members in their area, one of the most valued aspects of the program.

Three independent large-scale studies have validated the effectiveness of Family Connections™, and the program will be run by specially trained facilitators with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

If you have a family member with BPD, I strongly recommend attending the Family Connections Program. The knowledge, skills and support you will obtain by participating in the program will empower you in your caring role and enhance your relationships and wellbeing.

If you have any questions please contact Carer Advocate, David Jackson on 0419 513 684 or email: david.jackson@onedoor.org.au

23/04/2025

Free Law Talk - Power Of Attorney & Guardianship at ARAFMI Illawarra, 12pm - 1pm, Friday 23/5/25

Illawarra Legal Centre are providing a solicitor to present a free talk on Power of Attorney and Guardianship at the ARAFMI Illawarra office, 17 Princes HWY, Fairy Meadow. It provides an opportunity to learn about Power of Attorney and guardianship and ask questions.

There are limited places, and registration is required. You can register by calling or texting David Jackson on 0419 513 684 or via email: david.jackson@onedoor.org,au

25/02/2025

Project Air Carer Session: Managing Storms: De-escalating Challenging Situations (BPD) on 2/4/25
The Project Air Strategy for personality disorders is an internationally recognised leader in research, education, and treatment of personality disorders. The next carer session they are delivering for ARAFMI Illawarra is on Wednesday 2/4/25, 6pm-7:30pm at the ARAFMI office and registration is required.

23/01/2025

Mental Health Carer Support Group on Tuesday 28/1/25, 5:30pm at ARAFMI Illawarra. Registration required
ARAFMI’s Mental Health Carer Support Group is on the 4th Tuesday of every month. The first group of 2025 is on next week 28/1/25, 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the ARAFMI Office (17 Princes HWY, Fairy Meadow.) ARAFMI’s support group is a safe place to connect, learn, and share with others who understand.

Registration is required and can be done via sending an email to david.jackson@onedoor.org.au or calling or texting David on 0419 513 684.

28/10/2024

Mental Health, Ambulance and Police Project (MHAPP) & Carer Gateway information session on 18th of November at ARAFMI Illawarra.
We have an information session double bill on Monday 18/11/24, 5:30pm at the ARAFMI office. The first presentation of the evening is on the Mental Health, Ambulance and Police Project (MHAPP.) MHAPP is an important project operating in the Illawarra and relevant for people who experience mental health crises. The second presentation is about the Carer Gateway, a national carer service that all carers need to be aware of. Places are limited and registration is required! To register, contact David Jackson via email: david.jackson@onedoor.org.au or phone: 0419 513 684

24/10/2024

Project Air Carer Session: Calm Carer During Crisis and Chaos (BPD) on 21/11/24, 5:30pm - 7pm at the ARAFMI office
The Project Air Strategy for personality disorders is an internationally recognised leader in research, education, and treatment of personality disorders. The next carer session they are delivering for ARAFMI Illawarra is on Thursday 21/11/24, 5:30pm-7pm at the ARAFMI office and registration is required. See the information below or in the flyer attached for more details.

02/10/2024

Free 2-day Youth Mental Health First Aid course for family and carers at ARAFMI Illawarra on 9/11/24 & 16/11/24
Mental Health First Aid Australia’s Youth Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants how to provide initial support to a young person (aged 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received, or the crisis resolves.

Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adolescents, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the treatments and supports available.

ARAFMI Illawarra is offering Youth Mental Health First Aid for free to family and carers of people experiencing mental health challenges.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a 2-day course that enables participants to become accredited Mental Health First Aiders, provided they successfully complete a short online assessment after attending the course. All participants will receive a Youth Mental Health First Aid manual.

ARAFMI Illawarra will run Youth Mental Health First Aid over two consecutive Saturdays.
When: 9am – 5pm on Saturday 9/11/24 & Saturday 16/11/24
Where: ARAFMI Illawarra – 17 Princes HWY, Fairy Meadow NSW
Registration Required: You can register for the course by contacting David Jackson via email at david.jackson@onedoor.org.au or by calling or texting him on 0419 513 684

Tea, coffee, and biscuits are provided participants will need to bring or purchase their own lunches.

Send a message to learn more

27/05/2024

Youth Mental Health First Aid course for family and carers at ARAFMI Illawarra (over two days) Saturday 15/6/24 & 22/6/24
Hello All,

Mental Health First Aid Australia’s Youth Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants how to provide initial support to a young person (aged 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received, or the crisis resolves.

Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adolescents, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the treatments and supports available.

ARAFMI Illawarra is offering Youth Mental Health First Aid for free to family and carers of people experiencing mental health challenges.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a 14-hour course that enables participants to become accredited Mental Health First Aiders, provided they successfully complete a short online assessment after attending the course. All participants will receive a Youth Mental Health First Aid manual. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

ARAFMI Illawarra will run Youth Mental Health First Aid over two consecutive Saturdays.
When: 9:30am – 5pm on Saturday 15/6/24 & Saturday 22/6/24
Where: ARAFMI Illawarra – 17 Princes HWY, Fairy Meadow NSW
Registration Required: You can register for the course by contacting David Jackson via email at david.jackson@onedoor.org.au or by calling or texting him on 0419 513 684

Send a message to learn more

15/05/2024

Project Air Carer Session at ARAFMI Illawarra: Managing Crises & Being a Good Enough Carer (BPD) on 11/6/24, 5:30pm - 7pm

The Project Air Strategy for personality disorders is an internationally recognised leader in research, education, and treatment of personality disorders. The next carer session they are delivering at ARAFMI Illawarra is on Tuesday 11/6/24, 5:30pm-7pm. Registration is required and can be done via email at david.jackson@onedoor.org.au or by calling or texting David on 0419 513 684. See the information below or in the flyer attached for more details.

24/04/2024

AWARE Program for young people aged 8-12 years old, who have a family member experiencing mental health issues.

ARAFMI Illawarra is partnering with ISLHD School – Link and COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness) to deliver their AWARE Program for young people aged 8-12 years old, who have a family member (age 13 and over) experiencing mental health issues. It is important that the family member being cared for acknowledges that they experience mental health concerns. They do not need to have a formal diagnosis.

Young mental health carers include young people that care about and/or care for someone in their family who has mental health concerns and are impacted by their family member’s mental health in some way. ARAFMI Illawarra is passionate about supporting young carers and very pleased to be involved with the AWARE Program.

The program runs for three days during the school holidays with 3 facilitators and between 8 and 15 participants. It is a free group program that we will be running at Dapto Anglican Church, 100 Moombara Street Dapto, from 10 – 12 July 2024, 9am – 3.30pm, with all resources, morning tea and lunches provided. See attached program flyer.

The AWARE Program is designed to help participants to have:
• An improved understanding of living with a family member who experiences mental ill health,
• An increased ability to identify and manage vulnerabilities,
• An understanding of strategies to manage challenging situations and a capacity to approach challenges effectively,
• A reduction in feelings of isolation,
• Increase in self-esteem and resilience,
• A knowledge of and willingness to engage with support services.

This is achieved through a mix of formal, interactive learning and fun activities.

To discuss a potential referral or for more information about the program please do not hesitate to contact Johanne Sneddon (School – Link Coordinator) or David Jackson (ARAFMI Illawarra) via the contact details below.

Johanne – Tel: 0459 880 578
Email: johanne.sneddon@health.nsw.gov.au
David – Tel: 0419 513 684
Email: david.jackson@onedoor.org.au

18/03/2024

Family Connections Program for carers of people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) - Commencing on 11th of April 2024.

We are providing a 12-week Family Connections™ program at the ARAFMI office, 17 Princes HWY, Fairy Meadow. This program will occur on Thursday evenings, 5:30pm – 7:30pm and commences on the 11th of April 2024.

About the Family Connections™ Program
Family Connections™ is a free, 12-week evidence-based program that provides current information and research on BPD and family functioning, discussion of treatment theories and practices, and individual and family coping skills based on tenets of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. During the Family Connections™ program, 10 participants meet weekly for two hours with specially trained leaders who facilitate the program, and cover the following areas:

· Education and Research on BPD
· Family perspectives and experiences
· Relationship mindfulness skills
· Emotional regulation skills
· Effective communication and validation skills
· Problem management skills.

The program also provides group support that builds an ongoing network for Family Connections™ members in their area, one of the most valued aspects of the program.

Three independent large-scale studies have validated the effectiveness of Family Connections™, and the program will be run by specially trained facilitators with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

If you have a family member with BPD, I strongly recommend attending the Family Connections Program. The knowledge, skills and support you will obtain by participating in the program will empower you in your caring role and enhance your relationships and wellbeing.

Places are limited and registration is a must. While ARAFMI will deliver the program, registrations are processed by NEABPD Australia and can be submitted via the following link:
https://drct-neabpd.prod.supporterhub.net/events/fairymeadow-240411

07/03/2024

Borderline Personality Disorder, what is it and what can carers do to help? Project Air Carer Session for mental health carers at ARAFMI on 9/4/24, 5:30pm - 7pm

There are limited places, and registration is required. You can register by calling or texting David Jackson on 0419 513 684 or via email: david.jackson@onedoor.org,au
Please provide your phone number and emergency contact details when registering.