“MEDIA RELEASE” 13 October
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
30 YEARS WALKING ALONG SIDE PEOPLE WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS
Thursday 15 October, 6.00 – 9.00 pm
Como Historic House, South Yarra
ARAFEMI is celebrating 30 years walking along side people with a mental illness,
their carers and families. ARAFEMI will celebrate its past and offer many thanks and
gratitude to its early pioneers as we look towards the future, and pass on the baton
of caring from one generation to the next.
Thirty years ago, a group of Melbourne
families got together and formed the first
organisation to offer support to people caring for someone affected by mental
illness, The Association of Relatives and Friends of the Emotionally and Mentally Ill
[ARAFEMI].
ARAFEMI began with the very simple but powerful slogan, “you are not alone”. The
sharing of the lived experience of carers and consumers has always been a strong
plank in the base upon which ARAFEMI has been founded. Today ARAFEMI operates
across the Eastern and Northern regions and remains a state-wide leader in the
provision of carer support.
Our services support many families and carers in the community through peer
support, education, counselling, information and referral. We also actively advocate
and educate the mental health workforce to better understand and include the
needs of families and carers.
From its humble beginnings, modern day ARAFEMI Victoria has grown and continues
to fulfil its mission promoting and improving the wellbeing of people affected by
mental illness.
The simple slogan, “you are not alone” has given hope to the many families who felt
isolation, despair and the confusion of trying to find their way. It has been used
effectively since, and many people still come to ARAFEMI through our carer helpline,
free counselling services and support groups to discover others who will stand
beside them, and show them a way through.
For further information contact Sarah Rosenberg, Communications 03 9810 9300 /
0414 999 603
NEWS 
