Support for Carers

Central Coast ARAFMI has been providing support to mental health carers for more than forty years. We recognise and support the valuable contribution that carers make to their families, and the broader community.

How we support people who care for others

Central Coast ARAFMI works from the principle that the carer is the expert in their own lives. We aim to walk alongside you in your journey, providing support that is highly personalised to your specific needs.

We have a designated worker who is dedicated to supporting families, working holistically within the family unit. We support people who care for others by providing:

• Carer Counselling You might need to talk to someone who understands. You may need information on a specific diagnosis or information on how to access the mental health system. You may need strategies on dealing with certain behaviours or ideas on how to communicate effectively with your loved one.
  • We welcome carers to reach out for phone or face-to-face counselling (by appointment—available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays). Learn more about Carer Counselling here.
• Outreach Counselling (by appointment)
• Advocacy and Referrals
• Education and Training
• Respite Accommodation at Narara
• Carer Groups Outings With our support worker, carers can connect with others through events such as day trips, cinema events, camps and family fun days.
• Carer Support Groups With our support worker, carers can connect with others and learn new skills in our friendly, nurturing and safe environment.
  • Share and Care Group meets at Kincumber at 9:30am on the last Wednesday of the month.
  • Wellness Walk Group meets at Woy Woy Waterfront every 2nd Tuesday.
  • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Kinship Carers Group meets at Kincumber on the 2nd Thursday, and at Narara last Thursday of the month.
    • Please note, groups do not meet up during school holidays.

HOW WE SUPPORT YOUR LOVED ONES

Central Coast ARAFMI further supports carers by offering NDIS Approved programs and activities to support your loved ones living with a mental illness. We see participants for more than just their mental illness, we recognise the lived-experience of people who are impacted by mental health, and acknowledge this as an expertise. We recognise that each person is a unique individual, with their own interests and goals, We work with participants to identify and achieve their goals, we ensure their strengths and interests are nurtured.

Our qualified, lived-experience staff, students and community will support them if they are experiencing social isolation, we connect them with others in the local community, enabling friendships. We support and encourage them to make their own choices about how they lead their lifes, members also participate in fun social and educational activities.

We offer this at 2 locations on the coast:

Yakkalla Social and Recreational Program in Bateau Bay & The Trust Social and Recreational Program in Narara

Yakkalla & The Trust Social and Recreational programs are a community of people who share a sense of belonging. Participants make friends, connect with the world around them and participate in activities and outings designed by participants to satisfy their needs.

Both locations offer NDIS approved programs.

The team at CCARAFMI recognise that each participant’s life has been affected by mental illness is a unique individual, with their own interests and goals. We walk alongside you as you discover what recovery and wellness means to you.

Yakkalla & The Trust is open to anyone who is impacted by mental health issues. If you’re not sure how to join, just come in and have a cuppa and chat between 9:00am to 3:00pm - Monday to Thursday.