The Peak Body for Mental Health Carers in NSW.
As the peak body, MHCN works with and for mental health in carers NSW. We represent the voices and lived experience of carers which help us to advocate systemically for mental health reform.
Learn More About MHCNOur Network is a community engagement program designed by and for mental health carers, families and friends, and free to join. Our Network is the heart of what we do at MHCN – driven by the lived experience of carers.
Become A MemberMHCN provides a collective voice for carer needs and issues and advocates for government and non-government organisations to engage lived experience in their work.
How We Advocate
We run a range of free training and education sessions for carers, online and in person events, information webinars, and lots more – check out what we are doing in 2023!
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All mental health carers
Not sure what your rights are as a carer under the Mental Health Act? Check out our brochure series on your rights as a mental health carer under the Act.
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All mental health carers
It’s important to look after yourself as a carer. Check out our helpful info + tips about how to take care of your mental health and wellbeing.
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Diverse mental health carers
Helpful info + support for First Nations Carers.
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All mental health carers
If you’re worried that your loved one is becoming unwell, check out our helpful tips on how to have the conversation here.
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All mental health carers
Check out what payments you may be eligible for as a carer and where to get help with your finances.
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Mental health & Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act29th May, 2023
On 28 March 2021, the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (MHCIFPA) replaced the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990. We will explain:1.Changes under the new Act2.Carer’s Rights3.Victim’s Rights4.Terms in the new Forensic Provisions Act Modern language – changes in terms such as ‘suffering’ and ‘disease of the mind’ to describe mental […]
Read Article Expression of Interest for Consultation: Review of Carers Forms18th May, 2023
The Mental Health Branch (MHB) at the NSW Ministry of Health, has commenced a review of forms created to assist in the administration of the Mental Health Act 2007. The Forms were created when the Act commenced in 2007 and are used to assist clinicians communicate with consumers and carers and to meet the legal […]
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We’re hiring! We’re looking for an Engagement Coordinator18th May, 2023
ABOUT MHCN MHCN is the peak body for mental health carers in NSW. Founded as ARAFMI in 1974 by social worker Margaret Lukes, she believed there needed to be more support for families, friends and carers of people living with a mental illness. Mental health carers are people who support friends, partners, members of their […]
Read Article Expression of Interest for a Consultation on a Mental Health Training Project23rd March, 2023
People seeking help from the legal assistance sector often experience mental distress, but they have not had a say in shaping the services they use. Across Australia, the legal assistance sector is not well supported to work with people experiencing mental health issues or carers, even though this is a common part of their work. […]
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Calling for mental health reform22nd March, 2023
Last Tuesday, CEO Jonathan Harms and Board Treasurer Andrew Pryor represented MHCN at a press release outside Parliament House as part of the Alliance, made up of 8 leading mental health organisations and peak bodies that includes MHCN. Leading up to the state election, MHCN and the Alliance are calling for all parties to commit […]
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We’re hiring – We’re looking for a Policy Officer!22nd March, 2023
ABOUT MHCN MHCN is the peak body for mental health carers in NSW. Founded as ARAFMI in 1974 by social worker Margaret Lukes, she believed there needed to be more support for families, friends and carers of people living with a mental illness. Mental health carers are people who support friends, partners, members of their […]
Read Article
Are you a carer or family member looking for local supports and services but not sure where to look? Our Directory can help you find what you’re looking for.
See if you’re eligible to go into the draw to potentially win one of our Eunice Lonergan Carer Respite Grants’ to take a short holiday away from your caring duties.
Come along to our Carer Connections Meetings, a monthly online meeting for carers to connect with each other, and to work together and identify and address carer issues.
