Empowering Carers for Mental Health Since 1974.

The Peak Body for Mental Health Carers in NSW.

About Mental Health Carers NSW

As a peak body, MHCN works with and for mental health carers in NSW. We represent the voices and lived experience of carers which help us to advocate systemically for mental health reform.

Learn More About MHCN

Join our Mental Health Carer Advocacy Network!

Our network is a free community engagement program designed by and for mental health carers, families and friends. Our network is the heart of what we do at MHCN – driven by the lived experience of carers.

Become A Member

Advocacy & Policy

MHCN 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

Vision & Mission

Our Vision: Mental Health Carers NSW Inc. (MHCN) is the peak body in NSW for mental health carers, advocating for a Vision of safe and competent mental health services and systems that recognise and respect carers as partners in care planning and delivery, to achieve recovery.

Our Mission: MHCN’s Mission is to support, empower, capacity build, and advocate with mental health carers to ensure their voices and experiences are heard.

Looking after yourself

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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First Nations carers

Diverse mental health carers

Helpful info + support for First Nations Carers.

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How to talk to someone if you’re worried about their mental health

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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Young carers

Diverse mental health carers

Helpful info + support for young carers.

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Carer Payments + Financial Assistance

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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Carers and the Mental Health System

All mental health carers

Information for carers about the mental health system.

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Sign up to receive the Mental Health Carers NSW weekly newsletter.

What's On

Check out what is happening at MHCN

Upcoming Events
Carer & Consumer Community of Practice: Intermediate Advocacy Training for Lived Experience Advocates Carer & Consumer Community of Practice: Intermediate Advocacy Training for Lived Experience Advocates

12th February, 2025

Mental Health Carers NSW and Lived Experience Australia are delighted to announce the next round of training dates for our Carer & Consumer Community of Practice; a program designed to further enhance the skills of advocates in mental health, including non-paid mental health carers, consumers, and community representatives. This free monthly program, consisting of six […]

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Carer Online Survey: Carer Experience of Psychiatrist Crisis Carer Online Survey: Carer Experience of Psychiatrist Crisis

30th January, 2025

What are the impacts of the crisis in psychiatry and the resignations of many public psychiatrists? To inform the NSW Health Mental Health Branch, MHCN has released a survey to learn more about the impacts of the crisis in psychiatry and the resignations of many public psychiatrists. We want to hear if the person you […]

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Carer Connection Meetings 2025 Carer Connection Meetings 2025

28th January, 2025

MHCN’s Carer Connection Meetings are monthly online events hosted by Deputy CEO and Carer Peer Network Facilitator, Anne Stedman, on the first Friday of every month. These meetings offer a supportive and friendly space for mental health carers to connect, meet new people, and explore advocacy interests. By fostering mutual collaboration, these gatherings also play […]

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Joint Media Release: NSW Mental Health Crisis Joint Media Release: NSW Mental Health Crisis

20th January, 2025

The imminent resignation of more than 200 psychiatrists from the NSW public health system, in addition to 140 existing vacancies, highlights the critical state of mental health care in NSW. This shortfall will further intensify the difficulties and distress faced by individuals with acute mental health conditions, as well as their families and carers. According […]

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MHCN’s 50th Anniversary Event MHCN’s 50th Anniversary Event

14th January, 2025

On November 28, 2024, Mental Health Carers NSW (MHCN, formerly ARAFMI) celebrated the organisation’s 50th Anniversary with a special awards ceremony at Parliament House, Sydney. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, drinks, and lucky door prizes in a day filled with celebration, hope, and recognition. The event was MC’ed by Julie McCrossin, former ABC and Channel […]

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MHCN’s Annual Report 2023 – 2024 MHCN’s Annual Report 2023 – 2024

27th November, 2024

We are very excited to announce the release of our Annual Report, which includes key highlights and achievements of our work with and for mental health carers, friends and families from the 2023 – 2024 financial year. The Policy and Advocacy Team had a busy year, focusing on the NDIS review, the Disability Royal Commission, […]

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Check out our Carer Service Directory!

Check out our Carer Service Directory!

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.

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