Empowering Carers for Mental Health Since 1974.

The Peak Body for Mental Health Carers in NSW.

About Mental Health Carers 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 MHCN

Join our Mental Health Carer Advocacy Network!

Our 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 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

Learn

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!

View Our Programs
Information for Carers About the Mental Health System

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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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.

View Resource

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

Mental health & Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act Mental health & Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act

29th 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 […]

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Expression of Interest for Consultation: Review of Carers Forms Expression of Interest for Consultation: Review of Carers Forms

18th 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 Coordinator We’re hiring! We’re looking for an Engagement Coordinator

18th 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 […]

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Expression of Interest for a Consultation on a Mental Health Training Project Expression of Interest for a Consultation on a Mental Health Training Project

23rd 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 reform Calling for mental health reform

22nd 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! 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
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.

Search The Directory
Are you looking for a break?

Are you looking for a break?

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.

Check Your Eligibility
Passionate about advocating for change for carers?

Passionate about advocating for change for carers?

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.

Advocate For Change

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Subscribe to our newsletter!

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