Two people, seen from behind, stand side by side by a body of water, holding hands. Both wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and light trousers. The background shows trees across the water.

Our Vision: advocating for safe and competent mental health services and systems that recognise and respect mental health carers as partners in case planning and delivery, to achieve recovery.

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

As a peak body, MHCN provides a strong voice for mental health carers, families, and friends to influence public and institutional policies and systems, such as:

  • Conduct research and develop policy and advice to government and sector that is supported by aggregated and diverse experience.
  • Advocacy and representation to government and decision makers.
  • Distributing information within the sector and community.
  • Sector and stakeholder consultation to understand on the ground knowledge and experiences.
  • Sector capacity building to support better service delivery and community organisations.
  • To help support and empower mental health carers, we also provide capacity building opportunities, educational events, webinars, and information.
A person wearing a smartwatch types on a laptop whilst sitting relaxed on a bed, with a white pillow in the background.

How We Do This

  • Join the Mental Health Carer Advocacy Network, which is MHCN’s free membership program.
  • Join MHCN’s monthly Carer Connections Meetings online on ZOOM.
  • Join MHCN’s Carers of Forensic and Correctional Patients Network online on ZOOM.
  • Check out the Peak Speaks Webinar Series, an online webinar for carers on a range of topics.
  • Subscribe to MHCN’s fortnightly e-newsletter for the latest carer news, events, opportunities, and resources.
  • Apply for the Eunice Lonergan Carer Respite Grants Program. If eligible, you can go into the draw to win a $1000 travel voucher to use for a holiday from your caring duties.
Learn More
A woman with curly hair is sitting at a wooden table, smiling and waving at her laptop during a video call in a bright, cosy room with plants and wooden furniture.

Training and Education

MHCN have developed a number of free educational modules for mental health carers, families and friends, that are designed to inform and support carers in their caring role, as well as to better support their loved one.

MHCN’s Carer Peer Trainers facilitate training sessions either in person or online via ZOOM. However, you can also watch the sessions as self-paced online modules that you can access anywhere, anytime.

MHCN’s training program includes:

  • User’s Guide to the NSW Mental Health System
  • Recovery Oriented Practice
  • Inclusive Care Planning
  • Navigating Carer Support Systems
  • The Caring Journey
  • Carers and Advocacy: Foundations
  • Purposeful Storytelling
  • Healthy Boundaries
Learn More
Two people sit opposite each other at a wooden table, holding hands. Their faces are slightly blurred, focussing on the gentle gesture of comfort or affection between them.

Advocacy and Policy

  • MHCN regularly consults with NSW Health, the NSW Mental Health Commission, and other community managed organisations to advocate for the carer agenda and push for lived experience in service design and reform.
  • MHCN hold consultations and focus groups with carers to provide feedback and advice around key policy areas or projects that impact mental health carers and their loved ones in NSW.
Learn More
An older woman with glasses and a blue lanyard speaks at a lectern, gesturing with her hands. A banner with the words Consumer Advocacy and hands joined in a circle is visible beside her.

About MHCN Information Session

If your staff or the carers you engage with are interested in learning more about MHCN and contributing towards systemic improvements, our experienced Carer Peer Facilitators can visit your organisation or provide an online information session.

Express Your Interest

Search Mental Health Carers NSW

About

Our Team Annual Reports Strategic Plan

Resources

Resource Library Carer Forums Resources for Carers

Advocacy & Policy

How We Advocate

Subscribe to our newsletter!

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