News

12th March, 2025

Curious about mental health advocacy but not sure where to start? Carers & Advocacy: Foundations explores the essentials of advocacy, from identifying the different types and recognising the key groups involved, so carers can develop a general understanding and start to build their capacity to advocate for themselves and their loved ones. By the end […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

15th November, 2024

Mental Health Carers NSW (MHCN) are having an election for the Board for the following positions: Voting closes next Friday 22 November at 4.00pm. Election results will be announced at MHCN’s Annual General Meeting on Friday 22 November at 4.40pm. Only members of MHCN can vote. Members can only vote once. Voting is not mandatory. […]

28th October, 2024

You’re invited to MHCN’s Annual General Meeting for 2024! Hosted by MHCN’s CEO Jonathan Harms, join us as we speak about the highlights of the 2023 – 2024 financial year, including the presentation of our Annual Report, President’s Report, and hear from MHCN’s staff members. In addition, there will be an election for expiring and […]

8th October, 2024

MHCN and the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) invite carers to an online focus group on Monday 28 October from 4pm – 5:30pm to provide feedback on a proposed suicide-prevention resource. The resource is for service providers delivering the NSW Universal Aftercare Program which involves non-clinical and rapid, assertive follow-up support for individuals who have experienced […]

4th October, 2024

The MHCN team had a wonderful time attending the Wayahead 2024 Mental Health Matters Awards last Friday to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations who provided excellent mental health support in NSW over the past year. With 340 people in attendance, it was the biggest and brightest Mental Health Matters Awards event yet and […]

18th September, 2024

You’re invited to MHCN’s Mental Health Month event, Artistic Dialogue: Creative Workshop for Carers, on Thursday October 10th at Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre. This workshop, led by art therapist Lisa McArthur-Edwards, promotes open discussions on mental health through creative expression and aims to help participants develop the skills and language to communicate their mental health […]