Carers of people with mental illness can now contact Mission Australia if they are in need of support through the Family and Carer Mental Health Program (FCMH).

The FCMH has been delivered on the North Coast for the past five years by Carers NSW and in September last year, the funding for the program was transferred to Mission Australia after a public tendering process. Carers and services looking to refer people to the appropriate support services should now contact Mission Australia for referral to the FCMH.

If you know of anyone caring for a loved one with a mental illness who is need of some support, phone Mission Australia on 02 6621 5675.

The aim of the Family and Carer Mental Health Program (FCMHP)  is to ensure that families and carers of people living with a mental illness receive appropriate support, information and skill development required to fulfil their roles as carers while also sustaining their own health and wellbeing.

The program consists of two main components; individual support and advocacy and the provision of education and training workshops relevant to Mental Illness and the Caring role.

Other types of support the program offers are:

•  Assessment of family & carer needs
• Referral to other community services including counselling services
• General information about mental health
• Assistance with navigating the systems
• Assistance with accessing respite
• Attendance at Carer Support Groups
• Assistance with understanding family/carer rights and responsibilities

Carers perform a huge role in our communities, a role that is often emotionally, physically and financially stressful.  The FCMH Program was established to provide some support and assistance to carers in their role

 We encourage carers who are able to make contact with us themselves or we also have a referral form for organisations wanting to refer someone to our program.

For more information, please see the following documents:

 Referral form to FCMH

 FCMH program fact sheet