About Helpingminds
HelpingMinds®: Providing Free Mental Health Support to Carers in WA & NT
HelpingMinds® is a non-profit organization that provides free mental health support to the family and friends (carers) of people living with mental health challenges in Western Australia (WA) and Northern Territory (NT). The organization was founded in 1976 as the Association for Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill (ARAFMI), with a mission to improve the quality of life for carers, families, and friends of people living with mental illness.
Over the years, HelpingMinds® has grown into a leading provider of mental health support services in WA & NT. The organization offers a range of programs and services designed to help carers cope with the challenges they face while caring for their loved ones. These programs include counseling, education, training, advocacy, respite care, peer support groups, and more.
One of HelpingMinds®'s core values is empathy. The organization understands that caring for someone with mental illness can be emotionally draining and isolating. That's why it provides a safe space where carers can share their experiences without fear or judgment. HelpingMinds®'s team of trained professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate care that meets each individual's unique needs.
Another key value at HelpingMinds® is collaboration. The organization works closely with other service providers across WA & NT to ensure that carers have access to comprehensive support networks. This collaborative approach helps ensure that carers receive holistic care that addresses all aspects of their well-being.
HelpingMinds® also places great emphasis on innovation. The organization continually seeks new ways to improve its services by incorporating evidence-based practices into its programs. It also invests heavily in research initiatives aimed at improving our understanding of mental illness and how best to support those affected by it.
One example of this innovative approach is HelpingMinds®'s online support platform, Carer Gateway. This platform provides carers with access to a range of resources and tools designed to help them manage their caring responsibilities more effectively. These resources include information on mental health conditions, tips for self-care, and links to local support services.
In addition to its core programs and services, HelpingMinds® also offers specialized support for specific groups of carers. For example, the organization has a dedicated program for young carers (aged 8-25) who are caring for a family member with mental illness. This program provides age-appropriate education and support that helps young carers balance their caring responsibilities with their own personal development.
HelpingMinds®'s commitment to providing high-quality mental health support has earned it numerous accolades over the years. In 2019, the organization was awarded the Mental Health Services Award at the WA Health Excellence Awards in recognition of its outstanding contribution to mental health care in WA & NT.
If you're a carer living in WA or NT, HelpingMinds® is here to help you navigate your caring journey. Whether you need counseling or just someone to talk to, our team of trained professionals is here for you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and services!