Caring for carers at Teneriffe

Not-for-profit organisation Arafmi has provided mental health support to Queenslanders since the 1970s. Now, thanks to a $400,000 grant, the team is expanding its services with the Arafmi Ltd Mental Health Carer Hub.

Based in Teneriffe in Brisbane, the hub will provide new and enhanced models of mental health and carer support services. It will become a one-stop shop for carers, offering three bedrooms for respite, 24-hour care-related services, and enhanced volunteer support.

The project involves the partial rebuild and redevelopment of Arafmi’s current property. This includes doubling the usable space to create two levels with disability access.

Once complete, the project will allow Arafmi to seek new partnerships with organisations like Eating Disorders Queensland, Autism Queensland, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Carers Queensland, and DGT Employment and Training. The group will continue to provide quality support, education and advocacy services to people with mental illness, their families and carers.

The development funding comes from the department's $8 million Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership program. The program invests in social infrastructure to boost services for communities impacted by COVID-19 and to create local jobs.

Work at Teneriffe is expected to begin later this year and be completed by May 2022, pending development application approval.

Find out more about the Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership program.