The Carer Respite Program is a free program that is run throughout the year for friends, family and carers who provide support to someone with a mental illness, diagnosed or not. The service provides respite from their caring role and includes carer pamper days, youth camps, massage days, consumer recreation groups and access to a holiday house.
Holiday Houses
A holiday house is located in Shoulwater and is available to north metropolitan residents for respite away from the caring role. Each person is eligible for up to 14 nights stay per calendar year. Another holiday house is located in Port Dennison and is available to residents living in the Midwest region.
Massage Days
Massages are available for people who live in the north metropolitan area. Massages are provided at the Perth office on Fridays and the Whitfords office on Wednesdays.
Consumer Recreation Group
The consumer recreation group is provided to north metropolitan residents and offers the consumer support to access the community; allowing the friend/family member/carer respite and time to themselves. The consumer recreation group runs on Wednesday and Fridays at Beatty Park for swimming and the gym, and Tuesday at Swan Park Leisure Centre for badminton and swimming.
Youth Camps
Youth camps are available for north metropolitan residents aged 9-14. The camp is held at the Edmond Holiday Park in Hillarys for between 1-2 nights depending on age of child/youth.
Carer Pamper Days
Carer pamper days are currently provided to Cockburn and Rockingham residents in Cockburn. These offer friends, family, and carers an opportunity for respite and to socialise with other people going through similar things. The day’s events vary depending on the wishes of the group but have included; massage, reflexology, arts and crafts, dance, and beauty treatments.
Other Activities
For residents outside of the service area who wish to participate in an activity funded for north metropolitan only, ARAFMI will try to source funding on individuals behalf, if interest is shown.