As the peak body for mental health carers in Queensland and a provider of support services for mental health carers, Arafmi has conducted research into the experiences and needs of mental health carers across the state. We know that social isolation is an issue for many mental health carers, along with significant impacts on physical, emotional, mental and financial wellbeing. We also know that there are many people who care for someone with mental ill-health who do not identify with the term 'carer' and whose experiences and support needs may be different from those of other carers.
We have recently commenced a research project to explore how First Nations communities in North Queensland experience and describe the role of caring for someone with mental ill-health and what kinds of supports they find most helpful in undertaking this role. We are seeking to understand:
- How does the community view caring for mental health from a First Nations Lens?
- What does a mental health caring role look like for Aboriginal communities?
- What does a mental health caring role look like for Torres Strait Islander communities?
- Is the term carer recognised in First Nations communities or is there more culturally appropriate terminology?
- What should carer policy and support services be considering to better incorporate the mental health caring practices of First Nation communities?

This presentation will provide an overview of our findings so far, as well as lessons for conducting this kind of research within diverse communities.