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Support Groups - Someone to talk to

• AIDS council of NSW

• Alzheimer’s Association NSW Support services
include counselling, individual support, dementia helpline support, education and training for health professionals living with memory loss.

• Arthritis NSW

• Asthma NSW
  
  
• Australian Deafness directory The Australian Deafness Directory has been compiled to assist deaf people and people with Hearing Impairment, their families and friends, and all who work with them.

• Autism Association of NSW Provides information, education and other services through partnerships with people with autism spectrum disorders, their families and communities.

• Autism and Asperger Support Group Inc

• Better Hearing Australia - Sydney Branch Better Hearing Australia’s purpose is to help people in Australia with hearing impairment to improve their quality of life.

• Breast Cancer Action Group

• Cancer Council of NSW

• Cancer Patients Assistance Society of NSW Helps cancer patients, predominately from rural NSW, by providing accommodation, comfort, financial assistance and emotional support for patients and their carers.

• Cancer Voices NSW  
  
• The Crows Nest Centre is a community centre providing services and activities for people living in the North Sydney area. Our primary focus is on seniors, people with disabilities, carers and new migrant

• Diabetes Australia NSW

• The Eating Disorders Foundation Inc consumer support organisation in NSW to help people with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder. The Eating Disorders Foundation Inc (EDF) receives calls to its helpline and emails via its website from people with eating disorders and their families. Even GPs, counsellors and other health care professionals in NSW call the helpline for advice. The EDF was established in 1991 by Ms Jordan, a social worker who once suffered an eating disorder herself. It runs support groups and seminars and offers phone and email counselling with professional counsellors.

• HIV/AIDS Legal Centre The HIV/AIDS Legal Centre (HALC) is a community legal centre that specialises in HIV related legal matters. HALC recognises that people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS have special legal needs.
  
   
• The Lupus Association of NSW Inc a non-government, not for profit, self-help organisation that aims to educate and support those living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sjgren's syndrome, and related connective tissue diseases, to promote awareness and to assist in finding cures for these disorders.

• Lymphoedma Association of Australia

• ME/CFS Society of NSW  Supports the needs of sufferers of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and related illnesses

• Mental Health Association of NSW Helping to build a community which supports people with mental disorders and mental health problems, and which promotes their rights and status

• Multiple Sclerosis Society of NSW Through an extensive network of centres, branches, support groups and health services, MS Society of NSW/VIC provides specialist programs to people with MS, their families, carers, friends and health care professionals.

• The Australian Myasthenic Association in NSW Support for those that feel alone with this condition. The site allows users a section to communicate with people having similar experiences to yourself with chat facilities, bulletin boards, events calendar, newsletters, lifestyle recommendations and a list of famous MG people.

• Northcott operates throughout NSW and is considered a leader in the support and service provision for children and young adults with disabilities and their families. Northcott works to maximise the potential of the individual with disabilities. 

• NSW Council for Intellectual Disability

• NSW Learning Disability Support Group

• Osteoporosis Sydney Support Group
  

• Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of NSW

• Paraquad NSW

• Parkinson's NSW Provides information, counselling and support to people living with Parkinson's disease. 

• People Living With HIV/AIDS in NSW

• Physical disability Council of NSW

• Post-polio network Encourages the interchange of thoughts and experiences of polio through seminars, internet forum and local support groups.

• Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) Deafness and blindness are serious disabilities. RIDBC assists more than 600 children, and their families, each year and relies heavily on community support to be able to continue to make a difference in children's lives.

• Spastic Centre NSW Assists parents, carers and service providers to support people with Cerebral Palsy.
   
• STARTTS NSW The NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors provides a holistic range of professional services to facilitate the healing process for refugees who have been exposed to torture and trauma. The service also provides early health assessment and intervention services to newly arrived people from refugee like backgrounds.

• Stroke Association of NSW Aims to maximise the recovery of individuals who have suffered a Stroke and reduce the impact on their family/carers and the community. The Association is a focal point for information about Stroke recovery and prevention.
   
• The Ted Noffs Foundation has been a leader in the provision of services for young people since 1971. Carrying on the work of Ted Noffs and the Wayside Chapel.

• Youth Off The Streets supports chronically homeless and drug addicted young Australians as they work to turn their lives around. Based on the philosophy that every young person has greatness within, these programs are non-denominational and non-discriminatory.
    

Australia Wide Support Groups - Someone to talk to

• Activ Foundation Inc- A not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting a better life by providing a range of choices and opportunities for people with disability and their families living and working in the community.

• Alcoholics Anonymous Australia

• Alternatives to Violence Project  The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) is a network of independent not-for-profit grass-roots volunteer groups offering experiential workshops on creative conflict transformation in prisons, schools, and the wider community.

• Alzheimers Australia Supporting people living with dementia.

• Amyloidosis Australia Providing support for patient's, families and carer's of those effected by Amyloidosis

• Anaphylaxis Australia Inc  The sight is dedicated to assisting individuals and their carers in the management of anaphylaxis and provides services to support children and adults living with anaphylaxis.

• Angelman Syndrome Association

• Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria ARCVic is a specialist, state-wide community support organisation, providing support, recovery, early intervention and educational services to people and families living with anxiety disorders.

• ARAFMI Mental Health Carers & Friends Association Inc A support organisation for the relatives and friends (carers) of people with a mental health problem. Services include self-help groups for carers, counselling and information, advocacy, youth services and holiday respite.

• Arthritis Australia Provides support and information to people with arthritis as well as their families and friends

• Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia Inc Founded to address the needs and interests of men and women affected by an asbestos related disease. It is made up of victims of asbestos diseases and their families, friends and supporters.

• The Australian Association for the Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare (AWCH) is a national, non-profit organisation of parents, professionals and community members who work together to ensure the emotional and social needs of children, adolescents and their families are recognised and met within.

• Austprem Inc. Support or parents and caregivers of premature infants and children.

• Australian ADD/ADHD Support Groups  A number of links to support groups across Australia for ADD and ADHD.

• The Australian Arthrogryposis Group Inc The group offers support to those experiencing the birth of a child with arthrogryposis.

• Australian Action on Pre-clampsia Australian Action on Pre-eclampsia Inc. (AAPEC) is an association incorporated in Victoria. It is a voluntary organisation set up to provide support and information to families who have suffered from pre- eclampsia.

• The Aussie Hands Foundation Inc The site is dedicated to offering support to children and adults with hand differences.

• Australian Breastfeeding Association

• Australian Crohn's & Colitis Association (ACCA) Providing support for the care and wellbeing of people living with Crohn's disease and Colitis in our society.

• Australian Ectodermal Dysplasia Support Group P Provides support and referral advice to all persons and families that are diagnosed with Ectodermal Dysplasias.

• The Australian Chapter of Batten Disease Support and Research Association - BDSRA

• Australian Childhood Foundation Counselling for children and young people affected by abuse.

• Australian Huntington's Disease Association Vic Inc.

• Australian Jeune Syndrome Association Inc. Provides information and support to all those who have been affected by Jeune Syndrome. This includes not only those diagnosed but also their families and friends 

• Australian Queer Resources Directory 

• Australian Leukodystrophy Support Group Inc. Provides assistance and information to those affected by Leukodystrophy and supporting research into Leukodystrophy.

• Australian Spasmodic Torticollis Association (ASTA) ASTA offers support for diagnosed sufferers, their families and carers through meetings, newsletters and contact phone numbers.

• Australian Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome Support Group Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS), also known as Wolf Syndrome along with Pitt Rogers Danks Syndrome (PRDS), are both rare chromosomal disorders caused by a deletion from the short (p) arm of the fourth chromosome known as 4 p minus (4p-). The organisation is a voluntary not-for-profit self-help organisation dedicated to educating parents about Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome and networking them with other parents of affected children.

• Autismhelp.info The site aims to increase awareness of ASD and provide strategies and resources to benefit preschool, primary and secondary teachers, childcare workers, integration aides and health professional to mention a few.

• Autism Solutions Incorporated To provide services to families with children on the Autism spectrum and to promote Autism awareness to the broader community.

• Barnardos Australia Offers support for children affected by neglect, abuse and poverty.

• Better Hearing Australia Better Hearing Australia is a non-profit, self-help organisation controlled by its members and provides an Australia-wide community support service of rehabilitation and help for Australia's hearing impaired.

• Beyond Blue: The National Depression Initiative Provides free information about depression, anxiety and related disorders including drug/alcohol issues through a 24 hour information line and website. Raises awareness and conducts research into treatments for depression.

• Beyond Shelter - Australia Aims to break the cycle of welfare dependency and to train people to obtain sustainable employment. Provides service-enriched affordable housing for low income people through participation in a self help building own home program.  

• Bluearth Institute To provide programmes and information about the role of physical activity in healthy living. Also to train teachers in the 'best practice' delivery of physical activity in schools.

• Bowel Group for Kids  A support network available to parents who had a child with disordered gastrointestinal motility. Membership is open to parents and families affected by Hirschsprung's disease, Ano-Rectal Malformations (Imperforate Anus, Cloacia), and chronic constipation.

• BPW Clothes Library Assists youth and adults seeking employment by lending clothes to attend job interviews.

• Broken Rites (Australia) Collective Inc A support group for people who have been abused sexually, physically or emotionally within religious institutions and clergy. Provides support and advocacy for victims throughout the justice and church process.

• Canteen The Australian organisation for Young People Living With Cancer Support group for young persons aged 12-24 assisting through meetings and discussion.

• Cardiomyopathy association of Australia Ltd (CMA) Support groups for a disease of the heart.

• Care Leavers' Australia Network (CLAN) Offers information and support services for people who grew up as state wards, home children and foster children, in Australia's orphanages and children's homes

• Centrecare Provides free advocacy, counselling and support to families, couples and individuals, as well as training, mediation and employee assistance programs.

• CHERUBS Australia (The Association of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Research, Advocacy and Support). The group consists of families expecting children with CDH, families who have surviving CDH children and families who have lost their babies to CDH. It offers various methods of support.

• Child Migrant Trust Assists former child migrants or their family to trace relatives in the UK. The service is only available to those who were brought to Australia under the British Child Migrant Scheme up until 1967.

• Child Support Agency (CSA) exists to ensure that both parents financially support their children when families separate. Also offers parents a number of support products, services and referrals for parents dealing with financial, emotion and legal issues surrounding separation.

• CMTAA (Charcot-Marie Tooth Association Australia Inc.) Charcot-Marie Tooth Syndrome (CMT) is a genetic condition of the peripheral nervous system, that affects the sensory and muscle control of nerves in the lower legs and arms. The site promotes contact with other sufferers of CMT.

• Commonwealth Carelink Centres Provides a central resource for people seeking information about community based services which provide care and support to older adults and people with disabilities.

• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Support Group Australia Incorporated Information and support to families and individuals affected by CAH across Australia.

• COSHG (Collective Self Help Groups) COSHG is a network of self-help and social action groups. These groups are made up of and controlled by people who are directly affected by a particular issue.

• CREATE Foundation To improve life opportunities for Australian children and young people from birth to 18 years who do not live with their natural parents and who are in alternative care. Provides programs and services run for, and by, children and young people in care.

• Cri Du Chat Support Group of Australia Inc  The Cri du Chat Support Group of Australia Inc. is a voluntary group based in Melbourne. They provide support, information and contact to families who have a family member with Cri du Chat syndrome or other abnormality of chromosome five, anywhere in Australia, New Zealand and other countries of the Southern Hemisphere.

• Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG) Provides support, information and assistance to all defence families who have a dependant with special needs and works to develop and improve the services available to those families.

• Department of Families Community Sevices and Indigenous Affairs (FACSIA) Australian government website with a number of links to support services across Australia.

• DFADS (Drug Free Attention Difficulties Support) Group Inc A not for profit community group working to promote awareness of credible drug free alternatives to psycho-stimulant medication for the treatment of attentional difficulties, including ADHD.

• Diabetes Australia Offers personalised and practical assistance to benefit people with diabetes and their carers and provides a forum for the development of national policies.
   
• Dragons Abreast Australia Meeting interesting people and being involved in a challenging, physical activity whilst promoting breast cancer awareness.

• Can- Do- Cottage Australian Dyspraxia Association Inc The group consists of parents and professionals who have children or have an interest in helping children with dyspraxia.

• Depressionet A comprehensive 24/7 resource of information help and peer support for those touched by depression

• The Epilepsy Association (ACT) Provides services for people with epilepsy;  their families;  and the community.

• Families of Children with a Disability Support Group (FOCDSG) Links to a number of sights concerning disability support groups for children.

• Gastrostomy Information and Support Society (GISS) Provides support and information to assist people who have gastrostomies, their families and carers.

• Family Drug Support (FDS) Support for families affected by drug use.
   
• Forgotten Australians The Forgotten Australians Support Group Support and advocacy awareness for people who went through Good Shepherd Convents also known as Magdalen Homes, in Australia in the 20th century.

• Gamblers Anonymous Provides fellowship to men and women who have a gambling problem and who want to recover from their addiction.

• GriefLink A South Australian Site dedicated to helping those coping with death related grief.

• Gynaecological Awareness Information Network Gynaecological Awareness Information Network (GAIN) is a not for profit organisation driving awareness and education on gynaecological health matters.

• Gynaecological Cancer Support A variety of important tools and information for women with gynaecological cancer, their family, partners, carers, and friends, and the health professionals involved in their care.

• Hannah's Foundation Support network for families and friends of drowning and near drowning victims. They also raise awareness about drowning risks and prevention.
   
• Healing Hearts Foundation (Inc) Offers solace and support to families suffering the loss of a child. Provides assistance and guidance in the creation and building of memorials.

• Heartkids (WA) Inc Provides support and hope to children and the families of children with congenital and/or acquired heart disorders. .

• Heart Support Australia Support Information and Encouragement for people with a heart condition and their families.

• Hearts of Hope Australia Support for families living with complex Congenital Heart Conditions.

• Holyoake - The Australian Institute for Alcohol& Drug Addiction Resolutions Provides a unique range of alcohol and other drug programs along with support to persons with problems associated with alcohol and other drug use.

• Irritable Bowel Information & Support Association of Australia Inc

• Kabuki Syndrome Supporting Aussie Kids with Kabuki Syndrome (SAKKS)

• The Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service (VVCS) is a free and confidential service which assists veterans of any war/conflict, as well as their families.

• Kidney Health Australia Provides a network of education, care and support for patients, their families and carers.

• Kids Help Line is Australia's only free, confidential and anonymous, 24-hour telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between five and 18.

• Kienbock Disease Australia Support and Information Group

• Legacy Support service for family members of war service related deaths.

• Lifeline 24 hr counselling - 131 114

• Lifeline's Just look is a comprehensive online national database of low cost or free health and community services offered throughout Australia. From training skills programs for young people in Cooma to disability services available in Kalgoorlie, Just look provides details of thousands of services and service providers around the country ready to assist you. Wherever you are in Australia, you can get assistance on the net when you need it - Just look. 

• L’il Aussie Prems an Australian support site for parents & families of premature babies.

• Limbkids Support Association Inc A non-profit, voluntary organisation comprised of parents, professionals and interested people, concerned with the care of children who have congenital or acquired limb differences. Provides telephone counselling and other services.

• Logan Youth Legal Service Youth & Family Service (Logan City) inc - contains information for young people on the law and the justice system.  

• Lone Fathers Association of Australia Assists and encourages parents with a desire for shared parenting status or care of their children, to support and sustain their children in a happy and viable family unit, and to help parents without shared parenting status to maintain adequate, positive contact with their children.

• ME/CFS Society (SA) Inc The Society provides and recommends appropriate self-management programs and coping strategies for people with ME/CFS

• The Meningitis Centre Australia The Meningitis Centre is a parent-led, national organization offering support services to families who have experienced all forms of meningitis and/or meningococcal or pneumococcal septicaemia. The groups provides opportunities to meet with others who have experienced the disease and wish to share their personal experiences.

• Meningococcal Australia Incorporated. An Australian charitable organisation, established in February 2003, dedicated solely to fighting Meningococcal Disease through education and research and assisting those people whose lives have been ravaged by this terrible disease.

• Mental Health Resource Centre Mercy Community Services IncOffers a range of residential community and advocacy services to address the specific social and welfare needs of children, young people, the aged and families. Programs include residential care, foster care, youth services, child day care services, vacation care, parent access support service, employment placement services, and a range of aged care services.

• Mercy Community Services Inc Offers a range of residential community and advocacy services to address the specific social and welfare needs of children, young people, the aged and families. Programs include residential care, foster care, youth services, child day care services, vacation care, parent access support service, employment placement services, and a range of aged care services.

• Mission Australia Tackles the wider social issues in our community, including substance misuse, unemployment and family crisis by operating a number of programs.

• Multicultural Mental Health Australia 

• Mucopolysaccharide and Related Diseases Society Aust. Ltd. Provides support and informs all those who are affected directly or indirectly, by a mucopolysaccharide related disease.

• Muscular Dystrophy Association - Australia Providing support and hope for sufferers of Muscular Dystrophy in Australia.
  

• Multiple Sclerosis Australia  Australia Wide Support for Multiple Sclerosis Sufferers and their families.

• Narcolepsy and Overwhelming Daytime Sleep Society of Australia Provides support for people with narcolepsy and any other sleep disorders, for their families and friends, and also for doctors, health professionals and students

• Narcotics Anonymous Australia is a nonprofit organisation which aims to help people to be drug free. NA is not affiliated to any religious or political organisation. The organisation welcomes people who wish to stop using legal or illegal drugs ( including alcohol).

• National Association of people Living with HIV/AIDS, Australia Provides a range of support services for people living with HIV/AIDS.

• National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) The organisation seeks to resource and network child welfare professionals and practitioners working to prevent child abuse and neglect from happening before it starts, through the provision of parenting brochures, training, support networks and information.

• National Stroke Foundation

• Neurofibromatosis Association of Victoria Inc

• Open Family Australia Support for street children.

• Overeaters Anonymous (OA) "Do you eat when you are not hungry? Is your food intake and/or weight affecting the way you live your life? Give yourself a chance to recover."

• ParaQuad Victoria Assists people with disabilities to regain, retain and extend their independence by providing a range of individually tailored services that are flexible and responsive to changing needs.

• Parkerville Children and Youth Care (Inc.) Range of out of home care services, including residential care, reunification and community foster placements for high risk vulnerable and abused children and young people aged 2yrs-17yrs.

• Partners of Veterans' Association of Australia Inc  Support for members is given through its network of support groups and more practical assistance through education

• Pediatric Continence Association Association of Australia A volunteer-based health organisation dedicated to providing education,  information, support and advocacy for children and young people who suffer bowel and bladder dysfunction/incontinence.

• Porphyria Association Inc  is a voluntary non-profit organisation, supporting people with porphyria and raising awareness of the disorder. They work with students to enhance knowledge of Porphyria and also encourage awareness and testing.

• Prader-Willi Sydrome Association of Australia 

• Psoriasis Australia Assisting people with psoriasis, or those wanting to know about psoriasis, by providing beneficial information and support enabling educated decisions to be made on treatment choices and lifestyle changes.

• Reach Out! For young people

• Reflux Infants Support Association (RISA) Inc An Australian based community support group that aims to encourage and give confidence and moral support to families of infants and children who have problems associated with Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux (GOR, reflux).

• Relationships Australia Relationships Australia is committed to enhancing the lives of communities, families and individuals and supporting positive and respectful relationships

• Residential Care Support Network Provides information and support for consumers and family members of aged care services.

• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Australia  A sub group of Sleep Disorders Australia, the relatively new organisation aims to provide a chance to network with someone who understands perplexing symptoms of RLS.

• Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) Deafness and blindness are serious disabilities. RIDBC assists more than 600 children, and their families, each year and relies heavily on community support to be able to continue to make a difference in children's lives.

• RPlist (Retinal Degeneration Discussion List). An electronic mailing list, i.e. a group of people who use electronic mail (e-mail) on the Internet to exchange ideas and information about Retinal Degeneration. Any e-mail message sent to the list's address is automatically forwarded to all members (subscribers). Anyone with a valid Internet e-mail address can join or leave the group at any time. Participation is entirely free of charge.

• Sane Australia  Conducts programs and campaigns to improve the lives of people living with mental illness, their family and friends. It also operates a busy Helpline and website, which have thousands of contacts each year from around Australia.

• Salvation Army  24hr Counselling 

• SARMI Support And Resources for Mental Illness helps people with Mental Illness by providing support and resources and help them fine professional help, understand their Illness better and follow up support. We also do the same for friends, carers and family of people effected by Mental Illness. Email sarmi[at]iprimus.com.au  

• Sids and Kids  A support groups aimed at families and the community following stillbirth and the sudden and unexpected death of infants and young children regardless of the cause.

• Survivors of Suicide Bereavement Support Association Inc (SOSBSA) is a non-profit support group formed and established for the benefit of those bereaved by suicide.

• TOUGHLOVE Australia

• Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia

• Vietnam Veterans' Counselling Service A specialised, free and confidential service for Australian veterans and their families. Services include individual, couple and family counselling, educative and therapeutic group programs, referrals to specialist services and treatment programs, information, education and community support

• Volunteer Task Force Provides practical assistance to the aged, those with disabilities and their carers to enable them to live independently in their homes.

• White Wreath Association Inc. TM Action Against Suicide

• Youth Off The Streets supports chronically homeless and drug addicted young Australians as they work to turn their lives around. Based on the philosophy that every young person has greatness within, these programs are non-denominational and non-discriminatory.

• Salvation Army Addiction Services (Drug, Alcohol and Gambling)
   

International Support Groups - Someone to talk to

• Association of Genetic Support of Australasia (AGSA) Facilitates support for those affected directly or indirectly by genetic conditions throughout Australasia

• Australasian Critical Incident Stress Association (ACISA) An association of people working in the field of trauma who aim to ensure the provision of critical incident stress management, education and information to all organisations whose members are exposed to traumatic incidents.

• The Australasian Tuberous Sclerosis Society Supporting people with Tuberous Sclerosis and their families or carers, sharing problems and giving information.

• CFC International (Cardio-acio-Cutaneous Syndrome) CFC International is a volunteer, not-for profit, self-help support group for persons and families dealing with Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous Syndrome.

• Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society (Australasia) The Contact point for families and individuals affected by Chromosome 18 disorders. Provides information, research and group/social meetings.

• Eczema Association of Australasia Inc The site supports and educates Eczema sufferers and carers, along with the wider community, in all aspects of Eczema and its impact.

• Encephalitis Global A non-profit organization and registered charity encouraging persons  to learn about Encephalitis, and share the knowledge with others.

• Gamblers Anonymous International Directory

• HHUGS Hypothalamic Hamartoma Support Page Includes references to medical articles, and  news about the latest developments in treating this condition.  You can also read the stories of other HH sufferers and have the opportunity to join the HHUGS discussion group.

• The International Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) Association  Designed to help you learn about POF, stay up to date with the latest research, meet other women with POF, take control of your health care, and guide you through the various aspects of living with premature ovarian failure.

• Noonan Sydrome Support Group Inc