Support groups

Dealing with a terminal illness that limits your quality of life is a challenge. Experiencing the death of a loved one, or sharing details about their death, can be upsetting. Sometimes emotions surface immediately, sometimes this comes much later. If you are struggling, please seek support. Your GP can be a very valuable partner and can refer you to a local counsellor, or try the links below.

Online VAD peer support

• Pre and post-VAD support groups in Victoria

Counselling

• Grief Australia - 1800 642 066
• Australia Counselling - 1300 855 148
  Australia Counselling was created as a resource for all Australians to connect with counsellors and therapists in their local area.
• HealthDirect - 1800 022 222
  This is a government-funded service that provides health information, including local service providers as GPs, psychologists, counsellors etc.
• Lifeline - 13 11 14
• MensLine Australia - 1300 789 978
• Quest for Life Foundation - 1300 941 488
  The Quest for Life Foundation provides practical skills and strategies for people to create peace and resilience in their lives.
• ReachOut.com
  ReachOut.com is a web-based service that provides practical tools and support to young people.
• Relationships Australia - 1300 364 277
• End-of-Life Doulas
  Providing emotional support, resources, education and companionship.
• Cancer Counselling Professionals - [email protected]

Support Groups

Please connect with any of the organisations listed below to find out about your local support group.

• Alzheimer's Australia - 1800 100 500
• Cancer Council Australia - 13 11 20
• CPL Disability Support - 1800 943 655
• Heart Foundation - 1300 36 27 87
• HIV/AIDS
• Huntington's Disease
  • NSW - 1800 244 735
  • QLD - 07 3435 4300
  • SA & NT - 0424 062 121
  • TAS - 03 6431 3404
  • VIC - 1800 063 501
  • WA - 08 6457 7599
• Independence Australia - 1300 704 456
• Kidney Health Information Service - 1800 454 363
• Australian Lung Foundation - 1800 654 301
• Motor Neurone Disease Association - 1800 777 175
• Multiple Sclerosis Society Australia - 1800 042 138
• Muscular Dystrophy Association - 03 9320 9555
• Palliative Care Australia - 02 6232 0700
• Parkinson's Australia - 1800 644 189
• Rare Voices Australia - 0497 003 104
  Please check here for an extensive list of support groups for less common diseases.
• Stroke Foundation - 1800 787 653