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Support Groups
If you know of a support group not listed here please send us their information so that we can add it to this page.
Alphabetical listings
Non-specific Groups
Association for Children with a Disability NSW (ACD NSW)
Information and support to parents and families who have a child or young adult with any type of disability or developmental delay across NSW
1300 851 603
Australian Association for Families of Children with Disability
Information and advocacy for families of children with disabilities to ensure the best possible support services are available to them
1800 222 660
mail@aafcd.org.au
Carers NSW
Support programs, education, training and advocacy for people who care for a person with a disability
02 9280 4744 or 1800 242 636
contact@carernsw.asn.au
Defence Special Needs Support Group
A service set up for the families and individuals of the Australian Defence Force who have special needs. Provides programs, support groups and respite
1800 037 674 or 02 9395 9634
national.coordinator@dsnsg.org.au
Families Supporting Families
Provide a means of communication between parents for the sharing of information and their experiences in a mutually supportive environment, thus improving knowledge for informed decision making and giving emotional support that will enhance family well being
04 1743 1562
Hunter Connect
Supporting and connecting families impacted by Autism, Asperger's, ADHD and other developmental disorders
Kurri Kurri Family Support Group (pdf 52K)
A group for parents, grandparents and anyone else caring for child or young person (0-18 years) with a disability or chronic medical condition.
Leanda Connor at the Stuart Centre 02 4979 4322 or 0437 712 763
Livewire
An online community for 10 - 18 year olds living with serious illness or disability
Belinda Humphery 02 8425 5986 / bhumphery@starlight.org.au
Kylie Johnson 02 8425 5915 / kjohnson@starlight.org.au
MyTime
Supporting parents of children with disabilitiesCroudace Bay
Tuesdays at the Stuart Centre
Angela 02 4979 4313Mayfield
2nd Wednesday of the month 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
4th Tuesday of the month 6 - 8 pm
Anastasia 02 4935 0400Toronto West
Alternate Wednesdays 9.30 - 11.30 am in school terms
Emma 0405 246 299Woodberry
Tuesdays 10 am - 12 noon in school terms
Ros 02 4964 2174
Newcastle Family Support Services
Services for parents, families and their children
Newcastle Temporary Care
Newcastle Temporary Care Ltd is a community based, not-for-profit respite care service for children and young adults with a disability and their carers and families, who live in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie local government areas
02 4957 5008Give me a break
Support group for carers of severe and multiple physical disabilities
Last Wednesday of the month 10 am - 2 pm in Eleebana
Northcott Disability Services
Provides contact information for services, support groups and resources to children and adults with a wide range of disabilities
02 4935 0400 0458 252 800
anastasia.dunstan@northcott.com.au
- Autism Carer Support (pdf 93K)
- Group fitness - free classes with childminding (pdf 274K) - for parents and carers who care for a child with a disability.
- MyTime Support Group (pdf 40K) - for parents and carers for a child under school age with a disability, developmental delay and chronic medical condition.
- Northcott EarlyStart Diagnosis Support Service (pdf 774K) - an innovative program that provides short-term support for families who have a concern about their child's development.
- Siblings fun (pdf 223K) - for siblings aged 7 - 12 who have a brother or sister with a recently diagnosed disability.
Raising Children
Complete Australian parenting resource for parenting from newborns to teens
Riding for the Disabled Association of NSW
Provides horse riding instruction and other activities for people with disabilities
02 8116 9726
stateoffice@rdansw.org.au
Samaritans
Supports families struggling with poverty, disability, illness or other issues by providing practical assistance
1300 656 336
mail@samaritans.org.au
Strengthening families for stronger kids
Special Education Centre, University of Newcastle, 02 4921 6275
Technical Aid to the Disabled
Dedicated and skilled volunteers and staff help to construct personalised equipment for people with disabilities
02 9808 2022 or 1300 663 243
tad@tadnsw.org.au
Visual Aids for learning
Develops images to streamline and support learning
Wheeling and Able
A registered charity and not for profit organisation providing assistance to over four hundred young people with physical disabilities
YMCA Inter-act (pdf 752K)
YMCA of Newcastle Before and After school care is offering a program specifically designed for children with disabilities, including Dance, Drama and Music
Cassie 0459 589 118
To find condition specific groups click on the alphabetical tabs.
ADHD
Everyday with ADHD and challenging behaviours
A resource for all involved with ADHD and challenging behaviours
Hunter Connect
Supporting and connecting families impacted by Autism, Asperger's, ADHD and other developmental disorders
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorder support and information
An information and referral service to assist in recovery and reduce the impact of anxiety disorders in people's lives
1300 794 992
jleitch@mentalhealth.asn.au
Asthma
National Asthma Council Australia
Increases community awareness about asthma and provides information on asthma management
1800 032 495
nac@nationalasthma.org.au
Autism
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia)
Provides information services and education to people affected by autism spectrum disorders, their families and the community
02 8977 8300
infoline@aspect.org.au
Asperger’s Syndrome Seminar for parents and carers and professionals (docx 399K)
Autism Consultation & Training Now (ACT Now)
Autism Carer Support (pdf 93K)
A support group for those caring for children with Autism.
Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month
Location: Northcott Building, 13 Valencia Street, Mayfield
Time: 7-9pm
For more details contact:
Anastasia Dunstan 02 4935 0400 - Northcott Disability Services
Alex Mowbray 02 4921 6291 - Firstchance Inc
Autism help website
Helping families all around Australia find support in their local community
Autism Links
Autism Links is a comprehensive website for people with Autism, their family and friends
Balance - Families living with Autism
Family Worker:
Helen Gadd 02 4921 6267Newcastle Uni (pdf 81K)
Parent Contacts:
Darani Cooper 02 4948 0008
Michelle Loughlin 02 4946 1421
Melissa Dumas 02 4953 0876Port Stephens (pdf 139K)
Parent Contact:
Mel Georgiadis 02 4981 1149
East Lake Macquarie ASD support group (pdf 55K)
Organised by Strengthening Families for Stronger Kids
02 4921 8723
Hunter Connect
Supporting and connecting families impacted by Autism, Asperger's, ADHD and other developmental disorders
Newcastle Temporary Care
Newcastle Temporary Care Ltd is a community based, not-for-profit respite care service for children and young adults with a disability and their carers and families, who live in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie local government areas
02 4957 5008New support group
Support group for carers with a young child with a recent diagnosis of Autism
2nd Wednesday of the month 11 am - 1 pm in EleebanaSharing the care
Support group for carers of a child with Autism
3rd Tuesday of the month 10 am - 2 pm in Toronto in school terms
Northcott Disability Services - Autism Support
Services to any family or individual with an Autism Spectrum (ASD) Disorder who decides to purchase these privately or through the use of the ‘Helping Children with Autism' package
Northcott's Autism Support Line: 1800 004 957 or autism@northcott.com.au
Play Connect
PlayConnect Playgroups are to help families with children with Autism Spectrum DisordersAnna Bay
Wednesdays 10 am - 12 noon in school terms
Charmaine 0422 056 210
Jacqui 02 4982 1767Hamilton South
Tuesdays 9.30 - 11.30 am in school terms
Emma 0405 246 299 or Simone 0404 094 846Raymond Terrace
Thursdays 9.30 - 11.30 am in school terms
Eden 0434 223 573 or Gina 02 4987 4666Toronto
Fridays 9.30 - 11.30 am in school terms
Emma Maher 0405 246 299
Positive Partnerships
Supporting school age students on the Autism Spectrum
Rainbow Day (pdf 701K)
Raising awareness of Autism
Sharing the Care (pdf 73K)
A support group for mothers of children who have been newly diagnosed with Autism
02 4957 5008 TempCare, or
02 4959 8695 Helen
02 4957 5008 Debi
Strive (pdf 250K)
Families supporting families coping with autism
Maxine Baird 02 4991 3004 / 0419 913 033
Tracey Harrington 02 4998 1511 / 0409 710 147
Kylie Whiting 02 4990 2859 / 0403 190 052
West Lake Macquarie ASD support group (pdf 64K)
Organised by Strengthening Families for Stronger Kids
02 4921 8723
Blind
Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children
Provides educational services to children who have significant hearing and/or vision impairment, including children with additional disabilities
TTY 02 9871 1233 or 1800 043 411
online@ridbc.org.au
Vision Australia
Offers a range of services, specialist knowledge and skills, tailored to suit individual needs, to enrich the participation in life of opople who are blind or have low vision, and their families
1300 847 466 or TTY 02 9334 3260
info@visionaustralia.org.au
Cancer
Camp Quality
Believes in bringing optimism and happiness to the lives of children & families affected by cancer through fun therapy
02 4947 8311 (Newcastle)
CanTeen
Aims to help young people aged between 12 and 24 years cope with cancer
1800 226 833 or 02 9328 1563
nsw.admin@canteen.org.au
Redkite
Supports children and their families affected by cancer, by providing emotional guidance, financial relief and educational services
02 9219 4000 or 1800 334 771
national@redkite.org.au
Cerebral Palsy
CP Australia
Promotes the interests and wellbeing of people with cerebral palsy
1300 302 920
cphelpline@tscnsw.org.au
The Spastic Centre
Provides a number of accessible features to assist parents, carers and service profiders to support people with cerebral palsy
1300 302 920
scnsw@tscnsw.org.au
Cleft palate & lip
CleftPALS Australia
The Cleft Palate and Lip Society - has been helping families whose baby was born with a cleft for more than 30 years... Because the Sharing Helps!!
CleftPALS NSW
A volunteer based non-profit organisation of parents and professionals involved in the treatment of the cleft condition. CleftPALS works most actively to support parents who have young children that have been born with a cleft. CleftPALS can assist with reliable and supportive information if an Ultrasound Detection of a cleft condition has occurred.
02 9294 8944
Coeliac
Coeliac Society of Australia
Provide information and support to those diagnosed with coeliac disease and their families, sufferers of dermatitis herpetiformis and those medically diagnosed as requiring a gluten free diet.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)
CDH Australia
This organisation is run by volunteers who have experienced all facets of CDH so they understand the issues families face in their journey as they have been there themselves. Although everyone’s experiences are different, the common thread - CDH - allows them to support each other with compassion and empathy.
03 5135 6999
information@cdh.org.au
Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (CMN)
Nevus Support Australia
08 8298 3080
nevus@tpg.com.au
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis NSW
Provides advocacy, support and information for people living with cystic fibrosis
1800 232 823
general@cysticfibrosisnsw.org.au
Deaf
Aussie Deaf Kids
Provides online support and resources for parents of hearing impaired and deaf children living in Australia
info@aussiedeafkids.com
Deaf Children Australia
Provides information and support for families of deaf and hearing impaired children and young adults
1800 645 916 or TTY 1800 508 523
helpline@deafchildren.org.au
Deaf Society of NSW
Provides a wide range of support services and programs for deaf people
02 9893 8555 or TTY 1800 893 885
info@deafsociety.com
Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children
Provides educational services to children who have significant hearing and/or vision impairment, including children with additional disabilities
TTY 02 9871 1233 or 1800 043 411
online@ridbc.org.au
Depression
beyondblue - The National Depression Initiative
Addresses issues related to depression, provides information on treatment options and conducts research
1300 224 636
bb@beyondblue.org.au
Diabetes
Diabetes Australia NSW
Provides personalised and practical assistance to benefit people with diabetes
02 9552 9900
info@diabetesnsw.com.au
Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome NSW
Represents the interest and responds to the needs of people with Down Syndrome
02 9683 4333
admin@dsansw.org.au
Hunter
Monthly coffee mornings for parents, carers, relatives and friends of someone with Down Syndrome
2nd Thursday of each month 10 am - 12 noon (purchase own drinks & eats)
Wallsend Diggers cafe and playground area
Joelene 0439 606 134 or Candy 0418 419 583
Newcastle Down Syndrome Support Group (pdf 110K)
Support network for parents and friends of persons with DS
Meaghan Hepplewhite 02 4955 1638 / 0413 515 274
Anna Brown 02 4953 6619 / 0414 90 90 40 / amb@sparke.com.au
Dyspraxia
Australian Dyspraxia Association Inc
Provides information, resources, support, education and training services to people affected by Dyspraxia, their families and the community
02 4577 6220
information@dyspraxia.com.au
Epilepsy
Epilepsy Action Australia
Provides services to all people with a personal or professional involvement with epilepsy
1300 374 537
epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au
Currently no listings
Gastrostromy
Gastrostomy Information & Support Society
Support group for people with gastrostomies & their carers
Gifted and talented children
NSW Association for Gifted and Talented Children
Helps parents and carers locate relevant information about giftedness in children. Provides free online resources for gifted children, parents and teachers
02 9633 5399
office@nswagtc.org.au
Hemiplegia
Hemiparents
An online support group for parents of children with hemiplegia. The site offers information on the various forms of therapy and services available
02 9899 2474
contact@hemiparents.org
Intellectual Disability
NSW Council for Intellectual Disability
Offers information, referral services and advocacy for people affected by intellectual disability
02 9211 1611 or 1800 424 065
mail@nswcid.org.au
Currently no listings
Currently no listings
Learning Difficulties
Learning Difficulties Coalition NSW
Provides advocacy and support for students with learning disabilities and associated disorders and their parents
02 9806 9960
info@ldc.org.au
Specific Learning Difficulties Association of NSW (SpeLD)
Provides support, information and advocacy for people with specific learning difficulties and those who teach and care for them
02 945 9477
enquiries@speldnsw.org.au
Limb differences
Limbkids Support Association Inc
A voluntary group of parents, professionals and other people concerned with the care of children who have congenital or acquired limb differences
07 5533 9754
president@limbkids.asn.au
Mental Illness
SANE Australia
Offers programs and conducts campaigns to improve the lives of people living with mental illness, their family and friends
1800 187 263
helpline@sane.org
Mood disorders
Black Dog Institute
An educational, research, clinical and community-oriented facility offering specialist expertise in mood disorders. The institute facilitates community education programs, and runs depression and perinatal clinics
02 9382 4530
blackdog@unsw.edu.au
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis Australia
Offers specialist services and support to people with multiple sclerosis
1800 287 367
infoline@mssociety.com.au
Currently no listings
Currently no listings
Physical disabilities
Give me a break (pdf 57K)
Support Group for Carers of Children with Physical Disabilities
02 4957 5008 Temp Care
Wheeling and able
Provide assistance wherever possible, to help children and young adults with physical disabilities access equipment, services, special personal needs and resources
02 4962 2042
mail@wheelingandable.org.au
Reflux
Reflux Infants Support Association Inc
Aims to support families of infants and children who suffer from gastro-oesophageal reflux
07 3229 1090
info@reflux.org.au
Sexual Assault Victims
Help for victims of sexual assault
NSW Government website with contact numbers and helpful advice
Siblings
Siblings Australia
A national organisation focussed on the wellbeing of the siblings of children with disabilities and chronic illness. Website includes resources, information on workshops and a directory of services
08 8361 8361
info@siblingsaustralia.org.au
Support4Sibs Network
Supporting young people who have a sibling with a disability
Ages: 12-18 years
Venue: Maitland PCYC, James Street, Maitland 02 4934 7122
Phone: Paul Godfrey at Life Activities 02 4914 5999
Spina bifida
Northcott Spina Bifida Group
Support and information to individuals with spina bifida and their families living in NSW and the ACT
Kayleen Flood (Administration Support)
02 9890 0990
kayleen.flood@northcott.com.au
Stroke
Different Strokes (pdf 168K)
A club for stroke survivors from 13 yrs to mid 30's that provides mentoring, support and information.
Meet 2nd Saturday of every month at Lillies on the Park Cafe, Bicentennial Park, Homebush between 11am and 1pm approximately.
cullenandco@yahoo.com.au
Thalassaemia
Thalassaemia Society of NSW Inc
Provides support for patients with thalassaemia and other blood disorders, by providing funding for medical treatment, equipment, research and education
02 9556 4844
Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia
Disseminates materials on health care, education and welfare services. Also operates support groups and a telephone counselling service
02 9382 3726
info@tourette.org.au
Currently no listings
Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome
VCFS Foundation of Queensland
Exists to help and support people with VCFS, and their families in every way. They aim to educate people, to raise awareness about VCFS, and to lobby and advocate government, medical and educational institutions to promote the interests of VCFS sufferers and their families
Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome Educational Foundation Inc
An international not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing support and information to individuals who are affected by Velo-Cardio-Facial syndrome, their families, physicians and other practitioners
Visual impairment
Vision Australia
Offers a range of services, specialist knowledge and skills, tailored to suit individual needs, to enrich the participation in life of opople who are blind or have low vision, and their families
1300 847 466 or TTY 02 9334 3260
info@visionaustralia.org.au
Currently no listings
Currently no listings
Currently no listings
Currently no listings
