Support Groups
BrainLink maintains a list of contacts for support groups for individuals and carers operating throughout Melbourne and rural Victoria.
Support groups vary considerably in the support and types of activities they run. Some groups are tailored for certain age groups; some are specifically for carers, while others may focus on communication issues. Below is a list of organisations that facilitate the running of support groups throughout Victoria.
Please click on the relevant link to view support groups in your area (we try to keep this list updated, but please keep in mind that some information may not be current).
Acquired Brain Injury Support Groups
Metropolitan Region (pdf file)
Non-Metropolitan Region (pdf file)
ABI Groups- Barwon Area (updated July, 2007)
For information on the ABI groups in the Barwon area, click here.
Carer Support Groups
For other carer support groups (not ABI-specific), call your closest Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre on 1800 059 059 (free call for local phones, mobile phone at mobile rate).
For carers of those suffering from a dual diagnosis of ABI and mental illness, the Network for Carers of People with a Mental Illness has a comprehensive list: click here.
Please let us know if you are in a group and would like to be listed on our website.
Starting a group....
Also available is a guide on how to set up your support group — “Starting Your Own Acquired Brain Injury Support Group” (pdf file)
A website created to assist self help / support groups to promote their own groups, provide a web presence for those groups which do not have a website, and to enable support group leaders and members to network and share ideas with each other.
Stroke Support Groups
Contact the Stroke Association of Victoria
Ph: (03) 9670 1117 or
Click here for a current list (pdf file)
Visit the Boroondara Stroke Support Group website
Brain Tumour Support Groups
Click here for information on Brain Tumour Support Groups and
useful websites or
Contact Brain Tumour Australia
Ph: 1800 282 912
Migraine and Severe Headache Support Group - Centre for Neurological Support
Tel: (08) 9346 7541 (WA)
There are currently no migraine support groups running in Victoria. Contact Headache Australia on 1300 886 660 if you're interested in setting up your own support group.
For an online chat group, see www.headache.com.au.
For further information on brain disorders contact:
BrainLink Services Ltd
Toll Free: 1800 677 579
The Nerve Centre
54 Railway Road
Blackburn VIC 3130
info@brainlink.org.au
Updated 4th August, 2008