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Throughout 2010, Hepatitis NSW is facilitating support groups for people affected by hep C.
The support groups aim to provide people with an opportunity to meet others and share experiences in an informal, friendly & safe environment. Anyone affected by hep C is welcome to attend, regardless of where they are on their hep C journey.
The Support Groups are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 6-8pm
Next Support Group : Tuesday 16th March
at:
Hepatitis NSW
Level 1, 349 Crown St
Surry Hills
Food and drink will be provided.
To find out more please click http://www.hep.org.au/index.php?article ... ort-groups or call Niki or Toby on 1800 803 990.
Support groups
Many people with hep C feel isolated and find it difficult to cope living with a chronic illness. Family and friends can be a great source of comfort and support, but support from people who have faced some of the same fears and challenges can be crucial in helping people understand, manage and live successfully with hep C.
A support group can offer a place to explore the emotional and practical issues of living with hep C in a safe and nurturing environment. In addition, the information shared by members can be helpful in making decisions about a wide variety of issues, such as stigma, disclosure, disease management and medical treatment options. Family members may also need help and support when they learn that a loved one is living with hep C, and in coping with and supporting a loved one undergoing treatment.
Support groups can be divided into two basic types: informational (or educational) and emotional, although most support groups provide aspects of both, but may focus on one area or the other. Informational support group meetings typically have a lecture format that includes a guest speaker. A wide variety of people seek out and attend support group meetings:
* People who have been recently diagnosed are usually interested in finding out about the disease and talking to other people living with it.
* Hep C is a highly stigmatized disease and for some people a group is a “safe” place where they can talk and seek advice from people.
* People considering treatment can get help with decision-making and talk with others about what to expect and how to prepare for treatment.
* People currently undergoing treatment can get emotional support and learn coping strategies to help them deal with the physical and psychological side effects of treatment.
* People living with hep C can benefit from the emotional support and opportunity to discuss the various issues that surround living with a chronic illness.
To click on the links below for further information please go to the link at the bottom of this post.
Support groups exist across NSW:
Sydney Central support group
Sydney Central support group promotional PDF
Coffs Coast hep C support group
Coffs Coast family and friends support group
Hunter hep C support services
Nepean hep C support group
Port Macquarie hep C support group
Parramatta support group
Westmead hep C information night
Sydney Central support group - a chance for people living with hep C to meet others and get some support. We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, from 6–8 pm at Hepatitis NSW, Level 1, 349 Crown Street (corner of Crown and Albion Sts), Surry Hills. Food and drink provided. For more information please call the Hepatitis Helpline on 9332 1599.
Coffs Coast hep C support group - A self directed peer support group for people living with or receiving treatment or recovering from hep C. For more information please contact Trevor on 0432 141 574 or Mal on 0408 305 833.
Coffs Coast family and friends support group - A self directed peer support group for the family and friends of those living with or receiving treatment or recovering from hep C. For more information please contact Debbie on 0419 619 859 or Corinne on 0422 090 609.
Hunter hep C support services - A service for people of the Hunter region living with hep C. It is run by healthcare professionals working with hep C treatment and care and based at John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton. For more information please contact Carla Silva on 4922 3429 or Tracey Jones on 4921 4789.
Nepean hep C support group - Guest speakers to keep you informed about
hep C. Family and friends are more than welcome. Light refreshments and supper are provided. Held in the Nurse Education Dept. Lecture Room (Somerset Street entrance), Nepean Hospital. For more information please contact Vince on 4734 3466.
Northern Rivers liver clinic support group - An opportunity for people considering or undergoing treatment, or who have completed treatment to get know each other. For more information please phone 6620 7539.
Port Macquarie hep C support group - Peer support available for people living with or affected by hep C. For information please contact Lynelle Wood on 0418 116 749 or Jana Vanderjaght on 0418 207 939.
Parramatta support group - A support group for people living with hep C, including those in treatment. From 7 pm to 8.30 pm, first Thursday of every month (except Dec and Jan) at Parramatta Health Services, Jeffery House, 162 Marsden St, Parramatta. There is no parking on site. It is a 10-minute walk from Parramatta station. For more information please contact Susan on 9845 5627.
Westmead hep C information night -
Our information nights are organised for people with hep C, families, friends and interested others. Parking is available at the hospital but you will need $6 in coins. It is about a ten-minute walk from Westmead station. Go to the main entrance of the hospital and ask for directions at reception, or look for our signs. There is no charge for the information night and people from any area are most welcome. For more information please contact Susan on 9845 5627.
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Niki Parry | Coordinator - Client Services | Hepatitis NSW
PO Box 432 | Darlinghurst NSW 1300 | Phone +61 2 9332 1853 | Fax +61 2 9332 1730 |
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| www.hep.org.au
Hepatitis Helpline 1800 803 990
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