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.

 

Support groups exist across NSW:

Sydney Central support group

Sydney Central support group promotional PDF

Central Coast hep treatment support groups

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.

Central Coast hep treatment support group - The group provides an opportunity for people going through a similar experience to network and support each other in an informal and confidential atmosphere. Gosford: 6pm-7.30pm on the last Thursday of each month at the Education Centre, Gosford Hospital. Wyong: 1pm-2.30pm on the first Thursday of each month at the Wyong Health Centre, 38 Pacific Hwy, Wyong. For more information, please contact 4320 2390.

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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Stock photos used. People shown may have no actual connection with hep C.

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This page last updated 14 May 2010

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