Peer support groups

Family Network & MyTime Groups

    Down Syndrome Victoria runs a network of support groups statewide and can put you in touch with other groups in your area.

    • Parents of children aged 0-16yrs - [[MyTime|MyTime Groups]]
    • Parents of children aged 0-16yrs - Family Network Groups (Volunteer led)
    • Parents of teens (15+) & adults - Family Network Groups (Volunteer led)
    • Fathers of children any age - Blokes groups (Volunteer led)
    • Adults with Down syndrome Peer Support Group - Club 21 (Staff & Volunteer led)

    New groups:
    15+ Family Network Group - Glen Iris:      Are you the parent of a young adult aged 15 to 25 and live in the Southern Metro area of Melbourne? If so, this group may be of interest to you. Kim Bailey is the parent of a 19 year old who has Down syndrome. Kim would like to offer her home as a meeting place for parents to come along and share their experiences and learn from each other, as their son or daughter transitions into adulthood. Please email Kim  or phone 0400 999 918 for address details. Meetings will be held on 2nd Wednesday from 13th February 2013 at 7.30pm.

    My Time Group - Reservoir: A new MyTime group is starting in Reservoir at the Neighbourhood House, 2B Cuthbert St. The group will meet fortnightly from Friday 5th February 10.00am to 12.30pm, with occasional weekend and evening gatherings. The Facilitator is Susan Nippard. All parents of children and siblings aged 0 – 16 years are welcome. Come and share your stories and ideas and learn from each other as you parent a child with a disability. For more information please email Kerry Hands or phone 9486 9600.

    My Time Group - St Kilda East: Brand new group - email Kerry Hands or phone 9486 9600 for details.

    Reminder:
    15+ Family Network Group - Ringwood:     If you are interested in a 15+ Family Network Group, Anthea Forbes runs a group in Ringwood and is keen to welcome some new faces. Meetings are on Monday evenings and contact Anthea for more details on 0413 981 212

    Please check for groups running in your area. We may be able to set up a group in your area if there isn’t already one there. Groups tend to come and go depending on the level of interest in the area. Unfortunately the St Albans, Bundoora and Kinglake Groups have recently ended. We are looking into Chadstone and Williamstown as possible locations. I am always keen to hear from parents about their need for a support group close to them.

    More information on MyTime Groups is available [[MyTime|here]].

    See our map below, or a full page with contact details, of groups presently operating or call Kerry on 1300 658 873 (Extention 202).


    View DSV Family Network & MyTime Groups in a larger map

     

    Other Groups

    Parent Support Network - Association for Children with a Disability - Regional parent support coordinators - Contact the Parent Support Worker in your region for information about support groups and other activities in your local area.

    Amaze (Autism Victoria) - Offer a variety of support groups around Victoria - Great link for families who's child has a dual diagnosis.

    Genetic Support Network Victoria - The GSNV can connect individuals and families interested in sharing their experiences and insights with others. 

    MyTime Groups - MyTime groups provide facilitated peer support for mums, dads, grandparents and anyone caring for children with a disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition.

    Facebook     - Down Syndrome Victoria's Facebook page which can be used for networking between families. It's also a great place to find out about coming events etc. The office we will not be responding to questions or comments at this stage.

    Livewire.org.au - A subsidiary of the Starlight Children's Foundation...provide free and safe online communities for families affected by a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability. 

    RCN MyTime Forum - Raising Children Network (RCN). Connect with other MyTime families. Share your experiences and information online with others who understand the rewards and intensity of caring for a child with special needs.

    Wesley Do Care Telelink is a social support service that targets socially isolated people. It is a free service that is available to people who are aged over 65 years, a carer of an older person or a younger adult with a disability. Groups of 4 -10 people meet over the telephone at the same time and day each week. Please contact Irene - Telelink coordinator on 8706 1700 for more information.

    Yahoo Groups

     

    Down syndrome Australia chat group - A place where parents & families can get together to discuss issues related to Down syndrome. You can meet with other parents and family members and learn what they are doing for their children with Down syndrome.

    Dual Diagnosis chat group - The ds-autism list is a place for families and professionals to discuss the unique, challenging, humorous, and sometimes tiring aspects of supporting a person who is dually diagnosed with Down syndrome and autism, autistic spectrum disorder, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). 

    Mosaic Down syndrome chat group - A closed support list for parents (and family members too) whose babies/children/adult children have been diagnosed with mosaic Down syndrome! Also VERY welcome are those adults who have MDS! Students, Teachers, and Medical Professionals are welcome to come in and learn more about MDS! 

    CALD Groups
    ADEC - Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities - ADEC's Support Groups are language specific and located around Melbourne.

    Contact Sue Blandford at Down Syndrome Victoria for more information on other CALD disability support groups.

     

     

    Direct Family Support

     

     

    For specific/personal Family Support issues email Family Support or call Sue Blandford on 1300 658 873 (extention 208)