Crohn's and Colitis Australia Support Groups are self help or mutual aid groups. This means that all of the members of the group, including the facilitator are impacted by Crohn's or colitis. It is an environment where everyone has something to contribute, and where everyone can receive empathy, support and understanding. Support Groups are beneficial to all people experiencing IBD regardless of what part of the journey they are on. Whether a person has recently been diagnosed, coming to grips with understanding IBD and going through feelings of grief and loss, or a person who has been in remission for some time, there are known benefits for participating in a Support Group.

Studies have been conducted regarding Chronic Illness Support Groups indicate that compared to non-participants, group participants reported a more positive outlook on life, greater satisfaction with the medical care they received, reduced psychosomatic symptoms, increased sense of mastery, increased self-esteem, and reduced feelings of shame and isolation.

For more information, or to register your interest in attending a support group, or starting a group in your area, please phone 1800 138 029 or email.

Current Support Groups:

 

NSW

CENTRAL COAST

 Time/date:            7:00pm, Last Tuesday of the month

Venue:                  Erina Fair Library, Karalta Rd, Erina

Contact:               Ph: CCA on 1800 138 029 to book. Please provide contact details in
                             case of cancellation.

NOWRA

This group meets at a local coffee shop every 3 months and welcomes any new members! Please call CCA on 1 800 138 029 to register your interest and for confirmation of the next dates.

CHATSWOOD

Time/date:           Normally 6.30pm, First Tuesday of the month 
 
Venue:                 Main function room/board room, The Orchard Hotel, 455 Victoria Ave, Chatswood

Contact:             Ph: CCA on 1800 138 029 to book. Please provide contact details in  
                            case of cancellation.

CANTERBURY

Time/date:         7:00pm, First Thursday of the month

Venue:               Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL, 20-26 Canterbury Rd, Hurlstone Park

Contact:            Ph: CCA on 1800 138 029 to book. Please provide contact details in case    
                           of cancellation.
 

QLD

BRISBANE SOUTH

Time/date:       7pm, Wednesday, 24th March 2010

Venue:             Coffee Club (in courtyard), 1428 Logan Rd, Mt Gravatt                                 

Directions:        Enter driveway on the left just past Coffee Club between IGA Express and Day & Night Pharmacy. Look  for CCA sign on the table or ask at the counter. Drinks/Food available.

Contact:            Bookings/Enquiries, please call Gabby on (07) 3891 1314 to book. Please provide contact details in case of cancellation.


ROCKHAMPTON

Time/date:      1.30pm - 3.30pm Saturday, 17th July 2010

Venue:           Queensland Health Community and Public Centre, Cnr of Bolsover and Cambridge Streets, Rockhampton                       

Contact:         Bookings/Enquiries, please call CCA QLD on 1800 071 072 or email info.qld@crohnsandcolitis.com.au to book or for more information. Please provide contact details in case of cancellation.
 

VIC

MOUNT WAVERLEY

Time/date:         7:30pm, Second Tuesday of the month

Venue:               Alvie Hall, Corner High Street Road and Alvie Road, Mount Waverley

Contact:            CCA on 1800 138 029 to book. Please provide contact details in case of   
                           cancellation.
 
BENDIGO

Proposed Support Group. Dates and times to be advised. Contact CCA on 1800 138 029 to register you interest in this group.


RINGWOOD

Time/date:         7.30pm, THIRD Monday of the month.

Venue:               National Boys Choir, Unit 3, 9 Pilgrim Court, Ringwood

Contact:            CCA on 1800 138 029 to book. Please provide contact details in case of cancellation.
 

PASCOE VALE

Time/date:         Normally 7.30pm, Third Thursday of the month BUT for JULY ONLY Thursday 29th July.

Venue:               Pascoe Vale Neighbourhood Facility, 7 Prospect Street, Pascoe Vale

Contact:            CCA on 1800 138 029 to book. Please provide contact details in case of   
                           cancellation.

 

SA

NORTH ADELAIDE

 

Proposed Support Group. Dates and times to be advised. Contact CCA on 1800 138 029 to register you interest in this group. 

 

WA

VICTORIA PARK

Time/date:          6:30pm, First Wednesday of the month

Venue:                Playfield Learning Centre, Playfield St & Fred Bell Parade, East Vic Park

Contact:           CCA on 1800 138 029 to book. Please provide details in case of  
                             cancellation.

WYALKATCHEM

Time/date:         Quarterly – Next date to be advised

Venue:               Wyalkatchem Medical Centre

Contact:            CCA on 1800 138 029 to book. Please provide contact details in case of  
                            cancellation.

ACT

Expressions of interest have been given regarding starting a Support Group in Canberra. CCA is currently working towards developing groups in this area and are currently looking for people who are interested in facilitating a group. Please contact CCA on 1800 138 029 if you would like to find out more information about facilitating or participating in a Support Group in Canberra or if you are interested in starting a group in your own area.

TAS

Expressions of interest have been given regarding starting a Support Group in Hobart and North West Tasmania. CCA is currently working towards developing groups in these areas and are currently looking for people who are interested in facilitating a group. Please contact CCA on 1800 138 029 if you would like to find out more information about facilitating or participating in a Support Group in one of these areas or if you are interested in starting a group in your own area. 

CCA is committed to developing a network of Support Groups nation wide, however, suitable volunteers to facilitate new groups are needed. Full training and support is provided to members who wish to become support group facilitators. If you would like to learn more about becoming a support group facilitator please call or email us.