Dying with Dignity NSW does not have the expertise to provide support and counselling to people who are suffering with terminal or chronic illness, but we appreciate the importance of getting this help. Support is also important for the families and carers of people who are suffering. Following is a list of some support groups that may be able to provide help to people at this time.
Australia Counselling provides an online directory so all Australians can connect with counsellors and therapists in their local area. Searching for a counsellor or therapist is quick and easy on the website.
Beyond Blue has a free telephone and online counselling service that is open 24/7 for everyone in Australia. No matter who you are, or how you're feeling, you can reach out to their free counselling services for support.
To speak to someone - Phone 1300 224 636
For confidential online chat - Click here to access Beyond Blue Webchat
Carers NSW aims to improve the lives of all carers in NSW by providing information, education and training, resources and referrals to support carers.
For carer information and support - Phone (02) 9280 4744 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday).
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. You can phone, text or chat online 24/7 with a trained Lifeline Crisis Supporter .
To speak to someone - Phone 13 11 14
For confidential one-to-one text - Text 0477 13 11 14
For confidential online chat - Click here to access Lifeline chat
The NSW Mental Health Line is NSW Health's 24/7 statewide phone service which links people with NSW Health mental health services. It is a free service.
To speak to a trained mental health professional - Phone 1800 011 511
ReachOut.com is a web-based service that provides practical tools and support to young people. It provides a safe place to chat anonymously, get support, and feel better.
To see how they can help - Click here to access their website
Relationships Australia is a leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities. They are a community-based, not-for-profit organisation with no religious affiliations, offering services that include counselling, family dispute resolution (mediation) and a range of family and community support and education programs.
For more information - Phone 1300 364 277
Or Click here to access their website
Suicide Call Back Service is a free nationwide service providing 24/7 phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide.
To speak to someone - Phone 1300 659 467
To access online chat with a professional counsellor - Click here to access their website
ACON is a NSW-based health promotion organisation specialising in HIV prevention, HIV support and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) health.
Established in 1985 as the AIDS Council of NSW, we’re here to end HIV transmission among gay and homosexually active men, and promote the lifelong health of LGBTI people and people with HIV.
Alzheimer’s Australia – We advocate for the needs of people living with all types of dementia, and for their families and carers, and provide support services, education and information.
Phone 1800 100 500
Cancer Council Australia – provides a confidential telephone support and counselling service (cost of a local call). When you call you will automatically be directed to the Cancer Council Helpline operating in your state or territory.
Phone 13 11 20
Cancer Voices Australia is the independent, 100% volunteer voice of people affected by cancer, working to improve the cancer experience for Australians, their families and friends. We are active in the areas of diagnosis, information, treatment, research, support, care, survivorship and policy. To achieve this we work with decision-makers, ensuring the patient perspective is heard.
P.O. Box 713
MILSONS POINT NSW 1565
email: [email protected]
HealthDirect is a government-funded service that provides 24 hour health information, including local service providers as GPs, psychologists, counsellors etc.
Phone 1800 022 222
Huntington’s NSW is the leading specialist service in NSW that supports individuals impacted by Huntington’s disease. The Australian Huntington’s Disease Association (NSW) Inc. was established in 1975 to develop support and educational programs for people affected by Huntington’s Disease in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory; to assist their families to understand and cope; and to give these families a strong single voice.
Kidney Health Information Service provides a free, national, phone support service for people living with and/or affected by kidney and urinary disease, via our Kidney Health Information Service (KHIS) line.
The service offers information, support, referral and advice to both patients and their families and health professionals, and callers are directed to the most appropriate service to meet their needs.
Need to talk? Call us on 1800 454 363
Lung Health Alliance is a collective of national respiratory not-for-profit organisations working together to improve the lung health of individuals and communities in Australia and to contribute to the global effort for lung health.
The members of the alliance include:
Muscular Dystrophy Australia as an organisation was established in 1984 as a support group for individuals and families affected by Muscular Dystrophy. MDA is working towards a world without Muscular Dystrophy, whilst providing support and hope as an organisation respected by, and a proponent of, the Muscular Dystrophy community.
Phone: 03 9320 9555
MND NSW provides information, support and education for people living with motor neurone disease, their families, friends and carers in NSW, ACT, the Gold Coast and NT. We also provide information and education about motor neurone disease for health, community and residential care professionals.
MND NSW Centre
Building 4, Gladesville Hospital
Victoria Road
Gladesville NSW 2111
Telephone: 02 8877 0999
Freecall: 1800 777 175 (NSW and ACT)
Fax: 02 9816 2077
MS is the preeminent source of information, advice and services for people living with multiple sclerosis. We’re a combined entity of ACT, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania with 60 years’ insight into how to live well with the disease. We are part of the national body, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Australia (MSA).
MS offers a suite of services and support to help minimise the impact of multiple sclerosis on your life and ensure your journey is not undertaken alone, while the search for a cure continues.
Our service is for people living with the disease, family members, friends and carers. We also support health professionals providing care to people affected by multiple sclerosis.
Pain Management Network This government-sponsored website contains information to enable you to develop skills and knowledge in the self management of your pain in partnership with your healthcare providers.
Painaustralia Limited is Australia’s leading pain advocacy body working to improve the quality of life of people living with pain, their families and carers, and to minimise the social and economic burden of pain on individuals and the community.
Established in 2011, our focus is to work with governments, health professional and consumer bodies, funders, educational and research institutions, to facilitate implementation of the National Pain Strategy Australia-wide.
PAINAUSTRALIA LIMITED
3 Manning Street,
Potts Point, NSW 2011
PO Box 3277
Tamarama NSW 2026
Telephone: (02) 9332 3448
Email: [email protected]
The Palliative Care After Hours Helpline transitioned to the Healthdirect Helpline on 21 March 2023.
NSW patients receiving palliative care, their carers and their families can call the Healthdirect Helpline on 1800 022 222 for after hours support.
When you call the Healthdirect Helpline, a registered nurse will provide free health advice and information. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Some palliative care providers have an after hours service for their patients. Patients, carers or family members should check with their palliative care service or GP for the availability of a locally provided service.
Palliative Care NSW is the peak body and leading voice in NSW promoting quality palliative care for all. Palliative care addresses physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs for people with a life-limiting or terminal illness, so they can live their life as fully and comfortably as possible.
Palliative Care New South Wales
5/414 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills NSW 2010
PO Box 487 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
Tel: 02 9206 2094
Fax: 02 9281 0157
Email: [email protected]
Parkinson’s NSW provides essential services to everyone who is affected by Parkinson’s such as Counselling, Support Groups, InfoLine, Neurological Nurses in the community – all free of charge!
Click for Information sheets on Parkinson’s Disease
Macquarie Hospital Building 17
51 Wicks Road
North Ryde NSW 2113
Positive Life NSW provides information, targeted referrals and advocates to change systems and practices that discriminate against people with HIV, their friends, family and carers in NSW.
Positive Life NSW works to promote a positive image of people living with and affected by HIV with the aim of eliminating prejudice, isolation, stigma and discrimination.
The Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia (adfa) is a not-for profit organisation working to provide support to people living with asbestos related diseases, family members, carers and friends.
Phone: (02) 9637 8759
Counselling Support Services available on our:
HELPLINE: 1800 006 196 (24 hours)
The Heart Foundation Helpline provides free personalised information and support on heart health, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
Phone 1300 36 27 87 during business hours in your capital city or email [email protected]
The Stroke Foundation is a national charity that partners with the community to prevent, treat and beat stroke. We stand alongside stroke survivors and their families, healthcare professionals and researchers. We build community awareness and foster new thinking and innovative treatments. We support survivors on their journey to live the best possible life after stroke.
StrokeLine’s health professionals provide information and advice on stroke treatment, prevention and recovery.
Call StrokeLine on 1800 787 653
Operating hours: 9am – 5pm EST, Monday to Friday