Support groups

Support groups may be useful

Support groups exist in many areas and are often organised around issues or topics.

For example, two well known support groups are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and ARAFMI (the Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill).

There are other groups that exist as well, such as SMART Recovery, Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alateen Alateen Australia, and Gamblers Anonymous (GA). Your local Community health centre or doctor may know about such groups.

People share their experiences

Support groups are organised by people who want to share their experiences about coping with a common problem or concern. People who have the same problem or concern can join these groups and offer support to other people as well as discuss their own issues and seek support.

Groups are often organised and run by people who have not trained as helping professionals.

ARAFMI

If you wish to contact ARAFMI (the Association of Relatives and Friends of the mentally ill), they have offices in most States:

Western Australia
08 9228 0577 OR 1800 811 747 (free call within WA M-F 9am to 4:30pm)

New South Wales
Information Support and referal line
02 9332 0700 OR 1800 655 198 (NSW Only)

ACT
Mental Health Foundation
02 6282 6658 

Victoria
ARAFEMI (Association of Relatives and Friends of the Emotionally and Mentally Ill)
03 9810 9300

Carer Helpline
03 9810 9314

Queensland
24 hour, 7 days a week, support line
07 3254 1881 OR 1800 35 1881 (QLD only)

Northern Territory
24 hour, 7 days a week, service
08 8999 4945

South Australia
08 8221 5166 (Office hours: Monday, Tuesday Wednesday 9am- 5pm; Thursdays 2pm - 5pm)

Tasmania
03 6224 7247

There are other people to talk to

Lifeline (131 114) or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) should be able to help you with some numbers in your local area. You can also read about other services on this site by going through to our Who can help you section and look them up in your local phone book or check out the Yellow Pages online.