The AFTDA and Dementia Australia facilitate several support groups for carers. FTD is a rare dementia which is not widely understood. As such, family caregivers often report feeling significant isolation. Support groups provide an essential opportunity for carers to meet and share their experiences in a group setting.
Currently, there are support groups in NSW, WA, QLD, VIC, and TAS. All FTD support groups have two facilitators including one who is an expert in FTD.
The support groups are based off an empowerment and education model whereby carers are provided with information on FTD which includes presentations from professionals with experience in the field. Carers are also encouraged to maintain contact outside of the groups to allow for further social support.
Note: these group meetings are for carers only, not for persons with FTD
Carers must be referred to the groups before attending, either by contacting the Dementia Australia helpline themselves or through an external referral agency.
To refer to these groups, please contact Dementia Australia’s National Dementia Helpline, on 1800 100 500, Monday-Friday 9-5, or email: [email protected]
Current Health Professional Facilitated FTD Specific Carer Support Groups (this may be out of date as our organisation is currently in a care taker advisory board mode having passed running the groups on to Dementia Australia).
Tasmania – Dementia Australia office Hobart
Every second Tuesday of the month, 11am – 1pm
Victoria, Melbourne – Dementia Australia, Hawthorn
First Friday of each month, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Victoria, Gippsland – Warragul
3rd Thursday of the month, every second month, 3 – 4.30pm
NSW, Sydney – Dementia Australia N. Ryde office
3rd Tuesday of the month, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Victoria, Barwon – Dementia Australia, Geelong
1st Tuesdays of each month, 10:30am – 12pm
Victoria, Shepparton – Dementia Australia, Shepparton
1st Thursday of each month
Victoria, Ballarat – Dementia Australia, Ballarat
Tuesdays once a month, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Victoria, Bendigo (Loddon Mallee) – Dementia Australia, Bendigo
Last Tuesday of each month, 10.30-12.30
Current FTD Peer Support and Social Groups (this may be out of date as our organisation is currently in a care taker advisory board mode having passed running the groups on to Dementia Australia).
Victoria, Melbourne – Dementia Australia, Hawthorn
Last Monday of every second month, intervening month group meets socially
NSW, Sydney – Randwick and Central Sydney
Monthly. Contact Deb Law on [email protected] or ph: 0422688464 NB unlike other DA groups, this group is a social group convened by a community member, Deb Laws (not under DA umbrella)
If you would like to donate towards the National roll out of FTD support groups, please go to our donations page.
If you are interested in helping us establish an FTD support group in your state/territory, please contact Dementia Australia’s National FTD