Support Organisations

Cost of a local call 1300 755 632 Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm or email supportivecare@nswcc.org.au 
 
The Cancer Council NSW provides a free national telephone support group held on the FIRST and THIRD Thursdays of each month from 1.30-2.30pm (AEST).   This is the opportunity for you to talk with other people living with a malignant brain tumour in a group.
There is also a Telephone Support Group for Carers held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month 1.30-2.30pm (AEST)
 
All you need is a telephone, an hour and a quiet space from anywhere in Australia and Cancer Council will connect you to the group. 
 
You need to call 1300 755 632 to find out more and register.

This group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at a central Newcastle venue.

It is an opportunity for patients, carers and family members to share information and to meet in a friendly, relaxed environment. It is supported by a social worker and the Mark Hughes Foundation care co-ordinators.

There is plenty of parking and good coffee and cakes available.

The Dept of Neurosurgery and Cancer Therapy at Liverpool Hospital hosts a 2nd monthly education and support programme for people diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The meetings focus on various topics and provide opportunities for attendees to share experiences and discuss issues of concern in a supportive environment while enjoying light refreshments. Feel free to bring a support person along.

Dates: 2nd Monthly on Tuesdays

Time: 10 am til 12 midday

Venue: Seminar Room 2 - Education Centre Liverpool Hospital

Download the program 

The Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) is a Non-Profit, Health Promotion Charity formed in Newcastle by Mark and Kirralee Hughes following Mark's diagnosis with Brain Cancer in 2013. The Mark Hughes Foundation's mission is to raise much-needed funds for research, to create awareness, and support brain cancer patients and their families. MHF host an annual Brian Cancer Patient forum in Newcastle as well as fund five Brain Care Coordinators in the Hunter New England and Mid North Coast Health districts.

MHF Funded support recourses include:

The  CarerWell website and program has been created by mental health professionals and researchers from the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), with the support of an Innovation Grant from the Mark Hughes Foundation. CarerWell is for anyone supporting and helping someone with brain cancer. It is also for those who are caring for a friend or family member who may not be a close loved one. While various terms are used throughout the website and program, CarerWell recognises that each situation is unique.

The MHF Patient Pack is a symbol of hope, comfort and care for those diagnosed with brain cancer and their families. Each pack includes the Survivorship Diary, the Survivalist companion, meaningful MHF items, and valuable information to help patients navigate every stage of their journey with primary brain cancer.

We encourage all primary brain cancer patients or their carers to order this new invaluable resource via the MHF website.

The Survivorship Diary is a free resource for brain cancer patients and their families — designed for patients, by a patient. Reimagined and expanded, the resource is now two separate books. The diary combines practical daily support with the compassion and insight of someone who has lived the experience. Inside, you’ll find dedicated sections to record your medical team, treatment schedules, appointments, and questions. To accompany the Survivorship Diary, is the Survivalist — a comprehensive guide written with the insight of a patient and enriched by contributions from medical oncology teams, brain cancer care coordinators, surgical teams, researchers, carers, and families alike

Quest for Life Foundation provides practical, compassionate support for people living with cancer and serious illness, including brain tumour patients as well as support for carers and families. Through residential programs, workshops and online wellbeing resources, Quest offers evidence-informed tools to help people build resilience, manage stress, navigate grief and uncertainty and reconnect with peace of mind during life’s most challenging times.

Quest for Life also provide access to a number of wellness education podcasts by Petrea King and Brigit Busicchia that focus on topics that include grief, life's challenges, relationships, pain, trauma, and wellbeing.

These can be accessed here.

North Shore Private Hospital Contacts: 02-84253369

The Neuro-Oncology Information Network “NOgIN” is a support and information group for patients/carers from Westmead Hospital and Westmead Private Hospital who have had treatment for brain tumours. We also welcome any patients/carers from outside our area.