Sometimes the greatest comfort can be found in talking to and being with others who have had a similar experience. Every stroke affects an individual in a different way, but the emotional and physical experience will be familiar amongst people who have had a stroke.

There may be times when carers or others need to assist the stroke survivor to make contact with others for the purpose of peer support. Stroke support groups exist in many parts of Australia.

Community resources

Common organisations have been included in this section.

Strokekidz 
Strokekidz is a group that was formed to provide peer support for children and families affected by stroke. As a group we offer peer support on a personal, informative and social level. www.strokidz.com

Carers Australia
Provide information and support to carers. There is a Carers Association in each state that can provide local advice and assistance. You can ask the national office for your state details. Ph: (02) 6122 9900 (National Office) www.carersaustralia.com.au

Carer Respite Centres
Provides information on respite accommodation facilities for those with a disability. Contact 1800 059 059 (freecall).

Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre
The Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre provides referral to services and practical written information to support people who are carers. Contact your Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre on 1800 242 636.

Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service
Provides information and assistance for people injured or with a disability to get a job or return to work. Phone: 1800 277 277
Website: www.crsaustralia.gov.au

Home and Community Care Services (HACC)
In most cases, prior to leaving hospital your social worker will have talked to you and your family/carer about what services can be arranged for you when you first get home.

Assistance that may be provided by HACC includes food services, home help, home maintenance and modification, home nursing, respite, transport and a volunteer program. If you have not been linked into this program it is suggested that you contact The Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 277 277, or visit www.crsaustralia.gov.au

Centrelink
Caring has many direct and hidden financial costs, which stretch the budget. Financial assistance is available to help offset some of the costs. Centrelink offers payments to help people who are caring for someone who has a severe disability or medical condition or who is frail aged. For more information contact Centrelink on 13 2300 or visit www.centrelink.gov.au

Relationships Australia
A stroke can cause many changes to relationships. Relationships Australia (RA) is Australia's leading provider of professional services to support relationships. It is a not-for profit community based organisation.  Phone: 1300 364 277.

Legal Arrangements
There are a number of legal arrangements you may wish to make for the future. There is a Legal Aid Commission in each state and territory of Australia  (see legal aid in any telephone directory or visit www.nla.aust.net.au).

Stroke and Disability Information (Hunter) Inc. (SADI)
SADI provides education, information, support and advocacy to reduce the incidence of stroke and minimise the physical, social and emotional impact Stroke and other disabilities have on clients, their carers and the wider community.

State stroke associations

VIC - Stroke Association of Victoria
(03) 9670 1117
www.strokeassociation.com.au
  
ACT - Stroke Association of ACT
(02) 6269 2636

TAS - National Stroke Foundation office
(03) 6231 4424 
StrokeLine 1800 787 653 (free call)
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WA - National Stroke Foundation office
(08) 9346 3574

NSW - Stroke Recovery Association of NSW
1300 650 594 (toll free)
(02) 9807 6422
www.strokensw.org.au
     
QLD - Stroke Association of Queensland
(07) 3277 3838
www.strokeqld.org.au

SA - Stroke SA Inc                                              
(08) 8373 0570
www.stroke.org.au