Resources & Services Available

Australian Government Resources

Better Health Channel

The Better Health Channel is a Victorian government initiative that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the Victorian community. The website contains fact sheets about a range of health conditions as well as tips for healthy living, recipes for healthy eating, directories, interactive features such as quizzes and health tools, plus much more. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Centrelink

Centrelink provides information about how people with mental illness and their carers can get the support they are entitled to, including sickness allowance, disability support pensions and psychological treatment. www.humanservices.gov.au

Department of Health

The Australian Government Department of Health has a website for families, seniors, adults, parents, teenagers, carers etc. Topics covered include education and prevention, conditions and diseases, health products, rural health, services etc. www.health.gov.au

Food Standards Australia New Zealand

Food Standards Australia New Zealand has publications and fact sheets for the consumer. Formerly known as ANZFA (Australia New Zealand Food Authority). www.foodstandards.gov.au

healthdirect Australia

healthdirect provides easy access to quality health information and advice online and over the phone from a registered nurse on how to manage your condition at home. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

T: 1800 022 222 (helpline) www.healthdirect.gov.au

National Health and Medical Research Council

The NHMRC is Australia’s peak body for supporting health and medical research, development of health advice for the community, professionals and government. Also provides advice on ethical behaviour in health care and research. http://www.nhmrc.gov.au

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

The TGA safeguards and enhances the health of the Australian community through effective and timely regulation of therapeutic goods. www.tga.gov.au

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State-Specific Resources

NSW health

Information about health and healthcare services and programs for consumers and health professionals living in New South Wales. www.health.nsw.gov.au

(Northern Territory) Department of Health and Community Services

Information about services available for the health and well-being of people living in the Northern Territory. www.nt.gov.au/health

Queensland health

Information about a range of services aimed at achieving good health and well-being for all Queenslanders.

T: 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) (Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) www.health.qld.gov.au

SA health

The gateway to South Australia’s public healthcare system with information for the community and healthcare professionals.

T: (08) 8226 6000 www.health.sa.gov.au

(Tasmania) Department of Health & Human Services

The gateway to a range of health and human services provided in Tasmania.

T: 1300 135 513 (general inquiries) www.dhhs.tas.gov.au

Victorian government health information

Information about health and the provision of health services in Victoria.

T: 1300 650 172 www.health.vic.gov.au

WA health

Information about health and health initiatives in Western Australia. www.health.wa.gov.au

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Finding and Accessing Public Toilets

CCA Can’t Wait Affiliates

The Can’t Wait Card is issued to members of CCA who have been formally diagnosed IBD to help them gain access to a toilet in times of urgency. By recognising the card, retailers, businesses and venue operators allow people IBD access to their toilets when needed.

T: 1800 138 029 (Helpline) Click here for more

National Public Toilet Map

The National Public Toilet Map shows the location of more than 16,000 public and private public toilet facilities across Australia. The information provided about each toilet includes its location, opening hours, availability of baby change rooms, and accessibility for people with disabilities.

https://toiletmap.gov.au/

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Health Organisations

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) groups of Australia

This organisation provides information and support for people living with ankylosing spondylitis (an extra-intestinal manifestation of IBD) as well as their partners, families, friends, and the wider Australian community. AS has support groups in most states of Australia. www.asaustralia.org

Arthritis Australia

Arthritis Australia provides support and information to those with arthritis, as well as their families and friends. It also aims to keep health professionals informed. www.arthritisaustralia.com.au

Australian Council of Stoma Associations (ACSA)

ACSA represents the interests of 22 regional Stoma Associations in Australia. Visit the ‘Member Associations’ section of their website to find the local stoma association in your area. www.australianstoma.com.au

Australian Divisions of General Practice

The Australian peak body representing doctors (General Practitioners) throughout Australia. www.agpn.com.au

Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association

A useful site for those wanting to find an accredited hypnotherapist. www.ahahypnotherapy.org.au

Coeliac Australia

Coeliac Australia promotes the purpose and objectives of Coeliac Societies in each state. The state Coeliac Societies provide information and support to people diagnosed with coeliac disease and their families, sufferers of dermatitis herpetiformis and those medically diagnosed as requiring a gluten-free diet.

T: 1300 458 836 (Helpline) www.coeliac.org.au

Continence Foundation of Australia

This organisation is working towards a community free of the stigma of incontinence, and provides information on funding, referrals, and products. It also offers free resources to individuals and professionals to help treat weak bladder, leakage, constipation, and bedwetting.

Continence Foundation Australia also offers the National Continence Helpline Service. This is a free telephone advisory service staffed by a team of continence nurse advisors who provide information, education and advice to callers with incontinence or who are caring for someone with incontinence. The Helpline also provides information and advice to health professionals.

T: 1800 33 00 66 (Continence Helpline, 8am to 8pm AEST Monday to Friday) www.continence.org.au

Chronic Illness Alliance

The Chronic Illness Alliance (CIA) has 55 member organisations across Australia. It aims to improve health policy and health services for anyone living with chronic illness.

T: 03 8809 064103 8809 0626 www.chronicillness.org.au

Genetic Support Network Victoria

Genetic Support Network Victoria is an organisation committed to promoting the interests and wellbeing of anyone affected by genetic conditions.

T: (03) 8341 6315 www.gsnv.org.au

IBD.mindovergut.com

IBD.mindovergut.com is an online mental health service offering information, assessment, and online treatment programs (‘eTherapy’) for anxiety and/or depression for individuals with diagnosed with IBD. IBD.mindovergut.com

Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group (IA)

IA is a registered charity in the UK. Its primary aim is to help those who have an ileostomy or ileo-anal pouch following colectomy through the provision of information and support. www.the-ia.org.uk

Osteoporosis Australia

Osteoporosis Australia is a fully registered charity that aims to improve awareness about the condition in the Australian community and to reduce fractures. The organisation provides services and information to the community and health professionals.

T: 1800 242 141 www.osteoporosis.org.au

Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA)

RDAA is a national body representing the interests of rural medical practitioners throughout Australia, and works towards excellent medical care for rural and remote communities.

T: (02) 6239 7730 rdaa.com.au

YOU – Young Ostomates United

This is an Australian-based, non-profit organisation that aims to encourage support and friendship between young people with a stoma, their families and friends and to provide resource material to both new and well-established ostomates.

YOU activities include regular informal social gatherings, educational meetings, peer counselling, and supporting ostomy projects, including World Ostomy Day. www.youinc.org.au

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Support Services

Carers Australia

Carers Australia provides the latest information, research, policies and services for people caring for someone with an illness or disability, including mental illness.

T: Ring 1800 242 636 to contact the carers’ association in your state or territory. www.carersaustralia.com.au

Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS)

ChIPS is for 12 to 25–year olds living with any type of chronic illness or medical condition. It aims to provide support for the emotional impact, feelings of isolation, anger and fear that commonly occur in young people living with a chronic illness. The program is based in Melbourne at the Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children’s Hospital. ChIPS programs are also available in Bairnsdale (regional Victoria), Sydney (NSW) and Mackay (QLD).

T: 03 9345 6616 www.rch.org.au/chips

Disability Services Australia (DSA)

DSA provides information about the rights of people with disabilities and is one of Australia’s largest and most respected providers of employment and community support services for people with a disability.

T: 1300 372 121 www.dsa.org.au

IBD Support Australia

IBD Support Australia provides online support and resources for those with IBD. It is run by volunteers who have IBD or who have been affected by IBD in some way. The organisation provides a range of online resources, including online forums that offer support to others. www.ibdsupport.org.au

Self Help Queensland (SHQ)

SHQ is a not-for-profit organisation comprising a network of self-help and support groups. It carries out a range of activities that help establish, develop, promote and sustain Self Help and Support Groups in Queensland. Their aim is to support those who are seeking their own solutions to improve their wellbeing.

T: (07) 3344 6919 www.selfhelpqld.org.au

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Diet and Nutrition Services

Dietitians Association of Australia

The Dietitians Association of Australia can help you to locate a dietitian in your state or territory. Their website also offers useful tips and advice for healthy eating.

T: 02 6163 5200 www.daa.asn.au

Nutrition Australia

Nutrition Australia is a community-based organisation that aims to provide scientifically based information to help all Australians achieve optimal health through food variety and physical activity. www.nutritionaustralia.org.au

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Medication

Biosimilar Hub

Helps Australians better understand biosimilar medicines and why they’re important for our healthcare system.

biosimilarhub.com.au

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Mental Health Services

Australian Psychological Society (APS)

APS is the premier professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing over 21,000 members. One of its services, the APS Find a Psychologist Service, is an online, telephone, and e-mail service for the general public, GPs, and other health professionals who are seeking the advice and assistance of a qualified APS Psychologist. https://www.psychology.org.au/FaP/

beyondblue

beyondblue is a national not-for-profit organisation that works to achieve an Australian community that understands depression and anxiety, empowering all Australians, at any life-stage, to seek help. www.beyondblue.org.au

Parentline

Parentline provides a statewide confidential telephone counselling service to parents and carers of children aged from birth to 18 years. Professional counsellors are able to explore a variety of issues that affect parenting and relationships.

T: 13 22 89 (8am to midnight 7 days a week) www.parentline.vic.gov.au

SANE Australia

SANE Australia is a national charity helping all Australians affected by mental illness lead a better life—through support, training, and education.

T: 1800 18 SANE (7263) (9 to 5 Monday to Friday) www.sane.org

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You can help too!

If you happen to know of a useful resource or service that is not included on this page, let us know by calling CCA at 1800 138 029.

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