About TNA Australia Support Groups
Support Groups are the backbone of our organisation because they allow sufferers to meet and gain access to help and hope.
In 2000 the inaugural Support Group was formed in Sydney, prior to the incorporation of our organisation in 2003. The idea was offer to provide information, support and encouragement to people afflicted with trigeminal neuralgia and other facial pains, as well as to help their families and friends understand this medical disorder. Knowledge is power and understanding can be the greatest support.
In 2022 ten Support Groups affiliated with our organisation, are spread across South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. A Support Group once operated out of the ACT. In the west a number of sufferers formed a separate incorporated body, Trigeminal Neuralgia Western Australia. Why ten groups? Why not more? If you don’t have a Support Group in your area what can you do to get one going? Email on members@tnaaustralia.org.au to express an interest, ask some questions and have a chat about Support Groups and all the possible options for you or another person to get one underway.
Ten areas of Australia have a Support Group Leader who connects with the sufferers in their own geographic area. From time to time each Leader organises either a face-to-face or an online (Zoom) meeting in/from a central location and all sufferers, their carers and friends in that area or region are invited to attend. Occasionally a specialist, in a medical or dental field that is relevant to trigeminal neuralgia, joins the meeting and shares his or her expertise and encourages questions. On other occasions, a video might be screened showing various treatments and surgeries. Alternatively, sufferers might, one by one, share their memories about when their pain started, how they were diagnosed, and which treatments they have tried. On all occasions these meetings are very informal so that everyone can get the most out of them. And no-one is expected to speak if they are in pain or shy. The meetings are safe places for learning, and sharing information.
In addition to running gatherings, Support Group Leaders talk with sufferers and their carers by phone, communicate with text messages, via one-on-one online Zoom meetings and through email exchanges, depending on the circumstances and the needs of individuals.
The Objective of our Support Groups is to provide information, support and encouragement to sufferers, their families and supporters. Our Mission is to promote awareness of trigeminal neuralgia and other facial pain amongst patients, families, the community and the medical and dental professionals who treat them. Our Goal is to encourage a unified understanding and improved approach to treatments of Trigeminal Neuralgia and other facial nerve pains at a local, state and national level and to improve treatments and approaches to pain management. Our Vision is to improve the quality of life and treatment of chronic facial pain sufferers locally, nationally and internationally.
Admission to ALL support group meetings is FREE. A donation at the door is always appreciated.
If you haven’t made contact with a Support Group Leader, I recommend you check the list below and send an email or give one a call – for a phone chat to gather trigeminal neuralgia related information or to find out about a meeting. If there isn’t one in your area email members@tnaaustralia.org.au and ask about how one might be established somewhere around you.
“you are not alone”
Support Group Contacts
Email: Membership@tnaaustralia.org.au
Phone: 0414 771 587
Email: Members@tnaaustralia.org.au
Phone: 0402 982 118
Email: gaynorroberts19@gmail.com
Phone: 0413 191 268
Email: tonymacp@westnet.com.au
Phone: 0403 290 066
Email: peter.gough1@gmail.com
Phone: 0414 233 0441
Email: vicbro60@bigpond.com
Phone: 07 4956 3468
Email: members@tnaaustralia.org.au
Phone: xxxx xxx xxx
Email: members@tnaaustralia.org.au
Phone: tba
Email: TassieTNFPGroup@gmail.com
Phone: 0459 022 883
Email: noraenglish01@gmail.com
Phone: 0418 495 776
Email: tnakimodonnell@outlook.com Phone:0400 193 565
Email: mjschneider7@gmail.com
Phone: 0407 693 579
Upcoming Support Group Meetings
Due to Covid19 restrictions regular support group meetings may be cancelled or postponed please check with your support group leader to confirm the status of the meeting. Known cancellations have been removed from the Events list below.
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Committee Meeting – Sep 2023
Committee Meeting 6.00pm
Members
- Kim O’Donnell
- Lyn Donnelly – apologies given
- Angelo Trovato
- Peter Gough
- Sarah Wilkinson
- Nora English
- Susan Leaman
Please find zoom link for committee meeting 26th September 2023 @ 6pm
All SGL’s and members are welcome to join the meeting as observers. Please contact Kim on members@tnaaustralia.org.au if you would like to attend or have an suggestion you would like the committee to consider.
Lockyer Valley/ Toowoomba Online Support Group Meeting
This online zoom group meets every 2 weeks, and everyone is welcome.
The meeting is hosted by Kim O’Donnell who is also our current President.
Facebook group LINK TO MEETING to find current zoom connection url.
Gold Coast Support Group
The Meeting Rooms, Bungalows Residential Park, 325 Ready Creek Road, Burleigh Heads, QLD
Contact Peter Gough: 0414 233044
Adelaide Support Group
Brisbane Support Group
30 Ridley Road, Bridgeman Downs QLD 4035, Australia
Join Us Contact: Tony MacPherson Tel: 0403 290 066
Melbourne Support Group
Maroondah Federation Estate, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood, 3134 – Meeting room 4
Cost: A gold coin donation is welcome. Please bring a snack/plate to share if you can
Brenda Young: 0428 300 442
Alan Collard: 0408 936 231
Lockyer Valley/ Toowoomba Online Support Group Meeting
This online zoom group meets every 2 weeks, and everyone is welcome.
The meeting is hosted by Kim O’Donnell who is also our current President.
Facebook group LINK TO MEETING to find current zoom connection url.
Sydney Support Group
Last Sydney Support Group before Christmas so please wear something festive and let’s celebrate together
Saturday 4th November 2023
St.James Parish Hall. Level One
169 Phillip St, Sydney NSW
Time 10.00am – 12.00pm
Contact Angelo Trovato angelotrovato59@gmail.com
Mackay Support Group
Gold Coast Support Group
Lunch at RSL Currumbin contact Peter Gough to book
