Website update! Support and services for dementia can still be found on this website.
It has recently been updated to include services and resources to support healthy ageing.

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Mental health and wellbeing

Feelings

A dementia diagnosis can have a significant impact on your life, which can involve experiencing a range of emotions.

Talking with your friends and family about how the diagnosis is affecting you may help you work through your feelings.

There are times when it may be helpful to seek counselling from a health professional including your GP, a psychologist or counsellor.

Dementia Australia's helpline and webchat service

A telephone and webchat service that offers advice, support and counselling for people with dementia, their carers, family and friends. Operates Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm.

Dementia Australia's specialist counselling

A dementia diagnosis can have a significant impact on your life, which can involve experiencing a range of emotions. Talking with your friends and family about how the diagnosis is affecting you may help you work through your feelings. There are times when it may be helpful to seek counselling from a health professional including your GP, a psychologist or counsellor.

Alzheimer’s Queensland dementia advisory service

One-on-one support provided by qualified health professionals at Alzheimer’s Queensland over an extended period to facilitate better understanding of dementia, symptoms management and care system navigation.

Peer-to-peer online support groups

A website with information on connecting into the Dementia Alliance International (DAI) peer-to-peer support group. It's a small group of people with dementia diagnoses who discuss their experiences, problems and strategies for coping and living positively. These free online support groups are ideal for those who can't get to their local 'in person' support group or who live in isolated areas.

The Dementia Guide

An important resource for any person impacted by any form of dementia, of any age. This guide can help you learn about dementia and the treatments, support and services available. You can also order a free paperback version to be delivered to your home.

Coping with a dementia diagnosis

A guide providing information on the emotional affects of a dementia diagnosis. It provides tips on coping after receiving the diagnosis and taking steps to gain acceptance and maintain your quality of life for longer.

Mental healthcare and Medicare

A webpage providing information about the mental healthcare you can access under Medicare. This includes how to make a mental health treatment plan with your GP, so you receive Medicare rebates for a certain number of your psychologist appointments.

My Mental Health service navigation

A website and telephone service connecting you to mental health support services in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region. Operates Monday to Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm.

Search for registered counsellors

A search tool to help you find registered counsellors. Type your suburb in the search box to find counsellors near you.

Support groups

There are formal and informal support groups and networks for you, as well as your partner, family, caregiver/s and friends.

You may discover that meeting up with others and seeking assistance from those who are or have had similar situations may reassure you.

Centacare Memory Café

A place where people with dementia and carers can be themselves, share stories, discover helpful hints or simply enjoy the food and great company.

Dementia carer support groups

Online, telephone and face-to-face support groups for carers of people living with dementia. You can also join specialist groups, such as for those caring for a person with frontotemporal dementia.

Alzheimer’s Queensland

A free service for carers of people living with dementia. The carer support groups run over a 10-week period, with half-day morning teas and guest speakers.

Footprints in Brisbane Incorporated

Programs designed to develop, maintain and support social interaction, independent living, health and wellbeing. The services can be funded through Home Care Packages, the Commonwealth Housing Support Program, NDIS or Queensland Community Support Services.

Assistance dogs

A not-for-profit organisation that gifts service dogs to people in need. Through special training, an assistance dog is taught to respond to cues in ways that promote confidence and independence for people living with dementia. They can offer support and companionship when at home or out in the community. This organisation is registered under the NDIS. Long wait periods apply.

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Social activities

It's important to stay healthy by remaining engaged with friends and family, speaking to new people or trying different activities.

All About Living social support centre

A social support group and centre-based respite for people aged over 65 years living in the North Brisbane area. Operates Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm.

Ozcare St Catherine's Day Respite Centre

A supportive, friendly environment for seniors and adults with a disability. Ozcare provides additional support to people living with dementia, including extended hours (evenings and weekends) for carers looking to pursue work or study. This program is funded by Queensland Health to support working carers.

Encircle Neighbourhood Centre - Deception Bay

Encircle Neighbourhood Centres provide referral and support services, counselling, training, workshops, small adult group activities and legal services. They host regular free activities including a monthly morning tea.

Encircle Neighbourhood Centre - Lawnton

Encircle Neighbourhood Centres provide referral and support services, counselling, training, workshops, small adult group activities and legal services. They host regular free activities including a monthly morning tea.

Encircle Neighbourhood Centre - Redcliffe

Encircle Neighbourhood Centres provide referral and support services, counselling, training, workshops, small adult group activities and legal services. They host regular free activities including a monthly morning tea.

Social group activity centres for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) people

Centres that provide activities and social connections for CALD people. The centre provides group-based activities promoting physical exercises, cognitive stimulation and emotional wellbeing. This service is available through aged care funding. 'Sunshine' cognitive/dementia groups run 3 days per week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at Stafford.

Women’s support group and network - Keperra

A network that hosts group meetings for older women for social connection and support.

Women’s support group and network - Bribie Island

A network that hosts group meetings for older women for social connection and support.

Paddington Day Respite Centre

A respite centre that hosts a range of activities for senior community members to enjoy a day away from home. Activities may include excursions, guest speakers, mahjong, guided exercise programs, brain gym art, music therapy, current affairs, theatre and art discussions.

New Farm Seniors Group

Weekly social activities delivered at the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre that are free for people over 65 receiving My Aged Care services. Operates Wednesday 10am–12pm.

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Living well with dementia

A website inspiring people with dementia to live a high quality life. The site encourages you to discover new hobbies and activities and continue participating in the activities you love.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a way to socialise, keep your brain active and contribute to common good. This search tool allows you to find volunteer opportunities near you.

Volunteer with Dementia Australia

A website that shows you how to register to volunteer with Dementia Australia.

Dementia Advocates Program

An advocacy program for people with lived experience who want to raise awareness, tackle stigma and discrimination and influence decision-makers.

Search for music therapists

A search tool to help you find music therapists, as evidence shows that music therapy can improve physical and mental wellbeing. Type your suburb in the search box to find music therapists near you.

Social workers

If you need support with dealing with the changes that living with dementia present, a social worker can assist you.

They have skills in psychosocial assessment and counselling as well as being able to assist with access to community and government resources.

Social workers can be accessed through community health services and public hospitals.

Social workers may be covered by Medicare and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Search for social workers

A search tool to help you find qualified social workers. Type your suburb in the search box to find social workers near you.

Speak to a free social worker over the phone

A Centrelink phone line where you can talk to free social workers who provide counselling and information about accessing mental health support services. Social workers can also refer you to other sources of assistance and services. Interpreter services are available.

Mental health and wellbeing

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land, waterways and culture. We pay our respect to all Australian Indigenous Peoples and their cultures, and to Elders of past, present and future generations.

We would like to express our gratitude to all the healthy ageing advocates, including people living with dementia, older people, families, carers and health professionals, who contributed to the development of this portal. Thank you for sharing your stories and transferring your knowledge to make this portal purposeful and meaningful to support people in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region.