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You can look after your mental health and wellbeing by spending time with people, participating in activities you really enjoy and journeying alongside people who understand and support your mental health and wellbeing journey. This is a great place to find free and subsidised community and social groups across Brisbane that can help you stay socially connected.
Many of these resources can also be found on the social connection page.
There are many not-for-profit and community organisations that run programs for older people.
A free drop-in centre where people who are doing it tough can find practical support, friendship and dignity.
A range of free, confidential community programs across Queensland, helping people deal with alcohol and other drug problems and move forward in life.
A social support group and centre-based respite for people aged over 65 years living in the North Brisbane area. Their services are free for people holding DVA cards. Operates Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm.
A search tool to help you find mental health services delivered by Stride, by location or service type, so you can find the right service for you. Some of their costs are supported by NDIS.
A support program for older people experiencing social isolation and mental health decline as a result of COVID-19. You can access the services through Home Care Packages and Commonwealth Home Support Program funding.
An annual camp in Brisbane where widowed people can spend time together, encouraging and supporting each other in their grief journeys. The camp requires registration, which is subsidised by fundraising and costs $245 per attendee.
A suicide postvention program, initiated by the Australian Government, dedicated to assisting people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide. StandBy is available 24/7 through face-to-face and telephone support.
An organisation providing anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Map of University of the Third Age (U3A) classes
University of the Third Age (U3A) is a worldwide self-help organisation promoting learning for personal enjoyment and wellbeing. U3A provides classes on a variety of topics to help older people keep their brains active, maintain their independence and make new friends. Membership costs $40 per year.
Map of community centres in the Brisbane North and Moreton Bay region
Meeting up with others and seeking support from those with similar experiences can help maintain your mental health and wellbeing. There are formal and informal support groups and networks available for you to attend.
In order to participate in some of the programs, you need to be eligible for the service through NDIS, home care packages or aged care funding. You can find out more about these programs here.
A search tool to help you find the right support group for you. Type your suburb or the kind of group you’re looking for in the search bar, or scroll through the directory.
Weekly social activities delivered at the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre that are free for people over 65 receiving My Aged Care services.
A directory providing information about senior clubs and social groups who meet regularly for fellowship, fun and friendship. Enter your suburb or postcode into the search box to find groups near you.
A network that hosts group meetings where older women find social connection and support in Mitchelton, Bribie Island, Lutwyche and Morayfield. Membership costs $20 per year.
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.
Find a Men’s Shed group near you. Men’s Sheds provide a safe space for men to meet and talk about their emotions. Each shed is different—they often meet regularly to engage with their shared interests.
There are plenty of online programs you can use to meet people who understand what you’re going through and can support you. These are especially important if you find travelling or leaving your own home difficult.
A service providing a free daily telephone call to check on your wellbeing, if you’re at risk of an accident and illness that may go unnoticed—such as falling and being unable to ask for help.
Forums where you can chat with other people who understand your experience, with health professionals in the background to make sure everything is safe and supportive.
A digital platform you can access if you are experiencing a personal crisis, contemplating suicide or caring for someone in crisis. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation, the trained Crisis Supporters are ready to listen without passing judgement and to provide support and referrals.
Community and social support groups
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.