These groups are often organized through renal units or through active members of the community wanting to connect to like-minded people locally. Kidney Clubs are support groups that are endorsed and supported by Kidney Health Australia.
Some groups organize events, fundraisers and educational activities such as guest speakers discussing disease management, nutrition, treatment types and accessing information.
aHUS Patient Support Group Australia
A rare genetic disease that affects a part of the immune system, causing blood clots to form in small blood vessels throughout the body. People with aHUS have a constant risk of sudden, life-threatening complications from damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, heart and brain. aHUS can affect infants, children or adults – many develop kidney damage and need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Apply here to join the aHUS Patient Support Group.
Posterior Urethral Valve Group
Parents of children with PUV in Australia can discuss issues, concerns or share with others in a similar situation. Moderator is the parent of a baby diagnosed with PUV at 10 days old – PUV is rare. Learn more by contacting careteam@kidney.org.au.
Facebook Groups
We have a number of Facebook groups for our kidney community to connect within. All group members are individually vetted to ensure the safety of group members.
Canberra Region Kidney Support Group
The renal morning teas are back up and running and, as previously, will alternate between Wednesdays and Thursdays on a monthly basis so that we can cater for both dialysis shifts. Details may be found on the flyer on their website here
Armidale Kidney Club
Meetings held on the 3rd Monday of every month from 2 pm to 5 pm at 115 Butler Avenue, Armidale. Parking out the back. “One of a kind community hub”. Afternoon tea provided. Meetings open to all patients affected by kidney disease and their families. No RSVP required, just drop in. Enquiries: phone Nicki on 0427 903 227.
Aboriginal Dialysis Support Group
Location: BUDYARI (MILLER) COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE, 18 Woodward Crescent, Miller NSW 2168
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm. The meeting is held every 3 months.
Contact Susan Mwangi on 02 8781 8020 or email susan.mwangi@health.nsw.gov.au to RSVP or for further information.
Eurobadalla Renal Support and Organ Donor Awareness
Enquiries: Freecall 1800 454 363 or email kidney.helpline@kidney.org.au
Hunter and Northern Kidney Association
Meet 2nd Wednesday, each month except January at 7 pm in the conference room, Wansey Dialysis Centre, 1d Dudley Road, Charlestown. Enquiries: phone Michael Jameson 0430 587 977. or hanka.enquiries@gmail.com
Central Coast Support Group, Kidney Health
Meetings held on the 1st Monday of every month from 2 pm to 3 pm at Central Coast Leagues Club Gosford, 1 Dane Drive. 2nd Monday if a long weekend. Enquiries: phone Jim 02 43884474.
Gold Coast iSpeak Kidney Group
Local contact: Lorraine Bublitz (Bubbles) on 0434 769 694 and Rachael Brown on 0411 658 347.
Fraser Coast Kidney Support Group Inc.
Local contact: Sandra Turner on 0400 864 811 sinnyboxall@gmail.com
Enquiries: Freecall 1800 454 363 or email kidney.helpline@kidney.org.au
Gympie Support Group
Enquiries: Freecall 1800 454 363 or email kidney.helpline@kidney.org.au
Local contact: John on 0447 109 436.
Maroochydore Men’s Kidney Support Group
Enquiries: Freecall 1800 454 363 or email kidney.helpline@kidney.org.au
Local contact: Peter on 0438 760 964.
Sunshine Coast Renal Social Group
Enquiries: Freecall 1800 454 363 or email kidney.helpline@kidney.org.au
Local contact: Harry 0414 368 180
Renal Social Group Morning Tea – All Welcome! This social group is open to anyone impacted by Kidney Disease, refreshments are available to purchase, look for the red balloons, see you there.
Adelaide Kidney Club
Come and join us at the next Adelaide Kidney Club. This is a free event, and we welcome anyone affected by kidney disease. This event usually runs every three months and are currently held on Sunday morning at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
To register your interest please email Stephen.Cornish@kidney.org.au We cover a range of topics and invite guest speakers. We would love to see you at the next event!
South East Renal Support Group – Mt Gambier
Join the South East Renal Support Group for an informal get together to meet fellow patients and caregivers. Catch ups due to start again in June 2024. Join the online group to find out more https://www.facebook.com/group…
Belair Coffee and Chat Group
Meets on 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10am to 12pm at Sheoak Cafe, 38 Sheoak Road, Belair. Please note: Belair Rail Station is across from Sheoak Café – if interested see train route access, timing schedule and other information at https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/timetables/view/BEL/1/1/0#
Enquiries to Joy on 08 8392 2809, 0409 975 457, or email dandjrob@yahoo.com.au
Riverland Kidney Club Meet-Up
Connect with others who have been impacted by kidney disease in the Riverland region. Everyone is welcome, send enquiries to Jason Size on 0417 811 977 or Jacque Zagotsis on 0438 839 691.
Murray Bridge Renal Support Group
Meet regularly please contact Maureen 0422 903 457 or Arthur 0408 335 668 for further information.
News of other SA regional and suburban Coffee and Chat support groups coming soon.
Tamar Renal Support Group
Meet regularly 4th Saturday in month 10.15am at Belle’s Tea Room, Macquarie Street, George Town (50km nth of Launceston). Enquiries: Kelvin on 0428 617 697 or email kidney.helpline@kidney.org.au
Tasmanian Kidney Community
Contact for this private Facebook group is Amanda Crawford – a dialyser from Launceston. Please introduce yourself when applying for membership. Apply to join here.
We are currently in the process of expanding our support groups in Victoria. If you are interested in joining a Kidney Club or running a Kidney Club in your local area, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at careteam@kidney.org.au
Dialysis and Transplant Association of Victoria Incorporated (D.A.T.A.)
Self-help group made up of people with kidney failure, their families, carers and friends. D.A.T.A. has two holiday homes located at Rosebud and Yarrawonga, equipped for home dialysis, available for use by members and their families. Find out more at www.datavic.org
Shepparton Kidney Club
This is a social get together, held on the first Tuesday of every month. Members meet at the G.V Hotel in Shepparton at 12 pm.
Local contact: Merv and Judy James on 0429 691 281
Dialysis and Renal Transplant (DART) Support Group WA
Meets on the third Thursday of the month at ‘CRANKED’ coffee shop, at the bottom of the railway ramp at Leederville Station and is on the corner of Leederville St and Oxford Rd.
For more information, contact us via email at: dialysisandrenaltransplantwa@gmail.com, via our Facebook page or by calling Shaun on 0408 956 901.
Albany Kidney Support Group
A small group of transplant recipients, dialysers, family and friends sharing information, experience and socialising. Enquiries: Shirley Harding on 0419 858 087 or 08 9844 8404 or email her at shirleyh@westnet.com.au
Many people host their own Kidney support groups in coffee shops, neighbourhood centres, parks or even online. There are no set rules; you and your members can decide.
If you’re interested in setting up your own Kidney Support Group, Kidney Health Australia can help. Get in touch with us at kidney.helpline@kidney.org.au or 1800 454 363 and start connecting with your local community today.
You can read more about starting you own Kidney support group by downloading our Kidney Connect Guide.
Meet Brad. Whilst on dialysis he had the chance to meet other living with kidney disease and hear stories from patients and their families. This inspired him to establish the The Eurobodalla Renal Support Group & Organ Donor Awareness.
