Peer Support & Community Groups
Losing a limb and becoming an amputee leads to a range of physical and lifestyle changes and challenges for the individual and their loved ones.
People suffer limb loss every day, the most common reason being as a result of diabetes. Other reasons for limb loss include cancer, trauma accidents, infections, vascular disease and congenital differences. Limb loss does not discriminate and people of all cultures, gender, ages and differing socio-economic status can be affected. Upon becoming an amputee, or when faced with the prospect of limb loss, it can be reassuring to discuss your concerns or fears.
Limbs 4 Life
Limbs 4 Life is an independent not-for-profit organisation and the peak body for Australian amputees. Limbs 4 Life was developed to provide best practice early intervention peer support to amputees, their families and primary care-givers. Limbs 4 Life works to serve the Australian amputee population by providing access to resources and information, advocating for better outcomes for our stakeholders, delivering professional development to healthcare professionals, and promoting an inclusive community.
CONTACT INFORMATION
P: 1300 782 231
E: [email protected]
W: www.limbs4life.org.au
Amputee Association of NSW
Amputees NSW is a volunteer-based community organisation. Finding Strength Through Community.
EnableNSW (NSW Health) supports and encourages the provision of a managed peer support program by Amputees NSW for people with amputation in NSW.
Amputees NSW aims to enable people affected by limb difference to access quality support, current and meaningful information, and to better support each other.
CONTACT INFORMATION
P: 1800 810 969
A: PO Box 129 Northmead NSW2152
Amputees Queensland
Amputees Queensland is a network of amputees, their families and carers with first hand experience off the effects of amputation; wanting to support and encourage other amputees from pre-amputation through to rehabilitation and beyond. The group was started in 1984 by a dedicated band of amputees who felt alone and isolated when they first lost their limb(s), trying to accept and integrate the changes in their personal, professional and recreational lives.
CONTACT INFORMATION
P: 07 3290 4293
E: [email protected]
W: https://amputeesqld.org.au/
Tasmanian Amputee Society
The Tasmanian Amputee Society [TAS] is here to help amputees by promoting and participating in projects that bring them benefits. The primary focus of TAS is Peer Support. Speaking to another amputee can help amputees understand the pathways ahead. Peer Support links individuals (and their families) pre or post-amputation with trained amputees who have experienced living with and adapting to limb loss.
CONTACT INFORMATION
P: 0476 915 864
E: [email protected]
W: www.tasamputee.org.au
Western Australia Amputee Sports Program
WAASP is a not-for-profit charity that has emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community. WAASP has been designed for amputees to partake in various sporting opportunities, identify future athletic pathways and improve overall mobility.
Their mission is to provide personal experiences for amputees to have a great time partaking in sporting opportunities, learn new skills from both able-bodied and Paralympic athletes, as well as connecting with other amputees and their families.
CONTACT INFORMATION
E: [email protected]
W: https://www.waasp.org.au/
Disabled Wintersport Australia
The mission of DWA is to "promote and foster the advancement of participation of people with disability in winter sports in Australia, with safety and dignity."
Their vision is for “equal opportunity for people with disability to participate at all levels in the winter sport of their choice.”
DWA is the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) body responsible for adaptive winter sport in Australia. They operate at Australia's five major snow resorts across New South Wales and Victoria (Thredbo, Falls Creek, Mt. Hotham, Perisher and Mt. Buller).
CONTACT INFORMATION
P: 1300 265 730
E: [email protected]
W: https://www.disabledwintersport.com.au/