Connecting families affected by chronic illness and disability
Livewire.org.au 
is an online community designed especially for families affected by serious illness, chronic illness or disability where the teenager has a longer term illness.
Livewire, an initiative of the Starlight Children's Foundation, was developed to provide a safe, accepting and supportive online space for members to gain peer support and share experiences with people who understand what they are going through.
Each Livewire community is moderated and features social networking tools including chat rooms, blogs, forums and private messages. There are also entertaining and helpful articles, music, online games, videos, guests and competitions which run every week.
For information on joining Livewire, or member enquiries contact (02) 8425-5971 or email member.services@livewire.org.au
Muscular Dystrophy, MS & Motor Neurone
FlexiRest - Making Time for You
Neurological diseases are also supported by state based associations who have additional services such as respite, available to their members. We encourage you to contact the appropriate associations below.
Cancer Council NSW
Telephone support groups for cancer patients and carers
Cancer Council NSW telephone support groups offer support and information to cancer patients, their families and carers.
You can call
13 11 20 or visit their website for further information.
Caring for someone with cancer
NSW Cancer Council offers many cancer support groups and education programs for cancer patients and carers.
Support groups and other programs offer valuable opportunities to:
talk with people who are in a similar situation
share experiences and information
give and receive support
share practical tips, tools and strategies.
Visit their website or call 13 11 20 to find out more about the different services available to suit your needs.
Wig library
The wig library is at Royal North Shore hospital within the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre on Level 1 of the Acute Services Building. It is part of the CanSupport cancer support program.
NSLHD patients who are experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment are provided with a personalised wig fitting by dropping in or appointment.
Patients can borrow a wig for up to nine months at a cost of $50 however if this cost can be reduced or waived based on individual circumstances.
The wig service is used mainly by women however men are using it more and more.
Cansupport staff and volunteers will help you choose a wig, educate you on wearing the wig, wig care and provide emotional support.
A range of turbans and other headwear is available also. These are kindly donated by local groups for patients to take home.
For more information please call the wig library on 9463 1188 or 9463 1195 or feel free to drop by.
