Support Groups

These are groups that meet face to face. Some of them are run through MDANZ and others are run by members.

Nationwide

Livewire

Livewire is a free, safe and fun online community for young people aged over 10 and under 21 years living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or a disability. Go to their website to join, or to speak to someone please call the Livewire support team on 0800 000 680 (11am – 7pm) or send them an email. Check out this video to get an idea of what this community is all about.

Myotonic Dystrophy

There is a Myotonic Dystrophy support group on Facebook for people who have DM, and families/caregivers of those who have the disorder (all types – DM1, DM2 and Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy). The group was created so people can support each other, ask questions, offer advice etc. The admins are Muscular Dystrophy Northern member Yaz Dolbel-Neville, and former fieldworker Darian Smith.

Northern Region Support Groups

Auckland

The Wilson Home Trust supports and enhances the lives of physically disabled children, young adults up to the age of 22 and their whanau in the top half of the North Island. The trust offers the following services:
– Grant Funding – Including equipment/activities, holidays, wellbeing and emergency assistance
– Information and Support
– Hydrotherapy
– Parent/Carer Activities
– Equipment Demonstrations.
For more information go to www.wilsonhometrust.org.nz, phone 0800 948 787 or 09 488 0126, or email info@wilsonhometrust.org.nz.

IBM Support Group

The IBM Gathering happens approximately three times per year and is primarily for people in Auckland with IBM. These gatherings are held at Rehab Plus in Point Chevalier from noon-2pm. It is a positive support group where attendees use the space as a forum to share and socialize, often over a shared lunch. Guest speakers attend from time to time. Anyone with IBM or anyone who has family/friends with IBM is welcome to attend. Notes from previous meetings are sent out to members who are unable to attend. For more information on this group, please email support@mdn.org.nz.

Hamilton Coffee Group

Muscular Dystrophy Northern’s Hamilton coffee group meets at Palmers Garden Centre café, Rototuna on the second Wednesday of the month at 10.30am. For more information email support@mdn.org.nz.

South Island Region Support Groups

Papanui Coffee Group – Christchurch

The Papanui Coffee Group meets on the first Saturday of the month at Columbus Café in Mitre 10 Mega, Papanui at 10am. Please contact Vivienne Fitzgerald on 022 304 6840 or email: southern@mda.org.nz

Riccarton Coffee Group – Christchurch

The Riccarton Coffee Group meets at Moko Café inside the Bush Inn Mall on Riccarton Road on the second Saturday of the month at 10am. Please contact Kim Russell on 021 102 1448 or email: garyandkim716@gmail.com

Rangiora Coffee Group

The Rangiora Coffee Group meets at the Rangiora RSA on Victoria Street, Rangiora on the last Wednesday of the month at 2pm. Please contact Bruce Dodd on 027 4499 794 or email: bruce.dodd3@gmail.com

Timaru/South Canterbury Coffee Group

For information about the Timaru/South Canterbury Coffee Group, please contact Vivienne Fitzgerald on 022 304 6840 or email: southern@mda.org.nz

Nelson Coffee Group

The Nelson Coffee Group meets every 6 weeks at Pic’s Peanut Butter Factory Café. For more information and dates please contact Kevin Page on 03 544 7586 or Jane Hazlett on 027 205 5586 or email: jane.hazlett@mda.org.nz

Blenheim Coffee Group

The Blenheim Coffee Group meets at Revive Café in Springlands. For more information and dates please contact Jane Hazlett on 027 205 5586 or email: jane.hazlett@mda.org.nz

West Coast Coffee Group

For more information and meeting dates for the West Coast Coffee Group, please contact Chanel Sluys on 021 042 7771 or email: cjsluys@live.com

All other South Island events – please contact Vivienne Fitzgerald on 022 304 6840 or email: southern@mda.org.nz