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THE MENIERE\'S SUPPORT GROUP OF VICTORIA INCORPORATED
The Meniere\'s Support Group Of Victoria Inc. was established in July 1991 by twenty people who had been diagnosed as having Meniere\'s disease, and who were consequently frustrated in their attempts to obtain more information about the condition. The group has grown strongly since then, and is fulfilling a need within the Victorian community. Membership is open to anyone with a personal or professional interest in Meniere\'s disease.
Aim of the group
The aim of the group is to provide a high level of community support for people who have Meniere\'s disease, and this is being achieved in the following ways:
- by collecting and distributing information
- by counselling
- by increasing public awareness of Meniere\'s disease
- by raising the awareness of doctors and other medical professionals to the problems experienced by people with Meniere\'s disease
- by encouraging research into more effective treatment and a cure
- by providing the opportunity for members, their families, and their friends, to meet in a supportive atmosphere.
Meetings
Quarterly meetings are held in the Melbourne metropolitan area and meetings for country members are held in five regional centers - Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, and Traralgon.
Guest speakers, usually from the medical profession or a health-related field, are invited to share their knowledge and suggest coping strategies which may benefit members diagnosed with Meniere\'s.
Newsletters
Newsletters are distributed quarterly and contain a wealth of information, including professional and homespun advice, articles from Australia and overseas, news and views from group members and the committee, and information about group meetings and activities.
Counselling and referral service
A confidential counselling service is available to members and their families. Members of the Meniere\'s Support Group who have undertaken a counsellor training course and have first-hand knowledge of Meniere\'s disease, are available to talk with members about problems they may be experiencing to do with Meniere\'s.
Members may be referred to other community organizations or government agencies for further assistance.
Information service
A resource and information service is available to anyone requiring general or specific information on the nature and treatment of Meniere\'s disease and its symptoms. The group maintains a library of books, articles and newsletters, published within Australia and overseas. Some information is available on audio or video tapes.
*33/133/5*
GENERAL HEALTH
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