Applications open, limited spaces, sign up now!

During 2021 NOFASD Australia has been coordinating a series of free, online, structured and guided support groups to facilitate information sharing among parents/caregivers who are living in Australia and supporting someone with diagnosed or suspected Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

The final support group for this year will commence in mid-October and those who are interested are encouraged to apply soon as there are limited places available.

The support group will meet for 90 minutes once a week over seven weeks using a mix of facilitator-led and group discussion, activities, resources, film and video clips and guest speakers. There will be a maximum of 15 participants in the group and an emphasis on respecting the confidentiality of information shared. All sessions will be conducted online via Zoom, allowing participants to engage face to face. Information sharing will include a focus on FASD across the lifespan, lived experience, managing stress, interventions and strategies, accessing supports and building your own family resilience and strengths.

The evidence-based content has been developed in conjunction with Associate Professor Anita Gibbs (PhD) from the University of Otago who is an adoptive parent, social worker, and university academic. She has both lived experience and research knowledge of FASD.

Feedback from participants in the support groups conducted earlier this year has confirmed the great value to be gained from participating in a support group with comments such as:

“Putting all the pieces together to help give me a much fuller understanding of the disability.”

“Realising that we as a family are not the only ones going through this and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

“Being in a group of people who understand, and the facilitator having lived experience. Access to information and resources in a structured way. Positive but realistic approach.”

Participation in the support group is free, but participants are required to commit to all 7 sessions to gain full value from the training. A certificate of completion will be sent at the conclusion.

NOFASD is now inviting applications by those who are interested in participating in the seven-week support group program. This is a no blame, no shame course run by professionally qualified parents who have experience of FASD.

To find out more and to register your interest, send us a message on our contact page.