Independent Community Support Groups
Independent community support groups play an important role in helping people living with ME/CFS and long COVID feel supported and less isolated. These groups create opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences.
All groups listed here on our website are run independently and are not funded or managed by Emerge Australia.
Requests for Support
From time to time, groups contact Emerge Australia to ask about:
- Public liability insurance
- Auspicing arrangements
These requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
If Emerge Australia agrees to extend public liability insurance or act as an auspicing organisation, there are some expectations for participating groups.
Expectations of Community Groups
While there are no formal guidelines, groups are expected to:
- Be open to all people living with ME/CFS and long COVID who wish to join, regardless of age, faith, gender, sexual orientation, or race
- Be publicly listed on the Emerge Australia website
- Be free to join (no membership or attendance fees). A small donation for shared supplies (e.g. tea, coffee, biscuits) is acceptable
- Not provide medical advice. Medical advice should only be given by qualified health professionals. Emerge Australia is not responsible for any advice or treatment undertaken
What Is Public Liability Insurance?
Public liability insurance protects your group if someone is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your activities.
It may cover:
- Injury to a participant or visitor
- Damage to property
- Legal costs and compensation claims
Example:
- Someone trips and is injured at a meeting
- Damage occurs to a venue during an event
What Is An Auspicing Organisation?
An auspicing organisation is an established organisation (usually a not-for-profit) that supports smaller or informal groups by providing:
- Legal and financial oversight
- Insurance coverage
- Governance and compliance support
- Grant and funding management
Important Information
Community groups that access Emerge Australia’s public liability insurance or we are an auspicing organisation for, are required to complete this form. This form collects key details about your group and provides consent for your group to be promoted through our communication channels.
