An Australian first, stand-alone online Long COVID Support community is launching today. Ready to help connect the potentially thousands of Victorians affected by Long COVID.
This safe online space will support people who are struggling out in the community, especially those who are experiencing isolation due to their symptoms and the taxing nature of the condition.
“Our online community differs to those that already exist on social media platforms as it has been created as a stand-alone website where people can connect without the need to be part of a broader social network,” says Andrew Mosley, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Health Issues Centre.
“In addition to co-ordinated medical care through your GP, we believe that a key step toward Long COVID recovery is to belong to a supportive community that understands, empathises and shares your lived experience”.
“Our aim at Health Issues Centre for the community is to offer peer support by connecting people with Long COVID and carers of people with Long COVID. The peer support site will also provide up to date and authoritative news as well as the latest developments in medical and scientific research efforts.”
The website will also provide information on support and services that are available for people to help them through their Long COVID journey, and for their carers and supporters.
About the service
The community – at www.longcovidsupport.org.au – is an open, online community that is free to join for anyone affected by Long COVID, including carers and supporters of those with the condition. It is also open and available for browsing without needing to formally sign up.
“In addition to anonymity of members, the group is also moderated and regularly updated by our experienced staff members.”
About Long COVID
While most people with COVID-19 feel better within a few days or weeks of their first symptoms and make a full recovery within 12 weeks, for some people, symptoms can last longer. This is called Long COVID. Long COVID is a new condition which is still being studied.
Estimates from international research of the prevalence of Long COVID vary greatly – from 4-43 per cent of those infected.i Further research on its prevalence is continuing.
Long COVID can impact a person’s health and wellbeing with a broad range of associated signs and symptoms, commonly affecting respiratory, olfactory, cognitive, joint and muscular function.

Recent statistics from the Australian Treasury have demonstrated that Long COVID keeps 31,000 Australians away from work each day.
Its prevalence is growing and despite the work being done to more thoroughly understand the underlying causes and best treatment practices, thousands of sufferers are desperately left waiting for support.
In response to this public health need, Health Issues Centre have launched the Long COVID Support online community dedicated to helping those affected by the condition.
The online community is supported by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation.
WHO WE ARE
Health Issues Centre is Victoria’s peak health consumer organisation that has been operating for over 35 years. We listen to everyday people and champion improvements to our healthcare system. We use the principles of human-centred design to make sure that health solutions address consumer needs and reflect consumer priorities.