Living with scleroderma – or supporting someone who does – can feel overwhelming, especially in the early days after diagnosis. Many people are left with questions, uncertainty, and a strong need for clear, trustworthy information.

At Scleroderma Victoria, we believe that knowledge is power. When people are informed, they feel more confident, more prepared, and more supported.

That’s why our Virtual Education Sessions play such an important role. These sessions are designed to help people feel informed, empowered, and connected – no matter where they live or where they are on their scleroderma journey.

What are Scleroderma Victoria Virtual Education Sessions?

Scleroderma Victoria runs free Virtual Education Sessions online via Google Meet, making education and support accessible to the entire community. So, make a cup of tea and let the session come to you in your very own home. Sessions are:

• from February to November
• every second Saturday of the month

Booking info for sessions below.

Each session features a guest speaker with a connection to scleroderma, such as:

  • Healthcare professionals
  • Medical specialists
  • Researchers
  • Allied health practitioners
  • Legal or financial experts
  • People with lived experience

Topics change from month to month and are guided by the real questions and issues that matter most to people affected by scleroderma.

What do we cover in these sessions?

Our goal is to share information that is useful, practical, and empowering.

Session topics cover a broad range of issues, including:

  • Managing symptoms such as cold hands and Raynaud’s
  • Understanding treatments and care pathways
  • Navigating work, finances, and accessing superannuation
  • Mental health and emotional wellbeing
  • Living day-to-day with scleroderma

While many sessions focus on medical and health-related topics, others are designed to support the practical realities of living with a chronic condition.

Please note: not all sessions are recorded. This depends on the speaker and the nature of the topic.

Why learning more about scleroderma matters

When you’re living with a rare or chronic condition, access to the right information can be life-changing.

Learning more about scleroderma can help people:

  • Better understand what is happening in their body
  • Feel more confident asking questions and advocating for themselves
  • Make informed decisions alongside their healthcare team
  • Reduce fear of the unknown
  • Feel a greater sense of control during uncertain times

Education doesn’t remove the challenges of scleroderma – but it can help people feel stronger, more prepared, and less alone.

Why virtual education works so well for the scleroderma community

Virtual education removes many of the barriers that can make in-person events difficult.

These sessions work well because they:

  • Can be attended from home
  • Reduce the need for travel and physical exertion
  • Support people managing fatigue, pain, or mobility challenges
  • Allow carers, family members, and healthcare professionals to attend
  • Are free to access, removing financial barriers to education and support

Because the sessions are held online, people can attend from anywhere in Australia – or even from overseas.

Who can attend these sessions?

Anyone. Really.

The Virtual Education Sessions are for:

  • People newly diagnosed with scleroderma
  • People living long-term with the condition
  • Family members, friends, and carers
  • Healthcare professionals interested in patient-centred learning

We strongly encourage carers, family, and friends to attend. Empowering your greatest supporters with knowledge can make a real difference.

There is no pressure to speak or participate – you’re welcome to simply listen and learn.

Can I ask questions during the sessions?

Yes. The sessions aim to share information and empower you through knowledge.

To avoid interrupting the speaker, questions are usually saved for a Q&A session at the end. This allows you to ask questions and get the information you need in a respectful, supportive environment.

If you don’t have any questions, that’s completely fine too.

When are the Virtual Education Sessions held?

  • When: Every second Saturday of the month
  • Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
  • When: February to November
  • Cost: Free

How to register for a Virtual Education Session

Registering is simple and free.

All upcoming sessions are listed on Eventbrite, where you can view:

  • Session topics
  • Dates and times
  • Guest speakers

👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/virtual-education-sessions-385419

Once registered, you’ll receive the details you need to join the session via Google Meet.

How to stay informed about upcoming sessions

You can stay up to date by:

These channels will keep you informed about upcoming topics and session details.

Final thoughts

Living with scleroderma can feel isolating – but access to knowledge and community can make a real difference.

With free monthly sessions from February to November, Scleroderma Victoria’s Virtual Education Sessions offer a safe, welcoming space to learn, feel empowered, and connect with others who understand.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone you love, or working in healthcare, these sessions are an opportunity to build confidence through knowledge.

You’re warmly encouraged to register for an upcoming session or share this information with someone who may benefit.

TLDR Summary

Scleroderma Victoria’s free Virtual Education Sessions run every second Saturday of the month from February to November and offer trusted, practical information and community connection for people living with scleroderma, their carers, families, and healthcare professionals.