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Peer Support

 

We believe that people who have shared experiences can offer invaluable support to others about to embark on a similar journey

Valued Lives Actively Promotes & Facilitates Peer Support

For many individuals and families, Peer Support can be the most important and effective form of getting assistance. People are often more comfortable sharing knowledge, ideas and experiences with their peers through natural, informal conversations, rather than engaging formally with service providers.
Peer-to-Peer Networks

Valued Lives facilitates a peer support initiative in Western Australia

Peer-to-Peer Networks operate around a framework that has been designed with individuals and families. We use a simple model to share stories, ideas and knowledge to work through any issues where a peer needs support and advice from the network.

Peer-to-Peer Self Directed Support Network

Our Peer Networks are facilitated by families who meet regularly in the local community. Valued Lives Peer-to-Peer Network Facilitators bring together interested people to learn and share knowledge, experience and connection in a friendly environment.

They will:

  • Help you set up a Peer-to-Peer Self Directed Support Network group in your local area.
  • Provide you with information and assistance about the supports and services that may be available in your local community.
  • Assist you to exercise choice and control over your supports and services to enable you to live the life that you choose.
  • Help you to organise and set up systems to assist you to manage your own funding and support arrangements.
  • Work with you to develop your life’s vision and help create a personal plan for living a good life in the community.
  • Promote active citizenship for people with disability.

You can contact our Peer Network Project Team members, Kristie Hardbottle or Deb Rankin at peernetworks@valuedlives.org.au to find out how you can connect with a local Peer-to-Peer Network, or if you are you interested in developing a Peer-to-Peer Network.

Image description: Peers posing for photo

Peer Support Conversations

Image description: Youth peer group

Youth Peers planning their social life

Online Services

Peer-to-Peer Networks operate closed Facebook groups that provide an avenue for people to connect out-with actual meetings. You can request to join the Peer-to-Peer Networks listed below:

Image description: Confident person with support worker

Find a peer support network near you

Valued Lives Peer-to-Peer Networks are a great place for people and families to come together to share information, knowledge and experience with their peers around all things NDIS/WA NDIS/Department of Communities (formerly DSC). Our networks are facilitated by families and meet regularly in the local community.

“The Peer-to-Peer network has benefitted me and my family immensely. I got a much better understanding of the NDIS through the monthly meetings. I was supported by the peer network when I came up against a few issues with providers. I was given great advice on what to do to resolve issues in a positive way, I was encouraged and supported to self-manage my daughter’s funding which is working out very well and benefitting my daughter greatly. I am very grateful that a network like this exists and couldn’t have done it without them.”

Renae Martin

“The Hills Peer-to-Peer Network has provided me with valuable support at a time when I felt great uncertainty and vulnerability. By sharing our knowledge and experiences of the NDIA/NDIS process specifically, and other matters generally, we have been able to feel more in control and less bewildered; more confident about making the best decisions for our family member. It is extremely rewarding to be able to give support when needed, and very comforting to have such support, and to know we are not alone.”

Sally Bravos

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