Peer Support Groups

Peer Support Groups are groups of people with a common condition, experience, or life adversity, who come together to provide emotional and practical support to one another.

They play a key role in the promotion of health and wellbeing, community inclusion, and demonstrate the value of lived experience. As a result of belonging to a peer Support Group, individuals, families, and carers build the knowledge, confidence, and skills to manage their wellbeing and recovery.

Benefits of Joining a Peer Support Group

Connect with others sharing a similar experience

Improve knowledge of condition/self-management

Improve self-esteem, confidence, and build a sense of belonging

Decrease feelings of depression and social isolation

The Peer Support Group Experience

No two peer Support Groups are the same, and the experience will differ depending on the Group you attend. However, Groups generally have the following in common.

Generally free to attend, or gold coin donation to cover tea and coffee
Only attended by others with a similar or shared experience
Peer-led by one or more Facilitators
All members agree to a set of guidelines and procedures to ensure privacy and confidentiality
All members have an opportunity to share/participate as much or as little as they like

Real Stories from the Sector

These digital stories capture the experience of peer Support Group members, leaders, and Facilitators. They provide an insight into the benefits of being part of a Group, and what to expect when joining a Group.