What is a peer group?
Peer groups are a place where people with disability can come to connect with others, share experiences, exchange ideas and learn from one another. They can be in person, online or both.
What happens in a peer group?
Every peer group is different. You can choose a group that suits your interests, needs and the way you like to connect. Depending on the group, you might:
- meet new people and make connections
- talk about shared experiences
- share information, ideas and practical tips
- learn from other people’s experiences
- take part in activities or events
Find the right group for you
Every peer group is different. This checklist can help you think about what matters to you, what you want from a group and what to look for when exploring your options.
Contacting a peer group
Found a group you might like to join? Get some tips for making contact, questions you can ask and what to expect when reaching out for the first time.
FAQs
A peer group is a place where people with shared experiences come together to connect, learn from each other and offer mutual support. People might share a disability, health condition, identity, caring role, life experience or another important part of their lives. Peer support is based on mutual respect and shared lived experience.
Peer support is based on people learning from and supporting each other through shared experience. There is usually no single expert. A facilitator may guide the conversation, but the lived experience of group members is central. A peer group does not replace professional, crisis or specialist support when this is needed.
No. There is no right or wrong way to participate. You might talk, listen, write, use chat or AAC, or contribute occasionally. You should not be pressured to speak or share personal information before you are ready.
It is perfectly normal to feel nervous before a first meeting. You can contact the organiser beforehand, ask what usually happens, discuss accessibility, or ask whether you can attend and listen while you get comfortable. It can take more than one meeting to decide whether a group feels right for you.