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Join a Network

This page has information about the Peer Support Networks you can join.

They are listed by state and territory, but we will provide more search options shortly. For example, groups with a specific shared interest or identity.

Please contact the Disability Support Organisation directly if the information below is not accessible for you. 

National

 

  • Limbs4Life has trained Peer Support volunteers who are available to offer support to new amputees. If you would like to request Peer Support for a new amputee, and/or know of an amputee who is interested in becoming a Peer support Volunteer, please contact them on  info@limbs4life.org.au or phone 1300 782 231. 

 

  • AT CHAT: are a team of assistive technology users conversing on all things AT: sharing AT stories, what's out there, how to get it, how to use it. 

    Our goal is to  help people’s capacity with assistive technology through peer support, knowledge sharing and peer mentoring.

    Facebook page: www.facebook.com/atchatwithus

    AT ‘Chatterbox’ closed Facebook group:

    https://m.facebook.com/groups/241407313033708

    At Chat is a collaboration with the Independent Living Centre of WA. For more information contact reception: 1300 885 886 or 08 9381 0600 
 

  • Livewire Online is a free online community powered by Starlight Children’s Foundation for young people (and their siblings) aged 12-20 living with disability, serious illness or a chronic health condition. The Livewire chat hosts listen, support discussions, and provide support without judgment. Every application is authorised with parental consent and proof of identity.

    When you’re a teenager with a serious illness, not many people really get what you’re going through – and it can be hard for siblings too. Visit Livewire anytime to swap stories, ask for ideas, and talk about whatever’s going on in your life, from operations to issues with friends and family. We have everything from a moderated chatroom (operating and staffed from midday to midnight, 7 days per week) through to competitions, an active newsfeed, live streaming, special events and regular visits from celebrity guests.

    For more information, visit https://livewire.org.au or email livewire@starlight.org.au. 

 
  • Physical Disability Australia (PDA) is a national peak membership based organisation for people with physical disability, and it is on the hunt for more members. If you have a physical disability or know someone who does then please consider becoming a member of PDA. Having more members will help PDA speak with authority when it raises issues that impact on the lives of people with physical disability.
 

PDA is actively working to ensure the needs of all Australians with Physical Disability are taken into account by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and other Federal, State and Territorial government departments. Visit the website for more information at http://www.pda.org.au/.

 To join PDA, complete and submit the form at: www.pda.org.au/register-online

Membership in PDA is free and open to all Australians with physical disability, their family members and supporters.


 

 

ACT

 

  • Advocacy for Inclusion is a non-for-profit DPO advocacy organisation in the ACT. We provide individual and systemic advocacy services to people with disabilities to promote their human rights and inclusion in the community. Our themes of individual advocacy stems from the justice space: people with disabilities in and out of the justice system, child protection (on behalf of parents with disability), guardianship and supported decision making, restrictive practices, institutional living and housing, education, the NDIS (AAT matters) and inclusion into the community.

 

We also run self-advocacy groups and provide training on support decision making for organisations and groups, with the purpose of creating cultural change in people with disabilities making their own decisions. Our resources also include court resources designed for people with disabilities navigating the court system and being prepared and a police wallet card.

For more information contact Bonnie Millen at bonnie@advocacyforinclusion.org

 

  • Imagine More has a Self managing NDIS supports Peer Support Group where people can share ideas and learn how to effectively and responsibly manage your NDIS supports without being overcome by exhaustion.

    Date: Last Friday of the month
    Time: 10am – 12 midday  Cost: Free

    We’ll be covering topics like how to:

    • Make decisions about purchasing supports so the costs of the support give you value-for-money, and can be met within your budget.
    • Set up systems to reduce the administrative overload
    • Meet obligations as an employer if you choose to employ staff directly.
    • Show how funding is used towards reaching goals at planning meetings
    For more information contact Jan on jan@imaginemore.org.au

 

South Australia

 

 
  • The Disability Elders of All Ages  peer group meets every six weeks at JFA Purple Orange in Unley. The peer group aims to build confidence and personal growth for people living with physical disability through meetings and mini workshops and to prepare for the NDIS and self-directed supports. To find out more, email Megan at meganc@purpleorange.org.au

 

  • Our Voice SA is a user-led self-advocacy group for people living with intellectual disability in South Australia. They meet monthly at JFA Purple Orange in Unley. To find out more email Ali on alisonv@purpleorange.org,au or  call 08 8373 8333.

 

  • Carer Support is a not for profit organisation providing a one-stop support service to people caring for a loved one in Adelaide’s eastern and southern suburbs. With nearly 30 years’ experience, we provide practical help, support and advice at no cost or low cost. This includes providing much-needed breaks, activities to help carers stay socially connected, and managing NDIS plans.

To Contact Us Phone: 08 8379 5777 Email: enquiries@carersupport.org.au
To Connect with Us Visit the Carer Support website.
Connect with Carer Support on Facebook.
 

 

New South Wales 

  • Community Disability Alliance Hunter is a user-led disability support organisation run for a by people living with disability and their families. Membership is free. 
     
  • PDCN (Physical Disability Council of NSW) runs Peer Support Networks around New South Wales for people living with physical disability. Find out more.

  • IDRS (Intellectual Disability Rights Network) runs a number of Peer Support Networks in and around Sydney for people living with intellectual disability and mothers living with intellectual disability. Find out more. 

  • People with Disability Australia runs Peer Support Networks in Sydney, Newcastle and Nepean/Blue Mountains. There are groups for the Deafblind community, people living with vision impairment or blindness, people living in assisted accommodation, people living with disability who identify as LGBTIQA, people living with HIV and people living with disability in CALD communities. Find out more

  • NSW Council for Intellectual Disability (NSWCID) have Peer Support Network meetings for people living with disability in Bondi Junction on the last Thursday of each month, in Newcastle on the last Friday of each month, and meetings for people living with intellectual disability in Wagga Wagga on the last Monday of each month. For more information contact Tymon at  tymon@nswcid.org.au

  • CID Connect is an online peer support network for people with disabilities and those who care for and support them. Here you can come together to get support, ask questions and learn about the changes to the disability support system in Australia. It’s free to join and easy to use. For more information contact Tymon at  tymon@nswcid.org.au




  • The Now and Next Alumni (NANA) is the first Australasian Early Childhood Intervention peer network. Supported by Plumtree,  it transforms families’ early experiences of self-direction through:

    1. Innovative visioning and planning processes

    2. Evidence based targeted learning experiences

    3. Peer collective capacity building

    4. Development of family leadership. Find out more about the network here



  •  Synapse Reconnections offers the opportunity to create personal networks between individuals with brain injury/brain disorders, as well as their family members or people within their support networks. The program provides people with an ongoing opportunity to share their experiences with a peer, or someone else who can understand and relate to the challenges that arise associated with brain injury/brain disorders. For more information contact Megan at mbaker@synapse.org.au or call 1800 673 074

  • Cafe our Way is a First Peoples Disability Network initiative to provide a safe space for Aboriginal people living with disability and Elders to come together as a community, have a yarn, share stories and build relationships. Cafe our way provides an opportunity for people to learn about how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) works and Community Connectors link participants with supports and services available in local communities. Find out more about Cafe our Way here


  • A new Peer Support Group in Penrith has formed. George Ayoub and PDCN  (Physical Disability Council of NSW) Board Member, Kevin Finlayson noticed the need in the Penrith area for a Peer Support Group and have been working together with PDCN to organise and bring the group to fruition. The meetings will be held at the Penrith City Library Theatrette, please contact George at georgeayoub@live.com.au to register your interest. 

 

Queensland 

 

  • Sunnybank Local Support Group hold a meeting on the last Sunday of the month at which there is the opportunity for people to connect together, get information and share their experiences.  People with disability living in the local Sunnybank area and the surrounding area are welcome to attend. Light refreshment provided.
    Date: Last Saturday of the month
    Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
    Place: Sunnybank Hill Library

    RSVP: By email dso@qdn.org.au or call (07) 3252 8566 / 1300 363 783
    Support: Let us know if you require a support worker, interpreter or other support to attend. Limited assistance with transport may be available upon request.

 

  • Brisbane Hot Topics Local Support Group hold a meeting for people with intellectual disability on the last Friday of the month. People living with intellectual disability in the Brisbane area are welcome to attend. Come along to connect up, get information, learn new things and share your stories. Bring a plate to share.
    Date: Last Friday of the month
    Time: 12 noon – 2pm
    Place: QDN meeting room
     
    RSVP: By email dso@qdn.org.au or phone 3252 8566
    Support: Let us know if you require a support worker, Auslan interpreter or other support to attend. Limited assistance with transport may be available upon request.
    More information is on the QDN website – www.qdn.org.au


 

Western Australia 

  • Down Syndrome WA runs a number of Peer Support Networks in metro and regional WA for new parents of children living with Down Syndrome, playgroup parents, adults living with Down Syndrome and families. They also run an Australia-wide Facebook group for people living with Down Syndrome and their families. Find out more. 

  • Consumers of Mental Health WA (CoMHWA) run a Peer Support Network called Recover Connections for people experiencing mental health issues. The group meets in-person on a weekly basis. Contact Anna on 026 200 550 or email annarichardsNLP@hotmail.com  To find out more about CoMHWA's peer groups click here




  • The Thrive Peer Network are a group of parents who come together in the Gosnells and Armadale area in south east metro Perth .  This month they held a workshop where people came together to share their experience and learn about preparing for the planning conversation in the WANDIS.  Veronica Burkin and Bronia Holyoak from Valued Lives facilitated the workshop.Connect with Thrive Peer Network on their Facebook page.

 

  • A new Southside Peer Network has been developed, hosted by Valued Lives. The monthly group will connect-up socially on Sundays each month and develop their schedule of events. To connect with the Southside Peer Network contact Hannah at hannah@valuedlives.org.au

 

  • The Speak Easy Association of WA is a Self Help and Support Group for people who stutter in WA. The Speak Easy Association of WA has three Support Groups that meet regularly in Victoria Park, Fremantle and East Perth. For more information or to join contact details are seawa@speakeasy.org.au

  

  • The Cockburn Peer 2 Peer Facebook Group provides an online platform to compliment the monthly meetings that are held in the WANDIS 

 

  • Perth Hills Peer 2 Peer Facebook Group provides an online platform to compliment the monthly meetings that are held for people who are in the NDIA Perth Hills area 

  • People With disability WA (PWdWA) is run by and for people with disabilities and aims to empower the voices of all people with disabilities in Western Australia. PWdWA is running several advocacy workshops to help people speak out, know about rights and is a chance to share your views about the WA NDIS 

 

  • Recovery Connections is a peer support group run by and for people with a lived experience of mental health issues and/or emotional distress. The Midland group in WA meets on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. Please contact Anna for more details on 0426 200 550

 

  • The Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service (KMHDS) Women's Group Derby operates in the West Kimberley on a fortnightly basis on Tuesdays from 10am to 11.30am. ConnectGroups assisted in funding the Women’s Group and provides ongoing support. The women have been enjoying the various sessions, meeting other women, learning new skills and just having a chat over cups of tea.
    If you are interested in joining the group or would like further information please contact Gaye Yu or Sarah Hill at the KMHDS Derby on (08) 9193 3605 or email Mae.Yu@health.wa.gov.au

 

  • The Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Support Group is a peer support network for foster carers based in Bunbury, Western Australia. The group has a range of speakers presenting at its monthly meetings to talk about topics such as understanding sensory issues and the use of essential oils for children living with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). They also provide information about eligibility and planning for the NDIS. For more information, or to join this group, please contact peer facilitator Gay Pritchard on (08) 9725 4464 or email gpritchard@westnet.com.au

 

  • Duchenne Connect is a DSO initiative supported by DDWA in Western Australia. Klair Bailey, with support from Piper Marsh from Muscular Dystrophy WA, hosts the group. Klair is currently developing a planning resource for people living with Muscular Dystrophy who are entering the NDIS. For more information email Klair at klair@duchennefoundation.org.au

 

  • TransFolk of WA is a peer support organisation for transgender people and their loved ones. The group has both online safe spaces and in-person support groups and social meetups for trans men, trans women, non-binary individuals, parents, and partners. To join, you can contact TransFolk at their Facebook page or email their administrator at: admin@transfolkofwaorg

 

  • The Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre (EDAC) runs an online peer support group for people from migrant or refugee backgrounds who live with a disability. The Online Peer Support Network (OPSN) is a safe space from people of diverse backgrounds, or their carers and families, to share their experiences and information. To join, contact EDAC on their Facebook page.

 

Victoria 

 
 
 
  • Brainlink  runs an 8- week peer support program called LifeMoves for people impacted by acquired brain injury and/or degenerative brain conditions. Find out more
 
 
  • Different Journeys provides a social platform for teens diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), adults diagnosed with ASD and their families to create positive connections, feelings of inclusion and linking families with services and support.  We provide monthly social events held over a dinner.  See more details on our website. Feel free to email us at differentjourneys@gmail.com  or 

    Mobile:  0490 774 068

 

  • The Pathways for Carers project is a walking group for carers of people with a disability or mental health issue. The project was initiated by a Maroondah Carer of three children with autism, Maroondah City Council, Yarra Ranges Council and Uniting lifeAssist. The walks commenced in October 2015 in Maroondah and Yarra Ranges Councils and have since expanded to other municipalities. For more information contact Fiona at fiona.burridge@maroondah.vic.gov.au 

 

  • Amaze is the peak body for people on the autism spectrum and their supporters in Victoria. The Wangaratta NDIS Peer Support Network is part of the Benalla Disability Support group that has expanded into Wangaretta. The group is currently focusing on preparng for the NDIS. For more information contact Maze at Pamela.Gatos@amaze.org.au, connect with their Facebook page or call 1300 308 699 

 

  • Interchange Outer East, through its Family Services department, runs Carer Support Groups that aim to support the wellbeing of carers by providing opportunities to relax, share resources and information and remain connected to their peers and community. The groups run across 8 municipalities in Victoria. The focus of these groups is informal peer to peer support. To find out more click here or email family.support@ioe.org.au

 

  • Down Syndrome Victoria  Down Syndrome Victoria is committed to a model of peer support and empowerment to build resilience in people living with Down Syndrome and their families. They currently have 11 groups across the state funded through the DSO initiative. For more information contact Elizabeth McGarry on 1300 658 873
 

  • Aspergers Victoria is a for purpose organisation created to support our Aspergers community. One of the key ways we build community and inclusiveness is through our support groups and our education events. Our peer lead groups provide a key opportunity to build social connections, share life experiences and challenges as well as reduce isolation. 

    Our trained volunteers with lived experience run all meetings and welcome our new members. These provide a place where you can meet others, listen, learn and share stories about your journey with Aspergers, amongst others who understand and accept you. We have groups for kids, teens, young adults, adults as well as partners/carers and parents - we hope you find a group here that matches your situation, and meets your needs. For queries please email: admin@aspergersvic.org.au  To find out more go to www.aspergersvic.org.au or Facebook www.facebook.com/www.aspergersvic.org

 

Tasmania 


  • Disability Voices Tasmania is funded by the Department of Communities Tasmania and endeavours to help people with disability work together on issues that affect their rights, and help them with training and/or resources to develop their skills and experience to have more choices in, and control over, their lives and contribute to their community.

  • The Association for Children with Disability (Tas) Inc. (ACD Tas) is a Tasmanian disability specialist family support organisation, established in 1997. We offer services across a variety of program areas, including Peer Support for young people and children with disability and their families. We are actively involved in providing and facilitating peer support networks in Tasmania and also run MyTime, which supports parents and carers of children living with a disability, across Tasmania. To find out more email admin@acdtas.com.au or call 03 6231 2466.

 

Can't find what you're looking for?

If you can't find a Peer Support Network that suits you, contact your local Disability Support Organisation to find out about other networks, or to start your own.  

Please click here and tell us if this information is out of date