Online peer support is attractive because it’s anonymous and convenient; it is there whenever a person is available. It can provide a sense of belonging, a sense of openness without judgement and it is also cost effective, free for the user, and instantaneous.
The following information looks at how a peer network might set up an online forum or inform its members about an online group and some of the issues to be aware of.
There has been a growth in online peer networks within the disability sector as people view them as an accessible, and non-threatening alternative to conventional support groups. There can be open and closed groups and usually they require an administrator or moderator to help ensure that the network is being utilised appropriately and people are being respectful of each other.
Below provides information about various Facebook groups on the basis that we know the group exists but we are not necessarily members and so we don’t know much detail about how the group operates.
Each peer network member will need to do their own research and find out what works for them. It is fairly easy to leave a group if it does not work out.
It is also worth thinking about the number of groups you join as having too many will inundate your timeline and won’t leave enough time for thoughtful and beneficial interaction and discussion.
NDIS related Facebook Groups
NDIS National Insurance Scheme
This is the official NDIS facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/NDISAus/
NDIS Grassroots Discussion
A group for people with disabilities, family members and supporters to discuss the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and what we need from it to live full lives.
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=ndis%20grassroots%20discussion
NDIS Discussion Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/120451141819700/
NDIS Chinese Discussion Group
https://www.facebook.com/NDIS.Chinese/
NDIS Matters
A place to ask your NDIS questions.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1135707456551460/
I LOVE NDIS
This group is a team made up of people who have a positive outlook on NDIS. It is a place to ask questions, offer advice and share your positive experiences with NDIS.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/376325766041728/
NDIS find-a-housemate
This group is set up to help people find NDIS housemates. You don’t have to have a disability to express an interest.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NDIS.find.a.housemate/
NDIS Self-Managing Participants and Their Families
NDIS self management is a wonderful chance for people to have more control, and to reduce the impact of disability on their lives. This is a peer led group. That means we are all on the same journey, self managing our funding, or that of a family member. The purpose of this group is for participants and families to crowd source information that is directly related to self-managing, by sharing experiences and asking questions.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/896104837175411/
NDIS School Aged Families in SA
ForPrimary and high school School Aged NDIS FAMILIES in SA only
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NDISSchoolAgedFamilies/
Autism NDIS Support
An Australian support group for people who care for or are on the Autism Spectrum and are navigating the NDIS.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutismNDISsupport/
NDIS and Me
a Facebook group for Australians with Down syndrome and their families. The group aims to help its members to get ready and get the best outcomes they can from the National Disability Insurance Scheme
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NDISandMe/
NDIS People with physical disabilities
This group has been set up for people with physical disabilities as a safe place to discuss their NDIS journeys
https://www.facebook.com/groups/128412471169083/
NDIS for Aboriginal Families
This is a private group for Aboriginal families to understand and get the best out of the NDIS. Share stories, tips on planning, pre planning and funding management.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/181267539155508/
NDIS CoS & Plan Managers Unite
A group specifically for Support Coordinators and Plan Managers, for sharing ideas, asking questions etc
https://www.facebook.com/groups/442386536130373/
The Carers Couch – NDIS Discussion
Support group for carers to share information and be suportive and to learn about but not limited to NDIS. There will be sharing of useful information, links on meetings and workshops as well as facebook live events and coffee catch up
https://www.facebook.com/groups/791031951037133/
Mental Health and the NDIS – Australia
This sister group was created to allow NDIS workers and services providers, and also those who are apart of this community group as well safe place for to be able to access support and gain knowledge to help support their own journeys
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1648487538786168/
NDIS (not Damn Interested In Seniors). = My Aged Scare
Our campaign group aims to provide up-to-date information about the support options available to older people with disability, and advocate for equality of support for those older people with disability who fall outside the NDIS.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/991072487639442/about/
Assistance Dogs and the NDIS
A support group for people with assistance dogs who are applying for NDIS funding in Australia.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/161017424430403/
More information about Facebook groups can be found here:
This blog Everything you need to know about Facebook Groups details how to create a Facebook group
It also explains how to search for groups that may interest you by using the search engine and key words
https://blog.hootsuite.com/facebook-groups-business/
This article talks about the pros and cons of running a facebook group
https://www.ptdistinction.com/blog/running-your-own-facebook-group-the-pros-and-cons
http://www.vanessa-cabrera.com/pros-cons-facebook-page-vs-facebook-group-business/
The information on this page is also available as a downloadable Quick Guide, by clicking below. There are PDF and word versions.
