Part 1: Setting up a Peer Support Group
The first video is about all the things you might like to think about before you have the first meeting of a new peer support group.
There are 6 sections. These are:
1.1 Why Set Up a Peer Support Group
1.2 Finding People
1.3 Organising a Peer Support Meeting
1.4 Finding Allies
1.5 Making it Accessible
1.6 Ace’s Tips
Enjoy the video – Part 1: Setting Up a Peer Support Group
(Image Description: A woman smiling at a man of whom we only see his back)
(For Transcript click here)
It will take about 10 minutes to watch the first video.
Now let's go back and watch bit by bit to really understand the different parts to be done when thinking about setting up a peer support group.
1.1: Why Set Up a Peer Support Group?
(For Transcript click here)
It will take about 10 minutes to watch the first video.
Now let's go back and watch bit by bit to really understand the different parts to be done when thinking about setting up a peer support group.
1.1: Why Set Up a Peer Support Group?
(Image Description:Woman talking to camera)
(For Transcript click here)
Ace says: “For me peer support is a group of experts coming together.It’s a lifestyle. … It’s being equal. It’s that mutual respect.”
George says: “Being valued is one of the biggest issues.”
If you like being with people who:
You might want to ask exactly that question at your first meeting: “Why do we want a peer support group?”
It’s a great way to find out why people came and will be a good start to finding the purpose of the group.
1.2: Finding People
(For Transcript click here)
Ace says: “For me peer support is a group of experts coming together.It’s a lifestyle. … It’s being equal. It’s that mutual respect.”
George says: “Being valued is one of the biggest issues.”
If you like being with people who:
- value who you are,
- value you for your experiences,
- listen to you,
- treat you as an equal
You might want to ask exactly that question at your first meeting: “Why do we want a peer support group?”
It’s a great way to find out why people came and will be a good start to finding the purpose of the group.
1.2: Finding People
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(For Transcript click here)
This seems to be one of the biggest issues people talk about that stops them from setting up a group: “Where will I find other people?”
Ace, Julie and George have some great tips including:
1.3: Organising a Peer Support meeting
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This seems to be one of the biggest issues people talk about that stops them from setting up a group: “Where will I find other people?”
Ace, Julie and George have some great tips including:
- Be clear on the purpose (why you want a peer group),
- Talk, talk, talk – word of mouth is powerful,
- Start with one other person
1.3: Organising a Peer Support meeting
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(For Transcript click here)
Ace sums it all up: “Peer support can happen anywhere, anytime.”
Meeting another person in a supermarket, starting to talk and then making time for a coffee the following week can be the beginning of a Peer Support group. That group can be the two of you meeting every week or it can become 20 peers getting together once a month in a community centre.
As Julie says: “A peer support group doesn’t have to be something formal, it could be a group of people getting together in the park doing some exercises.”
George reminds us that “setting up a peer support group doesn't take much resources.”A room in the library, the quiet back room of a coffee shop, or the park. These are all places where peer support groups can meet and work out what we want to do.
At the beginning, organising a peer support group is really as big as you want it to be. If you have big plans for a big meeting it takes some organising (such as where, when, how to get the word out, etc.), but if you are starting up and you don't know how big it is, just remember:
1.4: Finding Allies
(For Transcript click here)
Ace sums it all up: “Peer support can happen anywhere, anytime.”
Meeting another person in a supermarket, starting to talk and then making time for a coffee the following week can be the beginning of a Peer Support group. That group can be the two of you meeting every week or it can become 20 peers getting together once a month in a community centre.
As Julie says: “A peer support group doesn’t have to be something formal, it could be a group of people getting together in the park doing some exercises.”
George reminds us that “setting up a peer support group doesn't take much resources.”A room in the library, the quiet back room of a coffee shop, or the park. These are all places where peer support groups can meet and work out what we want to do.
At the beginning, organising a peer support group is really as big as you want it to be. If you have big plans for a big meeting it takes some organising (such as where, when, how to get the word out, etc.), but if you are starting up and you don't know how big it is, just remember:
- Peer support can happen anytime, anywhere
- 2 people can be a peer support group
1.4: Finding Allies
(Image Description: A man and three woman sitting on a table with papers and water bottles in front of them)
(For Transcript click here)
An ally is a supporter. An ally can be a person or an organisation. An ally stands by your side, they share your values and your purpose. They support you. Most importantly: an ally does not take over.
Good allies are great. They have resources and can help you with making your peer group work. Allies can assist you with:
Anyone and any organisation can be an ally, as long as they are helpful, on your side and do not take over. Peers have found allies among the following people and organisations:
1.5 Making it Accessible
(For Transcript click here)
An ally is a supporter. An ally can be a person or an organisation. An ally stands by your side, they share your values and your purpose. They support you. Most importantly: an ally does not take over.
Good allies are great. They have resources and can help you with making your peer group work. Allies can assist you with:
- helping you to get to a venue,
- baking a cake,
- helping make fliers and handing them out at an event,
- giving you a room for free,
- finding some funding so you can make your group more accessible
Anyone and any organisation can be an ally, as long as they are helpful, on your side and do not take over. Peers have found allies among the following people and organisations:
- Family members and friends
- Support workers
- Your local mosque, synagogue, church or other faith-based community
- Your local council (the local library, a councillor, a council worker)
- Community organisations (neighbourhood centres, disability services, other community services)
1.5 Making it Accessible
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(For Transcript click here)
If you are setting up a group and you want people with different support requirements from diverse communities to take part, you might have to do a bit of extra thinking and doing to make sure your group is accessible.
When we say accessible, we don't just mean a ramp or an accessible toilet. What can you do to make sure people with vision impairment can take part? What about people who speak a language other than English? What about other supports?
Julie, George and Ace talk about:
Don't make assumptions.
1.6 Ace's tips
(For Transcript click here)
If you are setting up a group and you want people with different support requirements from diverse communities to take part, you might have to do a bit of extra thinking and doing to make sure your group is accessible.
When we say accessible, we don't just mean a ramp or an accessible toilet. What can you do to make sure people with vision impairment can take part? What about people who speak a language other than English? What about other supports?
Julie, George and Ace talk about:
- Finding libraries because many of them are accessible and have quiet rooms
- Utilising the person’s NDIS package (for interpreters, or support workers who speak the person’s language or who can support someone to take part)
- Assisting people to get to the venue
- Making the room welcoming
- Having online meetings
Don't make assumptions.
1.6 Ace's tips
(Image Description: Smiling woman)
(For Transcript click here)
Checklist for: Setting up a Peer Support Group
Well done !
You have now completed Part 1.
click here to go to Part 2.
(For Transcript click here)
Checklist for: Setting up a Peer Support Group
- Be clear on the purpose – why?
- Find one person first – then, together, you can find more
- Remember word of mouth (it’s great advertising)
- Look out for allies
- Ask people what they need to attend a peer support group – brainstorm solutions to barriers together
- Find common ground
- Find solutions together
- Build on everyone’s strengths – everyone can contribute to make this happen
Well done !
You have now completed Part 1.
click here to go to Part 2.