Peer Support may be defined as the help and support that individuals with lived experience with a disability are able to give to one another. It may be social, emotional or practical support, and is designed to allow others to connect and listen to someone who understands their situation and has a relationship of equality.
Peer support is a skill that can be developed and can begin with having a chat, sharing your story and the highs and lows you have experienced throughout your journey. This is a great tool for those living with a disability and can be significantly effective in providing needed support and reassurance. Benefits shown include increased social integration, engagement and as a skills development tool. By chatting with someone who has been through that process and watching them continue on with their life, facing challenges head-on can be reassuring and comforting knowing that it’s going to be okay.
This type of one on one support can also be offered to help those approaching the NDIS and are unsure of how to navigate or approach it. This may be someone who is thinking of registering for the NDIS for the first time or someone who is considering transitioning from Plan to Self Managed.
How do I access Peer Support?
Conversation between peers can occur between 2 people or in a group and may occur over the phone, via internet/video link, or in person or as a more formal structured program.
Funding comes underneath the Capacity Building Supports subcategory: Increased social and community participation. What this means is, if you want a goal to include peer support you need to discuss this at your plan meeting to have it included in your plan to access.
If you’re interested in Peer Support and the benefits it could have for your emotional wellbeing, then book your tappON Peer Support Professional today via https://tappon.co/peer-support
The NDIS has also introduced the opportunity for individuals with Lived experience with a disability to provide peer support services. Shared experiences can build a strong foundation of trust and rapport. Peers can be someone to turn to ask for help.
You can also contact our concierge service to be matched with someone suitable and have a personalised plan developed https://www.tappon.co/contact.
