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A consumer-run resource centre providing information, training, support and advice to consumer-run groups and projects.
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COSHG is a network of self-help and social action groups, made up of and controlled by people who are directly affected by a range of issues. Groups are involved in a variety of activities, such as meetings, information, phone support, producing news letters, social gatherings, advocacy and campaigns. COSHG acts as a clearinghouse for people who want to contact groups.
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VMIAC is the peak Victorian non-government organisation for people who have experience with a mental illness or emotional distress. VMIAC engages in a number of activities, which include information provision, advice, mutual support and self-help, individual, group and systemic advocacy, research and evaluation, and education and training.
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Tandem is the peak body for families and carers of people experiencing mental illness and emotional distress in Victoria. Tandem represents the voice of mental health carers, and the carer workforce systemically. Tandem is also the auspicing body for the Carer Consultants Network of Victoria. Their website provides access to online training for the carer workforce.
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HIC works to improve the Australian health care system by promoting consumer, family member/carer and other community participation in services. Their website provides lots of useful information for consumer and family/carer members of health service committees, as peer workers often are. (Click on 'Participate in Health')
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SHARC's aim is to provide opportunities for individuals, families and communities affected by addiction and related problems to recover and achieve meaningful, satisfying and contributing lives. SHARC provides housing, education, advocacy and family support to members of our community who have been impacted by the effects of alcohol and drug use. In some cases this is co-occurring with mental health and SHARC also provides support in this area. SHARC works with families, individuals and youth through a peer support model. SHARC's team consists of people with the combination of lived experience and professional expertise.
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The Loddon Mallee Mental Health Carers Network provides information about carer education, upcoming events and releases from government and service providers.
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Gambler’s Help North & North Western has been offering telephone based peer support for nearly 10 years in Victoria. GHN&NW is a program within the Banyule Community Health Service.
The program, “Peer Connection” is the only peer support program for people impacted by problem gambling anywhere in the world. It evolved from a group of clients participating in a psycho-educational program who said that they would like to continue supporting each other. The telephone service was piloted and has continued to develop, and is now funded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.
The service is delivered by peer support volunteers who have recovered from the impacts of their own or another person’s gambling problem. Successful applicants to volunteer receive comprehensive training through a self-paced manual with lots of written exercises and discussion points. While the volunteer works through the manual they attend regular shifts to discuss their work with the program coordinator, and learn about the role by observing and talking with experienced volunteers. Once the training and orientation has been completed the coordinator will allocate a client to the new volunteer. The volunteer will provide support calls over a 5 shift probationary period, with call planning and debriefing with the coordinator. Once the volunteer has successfully completed the probationary period they will continue to support the client and increase their case load with new clients.
For more information, click here.
