No two journeys are the same for people with an intellectual disability and their families, which is why it is important to have the right peer support and to speak with people with similar experiences. Parent to Parent facilitates peer support activities through its Stand by Me (SbM) program in the Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Brisbane regions.
Parent to Parent provides support at two levels – by parents for parents and through peer support for people with intellectual disabilities. Our team brings both lived and professional experience of disability enabling us to share valuable information, resources and connections within a supportive community.
Parent to Parent provides peer support to people with disabilities through its Inclusive Connection Network, an online network that is led by people with intellectual disabilities.
What is Peer Support?
Peer support is when people come together to share their experiences and common interests.
Building and being part of a peer support network helps strengthen the resilience of families and creates a stronger, more inclusive community for everyone. It provides opportunities to develop new friendships with people who understand their journey.
Peer support group members share practical tips on topics including establishing routines, finding useful services, and strategies that have worked for them. This helps families to have as much information available to them as possible when making decisions.
Peer support groups are also a great way of sharing access to resources. There are many services and programs available, and it can be overwhelming trying to navigate them all. Parent to Parent provides information and resources through their website or on request.
Stand by Me peer activities may include workshops, forums or information sessions with guest speakers. Participating in these events can help families increase their skills and better understand available resources and build a stronger community.
In addition to Stand by Me peer activities, Parent to Parent also supports the Loud and Clear Qld (LnCQld) self-advocacy group for people with intellectual disabilities who live on the Sunshine Coast. LnCQld members speak up for their rights and those of other people with intellectual disabilities. They do this through participating in consultations including the Disability Royal Commission, and the NDIS Review as well as attending meetings at Local, State and Federal Government levels.
If you are interested in being part of a Peer Group, an Online Peer Network or Loud and Clear Qld, go to our website or phone our office on 1800 777 723.