Peer Support Services Program

In the journey toward improved mental health, finding connections and support from others who understand your experiences is invaluable. Peer support and group programs provide a platform where individuals can come together, share their stories, and learn coping strategies. These connections serve as a reminder that you're not alone, even in challenging times, and can pave the way for personal growth and a stronger sense of community. In this article, we explore the benefits of peer support and group programs, and how they can be accessed through various mental health programs and professionals.

The integrated approach between Individual Recovery Support Program (IRSP) and Peer Recovery Support Program (PRSP) allows for the delivery of wrap-around supports at different levels of intensity and frequency that align to the individual's needs.

Group-based, client-led peer activities aim to assist clients to increase connection with community and others, increase social supports, decrease social isolation and support skill development and achievement of individual goals through group processes.

IMPACT Community Service's Peer Recovery Support Program is for those aged 18 years and over experiencing a severe mental health illness (either episodic or persistent) and who have had contact with mental health services within the past three months. Access to the group is prioritised for people who are not NDIS eligible.

The program is offered in 

• Bundaberg
• Hervey Bay
• Agnes Water
• Gin Gin
• Childers
• Burnett (Monto, Eidsvold)
• Maryborough

Groups can be held in different spaces, such as parks, gardens, coffee shops or community venues.

The Peer Support Worker role aims to help clients achieve their individual recovery goals formulated with their (Individual Recovery Support Program) IRSP worker, by creating and leading client focused group activities.  A willingness to share their lived experience with mental health can assist clients to focus on recovery, engagement and social connection by working through group processes.

• Client driven one-off meetings to support awareness and education
• Client Driven short groups, six to eight weeks, to support socialisation and implementation of approaches to manage mental wellness in the company of others
• Ongoing groups to sustain friendships and develop networks to manage crisis situations