Peer support

Peer support

Connect with others for mutual understanding, guidance, relevant information, support, and strength.

Helping Minds’ Mental Health Carer Peer Support connects you with Carer Peer Workers who have lived experience of caring for someone with mental health challenges. They offer a safe, non-judgmental space to talk, be heard, and feel understood. Peer support is not clinical therapy—it’s support based on shared experience. It can help reduce isolation, provide practical ways to cope, and remind you that you’re not alone.

Sessions are free and focus on what you need most right now—whether that’s making sense of what’s happening, building confidence to navigate services, or finding small steps to protect your own wellbeing. Peer support can stand alone or complement other supports, such as family counselling, by offering connection with someone who’s been in a similar position. You can access peer support one-on-one or in a group, depending on what feels right for you.

Services are available statewide across WA via phone or video, with in-person individual and group sessions available in Perth and Broome.

Frequently asked questions

What is mental health carer peer support?

Mental Health Carer Peer Support is a form of support where individuals who care for someone with a mental health challenge can connect with other carers. It is provided by those who have lived experience of caring for someone with mental health challenges, offering shared understanding, empathy, and practical advice.

Who can access mental health carer peer support?

Anyone who cares for a person with a mental health challenge, whether they’re a family member, friend, or partner, can access mental health carer peer support. This support is valuable for both full-time and part-time carers. The mental health challenges do not need to be formally diagnosed.

How can mental health carer peer support help?

Mental health carer peer support provides emotional support, reduces feelings of isolation, and helps mental health carers cope with the challenges of caregiving. It also offers practical advice, resources, and coping strategies from others who’ve been in similar situations.

What are the benefits of mental health carer peer support?

  • Emotional relief through shared experiences
  • Gaining practical knowledge and coping strategies
  • Building a network of support
  • Improved self-care and mental well-being
  • Reduced feelings of isolation and stress

How is mental health carer peer support different from professional counselling?

Peer support is based on shared experiences and tends to be more informal. It focuses on mutual sharing and understanding, while professional counselling is led by a licensed therapist or counsellor who provides structured therapy.

Is there a cost for mental health carer peer support

At HelpingMinds mental health carer peer support is free of charge, like the majority of our mental health carer services.

Can mental health carer peer support be done online?

Yes, some of our services can be provided either online or via telephone.

How can I get the most out of mental health carer peer support

Being open to sharing your experiences and actively listening to others can help you get the most from peer support. It’s also important to engage regularly with the group and seek additional resources or professional support if needed.

What is the difference between mental health carer peer support and Carer Gateway?

Carer Gateway is a comprehensive, government-run service that provides a wide range of practical support for all types of carers, while Mental Health Carer Peer Support is a more informal, experience-based support system specifically for those caring for someone experiencing mental health challenges.

Both services can be valuable, and many carers benefit from accessing both, depending on their individual needs

Services:
Carer Gateway: Offers a broad range of services for all carers, whether they care for someone with a physical disability, mental health condition, chronic illness, old age, or other needs. It provides practical support such as counselling, financial advice, skills training, respite care, and emergency assistance.
Mental health carer peer support: Specifically focuses on mental health carers. It’s centered around peer-to-peer support, where carers share experiences, empathy, and practical advice based on their lived experience of supporting someone with mental health challenges.

Support:
Carer Gateway: Provides professional services, including access to counsellors, respite services, and educational resources. The support is formal, structured, and offered by trained professionals or service providers.
Mental health carer peer support: Emphasises mutual support from others who have been in similar situations. It’s typically informal and based on shared lived experiences, offering emotional support and practical tips from fellow carers.

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