Principles of Peer Support
Peer Networks are Run by You, for You
Peer-to-Peer Networks Framework
Valued Lives has been supporting Peer-to-Peer Networks since its formation in 2013. Peer support is of great value when people in the community come together to share their knowledge and experience with others on a similar journey. Peer Networks are run by you, for you.
In 2020 Valued Lives received a grant through the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) funding round to run the Peer-to-Peer Networks WA project and while we have had an Operational Framework in place since December 2013, receiving this grant was an opportunity for us to review the framework as part of the project.
Three co-design sessions with Volunteers/Network Facilitators and other stakeholders were held in various locations around WA.
The updated version of the Framework outlined below is a result of these consultations.
Peer-to-Peer Networks Vision
People living valued lives in welcoming communities, having real choice and real control of their own lives.
Peer-to-Peer Networks Values
It’s your life
We value and respect that it’s your life. We will listen to what you say is important to you, your family and supporters. We will work with and for you to assist you to achieve your goals and aspirations.
Together we are better
Our relationship with you is of paramount importance and is based on collaboration and trust. We will partner with you and your family and supporters on a shared journey to assist you to achieve your goals and aspirations.
You're in the driver's seat
We actively support self-direction and self-determination. We believe that you should have as much choice and control as you want over the design and delivery of supports and services that you require.
We keep it personal
We are a small values-based organisation that provides personalised, holistic planning and delivery of individualised supports and services.
Relationships matter
We all need people in our lives who care about us. We will assist you to build a team of supporters who can assist you to achieve your goals and aspirations.
You are unique
We respect your personal beliefs and will provide appropriate support in a manner that is responsive to your values and cultural needs.
Life changes
We understand what works today may not be what works tomorrow! We will provide flexible and responsive approaches should your life circumstances change.
Peer support
We actively promote and facilitate peer to peer connection. We believe that people who have shared personal experiences can offer invaluable support to others who are about to embark on a similar journey.
Framework for Peer-to-Peer Networks
Valued Lives has co-developed this framework alongside members of Peer Networks, to provide guidance to those Peer Networks who choose to operate with the support of Valued Lives.
What is a Peer-to-Peer Network?
A Peer-to-Peer support network is where people come together as equals, providing support to each other because of similar experiences or circumstances in their lives.
Valued Lives supports a number of Peer-to-Peer Networks and is passionate about promoting Peer Support across Australia.
Valued Lives Peer-to-Peer Networks are largely based around supporting people and families who have experience of disability, to come together to support each other. They are not typically based around specific conditions, but we do recognise that there may be times when very specific Peer-to-Peer Networks such as Networks that support people connected to the LGBTQI community may need support to develop.
There is evidence that peer support can help people feel more confident, knowledgeable, capable, and less isolated.