Tim shares how peer support helped him through a challenging time in his life. from JFA Purple Orange on Vimeo.
JFY Peer Support Network
What
In 2016, Julia Farr Youth (JFY) started a peer support network in Unley for young adults living with disability aged 18 to 35. The purpose of the group is for young people to connect with each other, share information, and get involved in their local community. Today the network has expanded to connect with a greater number of young people with peer support meetings held every month in Unley and in Salisbury.
Why
JFY recognised the power of peer support and wanted to share their knowledge and life experiences with other young people. We saw the need for a peer support program that addresses the social and community isolation experienced by young adults living with disability aged 18 to 35. JFY came up with the idea to create an opportunity for young people living with disability to come together on a regular basis and the JFY Peer Support Network was formed.
How we hope it will help
The JFY Peer Support Network is part of the core work of JFY in providing information and capacity opportunities for young people living with disability. JFY hopes to engage as many young people as possible across Adelaide and provide plenty of opportunities for network members to develop personal, knowledge and social capital so they can live good lives of active Citizenhood. Meetings are a chance for sharing knowledge, experience and practical help and for meeting peers and creating friendships.
Key features
All meetings are themed on a topic of interest identified by network members such as employment, education, sexual health, the NDIS, and self-advocacy. Meetings are hosted by Peer Connectors, who use their lived experience of disability and their knowledge to support young adults who attend. Peer Connectors are positive role-models who provide guidance and leadership to network members.
Meetings are free for young adults living with disability to attend and refreshments are provided. Please note a support worker is available to provide some personal assistance to attendees. Carers and family members may also attend if they are supporting a young person, although we do encourage them to sit back during the meeting.
Meetings
The Central peer group meets on the first Tuesday of each month in Unley at:
JFA Purple Orange
104 Greenhill Rd
Unley, SA 5061
The North peer group meets on the second Monday of each month in Salisbury at:
Salisbury East Neighbourhood Centre
28 Smith Rd
Salisbury SA 5108
Contact us
If you want further information, you can contact Project Officer – Youth, Letitia by email letitiar@purpleorange.org.au or phone 8373 8325.
What young people said about the JFY Peer Support Network in 2016:
“I feel less isolated from people with similar life experiences. It's a place to expand networks and meet new people without all of the negativity I experience from able-bodied people.”
“Before finding out about this group, I didn't have anywhere I could go and spend time with other people with similar experiences. This feels like a safe inclusive space.”
“It has given me the beginnings of a network of supports (beyond the group) and made it easier for me to deal with my newer disabilities”
“It has given me the opportunity to share my experiences with others. I like to have the opportunity to share advice and strategies that I have learnt through my life. It's been great to meet other young people.”