The Power of Peer Support
At it’s core, CDAH is a peer support organisation. We are led and run by people with disability, and we believe the strongest support comes from disability lived experience. We create and hold space for people with disability to come together to share knowledge, expertise and lived experience.
What is Peer Support at CDAH?
Peer support means people with similar disability lived experience coming together to share advice, encouragement, and practical help.
At CDAH, peer support takes many forms. We bring people with disability together through peer groups, social catch-ups, training opportunities, information sharing and mentoring. Whether it’s making friends, building skills, or gaining the confidence to advocate for change, our spaces are designed to be safe and inclusive, all led by people with disability.
By connecting with others who truly understand, people can share stories, learn from one another, and work together to navigate life’s challenges and celebrate successes.
What does Peer Support do?
Connection
Peer support is about feeling seen, heard, and understood. It’s a chance to connect with people who genuinely “get it”. People with similar experiences and lived experience of disability.
Knowledge Sharing
Whether it’s about navigating the systems like the NDIS, managing health challenges, or finding accessible community resources, peers offer practical advice and insights that come from lived experience.
Support
Knowing you’re not alone in your journey can be comforting. Our peer groups provide a space to celebrate wins. find encouragement during tough times, or even just a place to socialise.
Why is Peer Support so important?
- You feel understood by people who “get it”
- It builds confidence to make your own choices
- Sharing stories helps everyone find new ideas and solutions
- Being part of a peer community means you’re not alone
- Together, our voices are stronger and can create real change
- It’s a safe space where everyone is valued and respected
- Peer support brings together people from all walks of life, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
How We Do Peer Support
Peer Groups
Our Peer Groups meet once or twice a month. It's a safe space where people with disability connect, share stories, and learn from one another.
Peer Pathways
We provide personalised support from trained peers who have faced similar challenges who can help you on your journey or with any of the hurdles you may come across.
Workshops, Training and Events
Hosting educational and skill-building workshops, designed and delivered by people with disability. We collaborate with other organisations to upskill and inform our community.
Community Action
Working together to make our voices stronger and create change in systems and communities.
“It is so important this peer support, because it just opens up your mind to the possibilities that are right there in front of you, but you never saw them, because you’ve not met the people who’ve shown it to you. And that’s why I’m saying it’s life changing. It’s completely life changing”