As a Peer Support Volunteer, you are a member of an Emerge Australia peer support group who helps keep your group running after the professionally facilitated sessions end.
Your role is to support the group to keep meeting in a safe, sustainable, and welcoming online space. You are not expected to be an expert or counsellor, and you do not replace the role of a professional facilitator.
Your main role is to act as Emerge Australia’s key contact for your peer support group and help ensure session requirements are met.
When your virtual support group transitions to being peer-led, we recommend sharing tasks so no one person carries the full responsibility.
Support for volunteers
You will be supported every step of the way by Emerge Australia. This is a flexible, low-pressure role designed to work within your capacity. You can:
- Complete the optional Peer Support Volunteer Upskilling Program (see details below)
- Attend monthly Peer Support Mentoring & Debriefing Sessions to connect with other volunteers and professional facilitators to share knowledge, ideas and feedback
- Access ongoing support from the Health and Support Service
Requirements and ongoing time commitment
To become a Peer Support Volunteer, you will need a computer, tablet or phone and some familiarity with using online tools like Microsoft Teams (support is available if needed). You will also need to:
- Consent to sharing your email address with your peer support group (your email address won’t be shared until your group becomes peer-led)
- Complete a police check (paid for by Emerge Australia)
- Sign a confidentiality agreement and read our program guidelines
Your ongoing commitment involves:
- Attending your peer support group sessions every 2–4 weeks
- Allowing 10–15 minutes to complete a short form after each session (so our team can follow up on any concerns)
No experience? No problem!
Our optional Peer Support Volunteer Upskilling Program is a short, self-paced online course designed for people with energy-limiting conditions. It covers:
- Why peer support is important
- Running a successful group
- Taking care of yourself while volunteering
- Managing group logistics
How to become a Peer Support Volunteer
You can start the process in one of two ways:
- Express your interest first: Our Health and Support Services manager will then be in touch. Those who volunteer will be guaranteed a spot in an upcoming virtual support group!
Click here to submit an expression of interest. - Join a virtual support group first: Attend one of Emerge Australia’s virtual support groups facilitated by a professional. This lets you experience the group before deciding to volunteer.
Click here to learn more and enrol in upcoming virtual support groups. - Interview: If suitable, you will be invited to a short online interview.
- Get started: Complete onboarding steps and begin volunteering, with support from our team every step of the way.
We look forward to your involvement in this important initiative!
