Confidence is key to living an independent and fulfilling life. But for people with disabilities, building confidence can sometimes be challenging, especially when faced with personal barriers, social hurdles, or self-doubt.
At Access Your Supports (AYS), we believe confidence grows through connection, shared experiences, and a strong support network. Our Peer Mentor Program connects National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants with mentors who are from diverse backgrounds, each bringing a unique set of interests and life experiences to the support they provide participants.
By connecting with a Peer Mentor, participants can gain valuable insights, encouragement, and a greater sense of community to help them reach their full potential in their NDIS journey.
What is the AYS Peer Mentor Program?
Our Peer Mentor Program is designed to provide practical, relatable guidance from people who have a range of life experiences, sometimes lived experiences of disability, and social backgrounds. Unlike traditional mentoring that focuses on professional expertise, Peer Mentoring is based on life experiences and helping support a more genuine connection, where participants feel truly heard and supported.
Whether someone is looking to increase their independence, develop social skills, or work towards personal milestones, our mentors offer tailored guidance to help them every step of the way. Our Peer Mentors work in collaboration with participants and lead with a participant-focused approach to their support.
How the Program Works
The key to a successful mentoring experience lies in thoughtful matching, structured support, and a personalised approach. Here’s how we make it work:
We take the time to understand each participant’s unique journey, goals, and challenges. Our mentors then work with them to create a customised plan for the Peer Mentor support – whether that means improving self-advocacy, learning daily living skills, or building social confidence.
Finding the Right Match
A strong mentor-mentee relationship starts with compatibility. We are always striving for the connection to feel appropriate and comfortable for each unique participant. We encourage being open and honest about what participants need in a Peer Mentor as this helps build a connection that is enriching for the participant. We carefully match participants with mentors based on shared experiences, interests, and personalities to ensure a meaningful and supportive connection.
Mentor Training
Our mentors undergo comprehensive training to equip them with the skills needed to provide respectful, effective support. They learn how to foster positive relationships, align with NDIS goals, and help mentees stay motivated in their personal growth journey. As each participant and disability is unique, our Peer Mentors are constantly learning and evolving in their roles from who they support and connect with while working at AYS.
Why take part in the AYS Peer Mentor Program?
Gaining Independence & Confidence
A core focus of the program is to help participants take control of their lives. Whether it’s managing daily tasks, handling responsibilities, or making important decisions, mentors offer guidance to build self-confidence and independence.
Building Social Skills & Community Connections
For some, social interactions can feel overwhelming. Our mentors provide practical support to help participants improve their communication skills, form meaningful relationships, and engage more comfortably in social settings and community activities.
Learning Resilience & Problem-Solving
Life comes with challenges, but having a mentor who understands can make all the difference. By sharing real-life experiences and coping strategies, mentors help participants build resilience and develop problem-solving skills for the future.
Achieving Personal Goals
Many NDIS participants have dreams related to education, employment, or personal growth. Our mentors provide motivation, encouragement, and practical steps to help mentees work towards and achieve their goals—turning aspirations into reality.
How to Get Involved in the AYS Peer Mentor Program
If you or someone you know could benefit from guidance, support, and shared experiences, consider joining our Peer Mentor Program at AYS.
We can support your NDIS goals through our Peer Mentoring services – explore our Peer Mentor team.
Take the first step toward an empowered future with AYS Peer Mentoring – contact us today!
