Kindship

Oh, boy, if there’s one thing we hope for our children is friendship. Right? Well, peer support is a wonderful step in that direction. This kind of support buddies your child up to a friend or an entire community of people who can say “I get it” because they’re on a similar diagnostic journey or face the same sort of challenges. (Sounds like Kindship for our children, uh!) The benefits are obviously endless and can include improved mental and physical well-being, as well as skill development and confidence building.

Let's explore how peer support can align with NDIS goals for participants and their families:

1. Friend in the Fray: Peer support is like having that friend who's walked the path you're on. They're all ears, no judgment, just a whole lot of understanding and comforting nods.

2. Wisdom Exchange: There's nothing like a good yarn with someone who's “been there, done that”. Your kiddo can pick up those golden nuggets of advice, firsthand experiences, and coping strategies, all shared freely between peers.

3. A Boost in the Arm: There's magic in seeing someone like you making waves. It just gives you that feeling of "If they can, so can I!" It's empowering, helping our little ones feel more confident about their choices and what the NDIS has on offer.

4. G'day, Mate: That's the magic phrase. Connecting with peers dispels any feelings of being alone in the crowd, offering a solid sense of belonging and camaraderie.

5. Two Heads, One Solution: When two (or more) peers put their minds together, they're like a dynamic duo, brainstorming and problem-solving, whether it's sussing out the NDIS or daily life stumbles.

6. Support Squads: From spinal cord injuries to mental health, the NDIS has an ace up its sleeve, offering dedicated peer support groups. Here, like-minded folks can gather, chat, and learn, all while fostering that strong bond of understanding. While the NDIS doesn’t offer these services they can fund them.

7. From Bub to Adult: Transitioning into adulthood can be a wild ride. But with peer mentors who've been through it all, our young adults can glean insights on flying solo, managing the dollars, and making the most of services.

8. Navigating the Ship: For those new to the vast waters of the NDIS, there's no better guide than a seasoned peer. With their insights, they can help demystify processes, aid in plan crafting, and basically be the lighthouse in the NDIS voyage.

9. Online Chats: And for those who love a good digital chinwag, the NDIS offers online spaces where everyone can pop in, have a chat, share a story, and lend a virtual shoulder, all from their cosy couch. While the NDIS doesn’t offer these services they can fund them.

There you have it, mate. Peer support isn't just about friendship. It's about creating a tapestry of experiences, understanding, and growth, stitched together by the shared journeys of everyone involved. The NDIS recognises this, providing pathways to foster these heart-warming connections.

While I've put my heart into aligning these tips with your NDIS path, the road can have its twists. Remember, these are just suggestions. Dive in, explore, and find what truly works for you. Sending you all my best vibes!