How can a Peer Mentor help me?

Feeling like you're just getting through the day, but something is missing?
Life can sometimes feel like it's lacking the passion and presence we yearn for, leaving us unsure of what to do next. At The Wellness Initiative, we understand exactly how that feels—we’ve been there too.

Our Peer Mentors draw upon their unique life experiences and professional training to support you in improving your mental health and overall wellbeing. Together, we’ll explore what living your best life means to you and uncover what might be missing. From there, we'll help you implement practical strategies and Key Concepts to create meaningful change and move closer to where you want to be.

​Self-Stigma is real. 

Self-Stigma is that voice in your head that says, 'I should be able to handle this on my own,' or 'Getting support means I'm weak.' It can make us hesitate to reach out, even when we need it most, and can make us feel like we're failing in some way just because we're struggling.
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At The Wellness Initiative, we’re here to remind you that asking for help is not a weakness—it’s a brave step toward taking care of yourself. Everyone needs a little extra support sometimes, and there's no shame in that. We've walked similar paths ourselves, and we’ve created the kind of support we wish we had back then.

​With time, you'll build the confidence and tools to navigate life on your own, and that's something to be proud of—not something to feel ashamed about.
We offer Peer Mentoring services to suit your needs:
  • In person within the Perth metropolitan area
  • Online via Zoom/Teams or over the phone, available throughout Australia and worldwide
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No matter where you are, we're here to support you!

Curious about our Peer Mentors? Scroll down to explore their profiles and discover the unique stories and expertise they bring to The Wellness Initiative!

Peer Mentor Profiles

Caryn

Senior Peer Mentor

(She/her)

Hey, I'm Caryn. I'm from Scotland and emigrated to Perth 16 yrs ago. I grew up in a dysfunctional family and had an unstable childhood which led to many challenges for me. It's been a long road to being in recovery from addiction, complex trauma and the challenges that have come with that; but with support and guidance from other services and peers I finally started on my path to being well AND happy 9 years ago. 
​
For me recovery is life, it's how I live each day; some days are better than others but self- care, staying connected to people, having a routine and exercise all really help me. 

I love people! I love meeting people from all walks of life. I'm a positive person with a good dose of humour and a big heart who loves to support others to find their own happiness and true potential. 

Did you know that Caryn can also provide Peer Supervision to workers in the industry?

Chantelle

Senior Peer Mentor

(She/her)

Hi, I’m Chantelle and I’m excited to get to know you and share in your journey. The idea of working towards mental wellness, as opposed to ‘fixing’ mental illness, was a huge turning point in my recovery. Reframing this allowed me to stop focusing on all the things ‘wrong with me’ and instead start to see opportunities for good in my life, creating wellness one small step at a time.

I believe that everyone struggling with their mental health, low self-esteem or life in general deserves someone who believes in them, an opportunity to feel good about themselves and to feel hopeful about living their best lives. I am grateful to have had this in my own recovery journey and am passionate about helping others to experience this also. 

​Things that I enjoy in life include spending time outdoors, going for walks amongst the trees, camping trips, gardening, spending time with my family of pets (my cat, 2 pythons, 2 ducks and many fish) and cooking. I also love learning, trying new things and taking on challenges, all of which help me to help others in their journey to finding what's important to them, what they enjoy and overcome challenges. 

​Did you know that Chantelle also facilitates our Dungeons & Dragons groups and can also provide Peer Supervision to workers in the industry?​

Scott

 Peer Mentor

(He/him)
Hi, my name is Scott. The journey that led me towards working in the mental health industry began after having my own struggles seeking the help I needed as a young adult. I found it tough knowing where to look for support, let alone engaging with services. 

I have been immersed within an extensive support network for the last 8 years, and in that time I have supported many members of my community through their own mental health journeys. Over the years I have engaged in a variety of services myself, and while many have been beneficial, it was surrounding myself with community support that really helped me to develop more effective ongoing coping and management skills. I now find myself utilising these skills on a daily basis to offer the same support to others in my networks. 

I have a great deal of experience with Autism, and more specifically Autism in combination with physical disability. For several years, I have been the primary support for my partner who is Autistic and lives with Fibromyalgia and many other related health issues. I identify as neuro-divergent, as do most of my closest friends. I am very close to completing my psychology degree, with honours. This has been a proud achievement while balancing my own mental health, and has given me a great understanding of the non-linear nature of recovery.

​There are detours in life that we cannot have control over, and it is in these times that the support of our peers is most important. I believe that my formal education will be a benefit to my work as a peer, as it has led to me understanding what clinicians and other medical professionals focus on. It will allow me to bridge the gap between clinical therapy and peer support in a way that provides a more well-rounded support structure for participants. I hope to support you to reach your personal goals, and making mental well-being more achievable and accessible.

Did you know that Scott also facilitates our Connect2U workshop series? 

Jason

Peer Mentor

(He/him)
Hi, I’m Jason, and I proudly provide Peer Mentoring at The Wellness Initiative. I have been a peer support worker for several years, in London and now back in Australia. I have had my own lived experience with mental health and addiction issues and am a strong advocate of peer support recovery, applying it to my own recovery journey.

I’m very passionate about helping people achieve their goals and assist them in finding overall wellness and happiness in their lives. I’m a sincere and open-minded person who holds honesty and trust in high regard. I believe in the motto ‘Nobody wins unless everybody wins.’

 enjoy music, movies, reading and writing, and, although I’m not a fanatic about it, I’m a qualified personal trainer and like to keep myself healthy; with some chocolate on the side. And I love animals of all kinds. I’m really looking forward to meeting you and being a part of your recovery journey.

Elsa

Peer Mentor

(She/her)

My name is Elsa, and I am originally from South Africa. I have worked in Community Services for over ten years. I know what it feels like to be stuck, assuming everyone else has got it all together. My wellness journey excelled with peer support and 'trying softer' instead of harder. I discovered what was most important to me and then started setting goals which I achieved over time.

Daily writing is my go-to wellness tool to process experiences, track progress, practice gratitude and celebrate joyful moments in life. I enjoy walking barefoot on the beach and grass, decluttering and decorating my home and finding interesting treasures at the op shop, mainly from the 1970s.

​I believe that your strengths, together with support from The Wellness Initiative, will get you on the way to living your best life, as determined by you.  I have a talent for nudging people beyond their fears.  My ability to confidently communicate my faith in your potential will inspire you to grow and develop more than you thought possible.

Did you know that Elsa also facilitates our Vision Boarding and 1:1 WRAP Program? 

Soraya

Peer Mentor

(She/her)

Hi, my name is Soraya! After 4 years working as an accountant it became clear I was in the wrong industry.  Given my own mental health challenges I enrolled in and completed my Honours degree in Psychology. Whilst studying part-time I became involved with an organisation who provided activity, information and support groups who later asked if I would volunteer as a group facilitator, which I did for 4 years.  This led to 3 years working as a Peer Support Worker for an NGO facilitating Hearing Voices support groups in hospital and in the community. 

I have spent my last 4 years with The Wellness Initiative learning to use and adapt my skills to support individuals as a Peer Mentor.  I have completed Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training which I can explore with you on a one-to-one basis if desired. Peer Support Workers were integral in my personal recovery journey and I would love to support you in yours.  If you have a desire to study and / or work, I can support you with this too. 

I am a family and animal oriented person who loves the challenges of study, and research is a passion of mine especially mental health-related topics.

Sam

Peer Mentor

(He/him)

​Hi, I’m Sam and I have a kind and engaging personality. I truly love to meet new people and have a passion for listening and sharing what we have in common.

On my own recovery journey, I was the recipient of a peer worker who helped me to reconnect with my life and maintain my recovery. With their help, kindness and understanding I got to see firsthand the benefits a peer could make in a person’s life. It was because of experiencing these benefits and growing a found connection to the world of peer work that I decided I wanted to do the same using my lived experiences in a beneficial way. I am now in the exciting position of working with the Wellness Initiative.

​As a part of my own self-care, I enjoy exploring nature on long walks or simply getting stuck into a good video game and love anything generally nerdy. I can’t wait to meet you, listen to your story and be a part of your recovery.

Did you know that Sam also facilitates our Dungeons & Dragons social group?

Rhiannon

Peer Mentor

(She/her)

Hi there! My name is Rhiannon, and I’m originally from Finland and Wales and I grew up living in several different countries, posing its own set of challenges but also wonderful life experiences I wouldn’t change. I lived in Singapore and Switzerland before coming to Australia around 7 years ago, and I’m grateful to call this place home now!

For as long as I can remember I been passionate about mental health, resources and accessibility regarding services. My own journey with several complex situations in my life is what led me to study in this field and now peer support work as I have seen the great value of engaging and talking to “people who understand.” Peer support and connecting to people with similar journeys and struggles is one of the most valuable things that has helped me in my recovery and my enjoyment in life, and I am so excited to be a part of other people's journeys! I know what it feels like to be lonely and truly feel like nobody can understand or relate to what you are going through, and though it’s true that everyone’s experience is unique, I have been blown away by how much I have been able to connect with people on and how it has benefitted my own journey and that of those around me!

​A little bit about me, I’m a big art lover, I have grown up drawing, painting, writing and I’m also an opera singer and was initially going to pursue a music career until I found my passion for the mental health field, and I am studying psychology and counselling! I love music still and it is a wonderful wellness tool and self care practice of mine, to both listen to and create. I love animals, I love op-shopping and I love nature walks, cooking and photography. 

Where to from here?

If you've connected with one or more of our Peer Mentors and feel this service could support you, we encourage you to reach out to learn more. Prioritize your wellbeing today and take a step toward the fulfilling life you deserve.

Mental Health Peer Mentors & Support Workers 
​Perth and surrounds | WA

Community.   Growth.   Heart.   Kindness.   Personal Choice.   Sincerity.   The Lived Experience.

We hope you find your people here.

Email
​info@wellnessinitiative.com.au
​Phone
​0478 511 825
thewellnessinitiativeAU
@thewellnessinitiativeau