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.
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.
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.
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:
Curious about our Peer Mentors? Scroll down to explore their profiles and discover the unique stories and expertise they bring to The Wellness Initiative!
- In person within the Perth metropolitan area
- Online via Zoom/Teams or over the phone, available throughout Australia and worldwide
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
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CarynSenior 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)
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Hi, I’m Chantelle and I’m excited to get to know you and share in your journey. A huge turning point in my recovery was the idea of working towards mental wellness, as opposed to ‘fixing’ mental illness. Reframing this allowed me to stop focusing on the things that were ‘wrong with me’ and instead start to see opportunities for wellness in my life. Accepting and understanding my neurodivergent self has been a big part of this process and I think it gives me a unique perspective when it comes to understanding barriers and creative problem solving.
Bringing balance to my life by finding ways to have fun is really important for my wellness. I have a big interest in the paranormal and horror. I like lego, Pokemon and games as well as activities that keep me active, like hiking and archery. For me, recovery is about accepting yourself, focusing on your strengths and finding the things that bring you joy. I believe that everyone struggling with their mental health deserves someone who believes in them and will support them to overcome challenges while they heal, grow and build confidence. This is my passion as a Peer Mentor and I’m excited to help you identify your strengths, find what brings you joy and work towards living your best life. Did you know that Chantelle also facilitates our Dungeons & Dragons groups and can also provide Peer Supervision to workers in the industry? |
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Elsa
Senior Peer Mentor
(She/her)
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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? |
JasonPeer 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. |
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SamPeer 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? |
RhiannonPeer 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. |
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