How can Peer Support Work help me?
Do you ever feel like life's everyday tasks are just too much? Maybe getting out of bed feels like climbing a mountain some days, or simple things like cooking dinner or going to the gym seem overwhelming. If you're nodding along, we get it—and we're here to help.
At The Wellness Initiative, our Peer Support Workers are like your personal cheerleaders. They know what it's like because they've been there too. With their lived experiences and practical know-how, they’ll be right by your side to support you in tackling those day-to-day challenges that can feel impossible right now. Whether it’s getting out of the house, preparing meals, or finding the motivation to get moving, we’ll help you take that first step—and keep you going.
We’re here to walk alongside you, helping you discover your strengths and develop your capacity to tackle challenges on your own. Ultimately, our goal is to work ourselves out of a job—not because we don't care, but because we believe in your ability to thrive without us. When you no longer need our support, that's when we know we've succeeded.
At The Wellness Initiative, our Peer Support Workers are like your personal cheerleaders. They know what it's like because they've been there too. With their lived experiences and practical know-how, they’ll be right by your side to support you in tackling those day-to-day challenges that can feel impossible right now. Whether it’s getting out of the house, preparing meals, or finding the motivation to get moving, we’ll help you take that first step—and keep you going.
We’re here to walk alongside you, helping you discover your strengths and develop your capacity to tackle challenges on your own. Ultimately, our goal is to work ourselves out of a job—not because we don't care, but because we believe in your ability to thrive without us. When you no longer need our support, that's when we know we've succeeded.
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 Support Work services to suit your needs:
Curious about our Peer Support Workers? 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 Support Workers? Scroll down to explore their profiles and discover the unique stories and expertise they bring to The Wellness Initiative!
Peer Support Worker Profiles
LeahPeer Support Worker(She/they)Hi, my name is Leah! Like anyone in a peer role, it is my journey with mental health that has motivated me to help others in the way that I myself previously needed.
’ve come to find that the best way to live a good life for me is to learn to appreciate all the little positive things each day, no matter how small they might seem! I’m passionate about helping others find the best way to live their lives, because everyone is their own unique individual and will discover that some wellness tools work better for them than others. Having worked in peer roles previously, I have seen first-hand how powerful peer work is, and I particularly like how it allows for such meaningful connection and mutual understanding. In this role I look forward to walking alongside you and supporting you to build a good life that you are excited about living. I love getting out to do sports and exercise, but I also love settling in with a book and a cup of coffee. I’m currently studying to become a Clinical Psychologist so that I can continue to provide the support and help that people in our community need. I also proudly identify as LGBTQIA+ and understand the complexities as well as joys of being a part of that community. |
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SeanPeer Support Worker(He/him)
Hi, I am Sean and I have been working as a Peer Support Worker for ten years and I love the job.
My own journey to reclaim health after being extremely unwell has been a long and most challenging undertaking. In facing my predicament I have discovered that recovery is best orchestrated by taking the ‘middle path’ of holistic health in nurturing the growth and blossoming of body, mind and spirit. I believe that despite the challenges we face, a fabulous life, full of meaning and purpose can be achieved. We have the opportunity to create the life of our dreams. his is what I attempt to bring to Peer Work. Outside of work I love playing a game of golf with friends. Nothing really beats sinking a six metre putt on a pristine spring morning. I also work out at the gym regularly and I am discovering that the fitter my body becomes the greater my mental health. I have travelled extensively in India and have a passion for Indian food. I love dining with friends with my favourite cuisine being delicious and healthy Indian vegetarian dishes. Moreover in my recovery journey my foremost interest has been the pursuit of the spiritual life. This entails daily spiritual readings and an ever increasing prayer. This has sustained me like nothing else in my life journey. I believe that with effort and determination we can reach great heights. |
JaanPeer Support Worker(He/him)I'm Jaan! I was born in Penang, Malaysia and raised on Christmas Island where I went to primary school. I moved to Perth in 2000 and have lived here ever since.
My personal lived experiences have taught me that mental health, like physical health, has a direct correlation to our quality of life as we each experience it. For as long as I can remember, I have always enquired deeply into the nature of life and how we can best live it. Whether it's through the lens of psychology, philosophy, spirituality and/or faith, I believe that examining our lives is a worthwhile endeavour. Doing so can have a positive effect on one's mental health and character if approached with sincerity. What is it that stands in the way of true peace, happiness and contentment? Questions like this are why I am passionate about my continued learning, and drawing from what I've learned over the years to accompany and support others on their own pilgrimage. Did you know that Jaan also facilitates our mindfulness sessions? |
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TiffPeer Support Worker
(She/her)
Hi, I’m Tiff! I was born and raised here in Perth, Western Australia. I come from a family where mental health challenges have been a part of our lives, and over time, I’ve experienced my own mental health journey. This has given me a unique understanding of what it’s like to face mental health challenges, both personally and while supporting others.
I started off in in nursing, which wasn't the right career for me. This eventually led me to pursue a Certificate in IV in Mental Health Peer Work. Throughout my recovery, I’ve come to understand that finding connection with a community is an essential part of healing. Through this I have found strength and growth which continues to be a guiding force in my life. Peer work highlights the importance of shared experience and mutual support and as a Peer Support Worker I believe in the power of listening, understanding, and offering support grounded in lived experience. I’ve also discovered a variety of hobbies that bring me joy, including arts and crafts, cooking, reading, op shopping, and trying new things. These have been a source of grounding and creativity during my recovery and I hope to bring the spirit of exploration and connection to my role as a peer worker. If I’m not at work, you’ll find me at the op shop or with my dogs! |
RaviPeer Support Worker(He/him)Hi, my name is Ravi! My background is Indian, but I identify more as an Australian as I was born in Perth and have lived here ever since.
Due to my own lived experiences and journey of dealing with and recovering from mental health challenges, I truly understand how unbelievably difficult and unpredictable life can be, particularly when our mental wellbeing is negatively impacting many (if not all) aspects of our lives. Throughout my own recovery journey, I have developed a deep passion for learning about and advocating for mental health, and a deep desire to help others, who are experiencing difficulties in their wellbeing and in their life, feel heard, understood, supported and connected. Because you, I, and all of us… deserve that… and more! I truly believe that feeling meaningfully connected to others (whether it be your friends, family, partner, children, colleagues, therapist, support worker, mentor, pets, and most importantly your own self) is one of the most important aspects to developing a happy, healthy, meaningful, fulfilling, and fun life. I would love to help you achieve a life like this. A life that you feel proud of. A life that YOU truly want to live. Achieving this is most certainly possible! Step by step. Bit by bit. You absolutely have what it takes! And there is nothing wrong or shameful about wanting or needing help. You don’t have to do this alone. I, and the rest of our awesome team, are here to help support you. With kindness, compassion and empathy. And plenty of fun! So, a little bit more about me. I am currently studying to become a psychologist. Other interests of mine are astronomy, earth and planetary sciences, technology and the tv/film industry. I also love cricket, golf, video games, tv shows, movies, music, dogs, hiking in nature, and spending quality time with my friends and family. |
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ElliePeer Support Worker
(She/Her)
Hey, I’m Ellie :)
To tell you a little bit about me - I enjoy spending time in nature, ocean dips, travelling, mornings in a cozy cafe, creative expression through poetry and visual arts, strength training and continuous learning. I am open minded, compassionate, resilient, quirky, intuitive and creative. All of which have been essential for my healing and growth. I have just completed my Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work and I also work part time installing and maintaining indoor plants. I am passionate about a role as a peer support worker as I want to utilise the value of my lived experience. Drawing on my personal recovery, as well as my qualifications, I aim to make a difference for others who may be experiencing mental health challenges. Throughout the process of my personal recovery, I have seen and felt the power of peer work and peer principles. I believe it is vital in fostering a deeper connection, a sense of mutual understanding and breaking down stigma in the wider community. With a trauma informed, person centred and strengths-based approach, I hope to be for others, the person I needed walking along side me. I hope to support the people I am working with to empower themselves to improve their wellbeing and live a life that is meaningful to them. |
Peer Support Worker
(She/Her)
Hello, my name is Carol and being a Peer Support Worker at The Wellness Initiative is one of the roles I enjoy here. This work brings me so much joy as I love to help people in any way I can.
When not working for TWI, I enjoy being a mum to my two beautiful grown up daughters. My hobbies are walking, cooking, reading and meditating. I have been facilitating meditation and self help workshops for around 20 years . I found many years ago that learning to breathe and meditate helped me to balance my mental health and wellbeing. These tools have become a very big part of who I am and are part of my every day wellbeing plan. Being introduced to WRAP through The Wellness Initiative, has made a significant difference in my life, and I now realise what triggers me to recluse into myself. For the past two years I feel more calm and relaxed and I am enjoying every aspect of my life. I love being a student at the school of life. The journey has led to me being much wiser and so grateful to learn more each day. Other than providing Peer Support Work, I also help at The Wellness Initiative by connecting with participants and seeking their feedback, so you may hear from me from time-to-time! Did you know that Carol also does our feedback calls and facilitates our mindfulness sessions? |
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