Peer Mentoring is the help and support that people with lived experience of a mental illness can give one another. Peer Mentors can offer a story of hope and support and assist a participant’s recovery by sharing their own experiences.  

Peer Mentoring can be immensely valuable, providing insights, hope and understanding. Often it is a unique relationship, not friendship or therapy, but filling the gap between the two. 

“As someone who has previously had an eating disorder it would have been incredible to have a program such as this to exist. In the midst of illness, it can feel like you will never be well. This program provides proof that people will and do become well.”  – Peer Mentor 

“Through the program I can safely express my feelings and emotions, challenge my fear foods in a safe environment, and be provided support and encouragement from someone who has recovered from an ED themselves.” – Peer Participant 

The Peer Mentoring Program (PMP) is a FREE program providing one-on-one mentoring with an EDV Peer Mentor who has recovered from an eating disorder. 

Participants and Mentors meet on a fortnightly basis for 13 sessions. The mentor supports the participant by working together to develop a recovery focused Mentoring Journal and undertaking activities to achieve identified goals. Common goals include engaging with community life and developing self-care.

The program aims to provide complimentary support alongside clinical treatment to help individuals sustain better recovery outcomes. 

Participants in the EDV Peer Mentoring Program will meet with a Peer Mentor fortnightly for 13 sessions. The sessions will involve many different activities that focus on strengths, practical supports and developing skills. All sessions take place in the community or at EDV.

Activity examples

Image of participant’s ‘Support Tree’ activity

Image of participant’s Words of Affirmation cards

Image of macrame rainbow created by mentor during session.

The current round of the Peer Mentoring Program (PMP) is now full. Recruitment will begin in October 2023 for the next round of PMP, which will run from January till June 2024. Please keep an eye on the webpage for further updates and information. 

Participants

If you are an adult (18+) with an eating disorder who is interested in working with a Peer Mentor, and applications are open, please complete the online PMP Participant Registration Form below.  You will need to provide contact details of your treating GP, Mental Health Practitioner (eg. psychologist, counsellor, clinical mental health social worker) and a personal/family support person. EDV will be in touch with the outcome. If the program is full you may be put on a wait list for the next round. 

Please note, if you are not currently connected to an eating disorder service such as an inpatient or intensive day program, please get in touch rachael.duck@eatingdisorders.org.au and we can discuss your treatment history. 

Health Professionals 

 If you are a health professional and wish to refer a client to the program, please feel free to contact us for more information rachael.duck@eatingdisorders.org.au or direct your client to complete the Participant Registration Form below.  You can also download and pass on the information sheet below. 

Anyone who has completed the PMP is welcome to join the Alumni Participant Group.

This is a monthly group that provides ongoing support through engagement in practical selfcare and recovery focused activities.  

You can register your interest in attending Alumni Participant Group sessions by emailing Andrew at andrew.synnot@eatingdisorders.org.au. 

For enquires please call 1300 550 236 ext. 214 or email rachael.duck@eatingdisorders.org.au.