Background
What is peer support?
The Peers for Progress Model describes peer support as “practical, social, emotional, ongoing support from a person who shares similar experiences with a disease or health problem.”
Arthritis Assist Peer-Mentors provide support to people in NSW living with arthritis through active listening, sharing personal experiences, and by helping to find and access suitable information and services to support living well with arthritis.
How is the program funded?
Arthritis Assist is funded through the generous support of Arthritis NSW’s donors.
How it works
How does Arthritis Assist work?
When you register your interest in speaking with a Peer-Mentor, we’ll ask you to complete a few questions to tell us a little about yourself. We then use this information to match you with one of our trained Peer-Mentors that closely shares similarities with you.
Your Peer-Mentor will give you a call at a time that best suits you. They’ll get to know you a little and listen to what you’re going through.
Everyone’s situation is different, and so is their support needs. Peer-Mentors tailor their support to each person they speak with. They may share their own experiences and tips, help to answer your questions, assist you in setting goals or taking actionable steps to take control of your arthritis. Or, they may simply just listen.
You can organise up to 6 initial calls with your Peer-Mentor.
How will I be matched with a Peer-Mentor?
When you register your interest in speaking with a Peer-Mentor, we’ll ask you to complete a few questions to tell us a little about yourself. We then use this information to match you with one of our trained Peer-Mentors that closely shares similarities with you.
This may include things like age, gender, type of arthritis, type of treatment, life situations (e.g. being a parent or carer), your/Peer-Mentor available times, or anything specific you would like a Peer-Mentor to help support you with.
While we do our best when finding your Peer-Mentor match, we understand that sometimes the connection might just not be right. If this is the case, we’ll match you to a new Peer-Mentor.
How long is the program?
You can organise up to 6 initial calls with your Peer-Mentor. The length of each call is up to you and your peer-mentor.
How many sessions can I access?
You can organise up to 6 initial calls with your Peer-Mentor. If you would like further calls, Arthritis NSW staff will first of all check in with you and your Peer-Mentor after the sixth call.
Can someone else sit in on the call with me?
Some people may like to have a partner, family member or close friend join them in a conversation with their Peer-Mentor. Peer-Mentors should be made aware of anyone else intending to join a call and decide if they are comfortable with this before continuing.
Is this service confidential?
Arthritis Assist is a confidential service. All information provided to Arthritis NSW or discussed with your Peer-Mentor falls under Arthritis NSW’s Privacy Policy and Privacy Collection Statement.
Accessing the program
Who can use the Program?
You can register to speak with a Peer-Mentor if you are living in NSW, and you live with arthritis, or care for a child living with arthritis.
All that is needed to access the Program is a phone connection/phone number.
How do I access the Program?
Register to speak with a Peer-Mentor here or by calling 02 9857 3300.
All that is needed to access the Program is a phone connection/phone number.
Are there any costs?
No, Arthritis Assist is a free service.
What if I can’t make a session?
We understand that plans can change, appointments may arise, or some days you just may not feel up to talking. If you organise a time for your Peer-Mentor to phone but will no longer be available, just let us know and we’ll help you and your Peer-Mentor reschedule.
Can a Peer-Mentor call outside of business hours?
Our Peer-Mentors each have differing availabilities, and many are available to phone outside of usual business hours. Once you’ve registered your interest to speak with a Peer-Mentor, we’ll check with you what times you are available and take this into account when matching you to your Peer-Mentor.
What if I don’t live in NSW?
Unfortunately, Arthritis Assist is only available to people living in NSW. If you are not living in NSW, look up your state or territory Arthritis office to find out what services they provide.
You can also reach your local office by phoning 1800 011 041 from within your state/territory.