A PATH TO FOLLOW
Youth Peer Support
prevention
Early intervention
personalised support
Youth Peer Support in Melbourne
Support for young people by peers with living/lived experience in managing and/or supporting loved ones with mental health challenges. The Youth Peer Support Program is an initiative based on the principles of early intervention for young people (from grade 5) beginning to experience life challenges.
Our youth peer support youth, offers:
- Peer support with adult peers who have living/lived experience in managing life challenges.
- Individual partnerships that are personalised, flexible and directed by the consumer peer’s needs.
- Maintained connection to the community by participating in peer supported activities
At A Path to Follow, we understand that navigating life challenges can be overwhelming. That's why we offer our Youth Peer Support Program, a unique initiative based on the principles of early intervention and support for young individuals beginning to experience mental health challenges. Our program provides valuable peer support from adults who have lived experience in managing their own life challenges and/or supporting loved ones facing mental health challenges.
The Youth Peer Support Program at A Path to Follow is a valuable resource for young people facing mental health challenges or life difficulties. By providing peer support, personalised partnerships, community connection, and opportunities for personal growth, our program aims to empower young minds and promote their overall well-being. Through the shared experiences and understanding of our peers, we strive to create a supportive environment where young people can navigate life challenges with confidence and resilience.
The A Path To Follow Youth Peer Support Program is open to young people from the age of grade 5. We acknowledge the power of help early and as such offer this program in the last years of primary school to strengthen a young person’s journey into adolescent years. We also acknowledge that some people do not cease requiring supports as soon as they become adults and that some adults can require ongoing mental health supports. Please do still reach out if you are requiring peer support but are unsure if you meet our “youth” criteria.Â
- Peer Support from Adult Peers: The Youth Peer Support Program offers the opportunity for young individuals to receive support from peers who have firsthand experience in managing life challenges. These adult peers (varying in ages) can provide relatable guidance, understanding, and practical strategies based on their own experiences, fostering a sense of empathy and connection.
- Customised and Flexible Partnerships: Our program is tailored to meet the specific needs of each young person. We understand that every individual's journey is unique, so we offer personalised partnerships that adapt to a young person’s preferences and goals. Through open communication and collaboration, we ensure that the support provided is individualised and aligns with the young person’s specific requirements.
- Community Connection and Peer-Supported Activities: The Youth Peer Support Program not only offers individual peer support but also facilitates opportunities for young people to connect with their community. Through peer-supported activities within the community, peers can engage in social, recreational, and educational experiences that promote personal growth, confidence-building, and a sense of belonging.
- Empowerment and Growth: By participating in the Youth Peer Support Program, young people gain a greater sense of empowerment and ownership over their mental health journey. They develop resilience, self-awareness, and practical skills that can help them navigate challenges and build a strong foundation for their future well-being.
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Youth Peer Support Journey
Referral In
Referrals to A Path to Follow's Youth Peer Support Program can come from multiple sources, including the young person themselves, parents/caregivers, schools and other service providers.
Upon receiving a referral, our team initiates an initial phone consultation with the referring party to gather relevant information and better understand the young person's needs and circumstances.
This consultation serves as an opportunity to determine if our program is the most appropriate fit, ensuring that the young person receives the most suitable support.
Initial Consultation
A Path to Follow conducts an in-depth initial consultation to gain comprehensive insights into the young person's challenges, support needs and preferences. Who attends this initial consultation depends on the age and preferences of the young person.
This consultation allows us to gather important background information, identify potential concerns, and ensure a holistic understanding of the young person's needs.
Our compassionate team members provide a supportive space for open and honest conversation, addressing any questions or concerns raised by the parent/carer/referrer and outlines next steps in the potential peer partnership.
Meet and Greet
Drawing upon the information gathered during the initial consultation, we carefully assess and determine the most suitable Youth Workforce Peer. We consider factors such as the Workforce Peer's lived experience, background, and shared interests to ensure a meaningful and relatable connection. By matching with a compatible Workforce Peer, we aim to foster a supportive and empowering relationship that promotes the young person’s growth and well-being.
Once we have selected your Youth Workforce Peer, we will facilitate a meet and greet session involving the young person and their chosen supporters, the Youth Workforce Peer, and a member of our leadership team. This introductory meeting allows all parties to get acquainted, build rapport, and establish a foundation of trust and open communication. A representative from A Path to Follow will be present to provide guidance, address any questions or concerns, and ensure a smooth transition into the program. If this meet and greet determines the fit isn’t compatible, for either the Young Person or the Youth Workforce Peer, we work with you to match with someone else.
Sessions Begin
With the initial introductions complete, the young person begins participating in community catch ups tailored to their preferences and interests.
A Path to Follow actively involves the young person in selecting activities they want to engage in, promoting a sense of autonomy, empowerment, and ownership over their journey.
These activities may include art therapy, sports, outdoor adventures, mindfulness exercises, or any other pursuits that resonate with the young person's aspirations and well-being.
Youth Peer Support Program Testimonials
I came across APTF in my search for a peer mentor who’s shared some of my son’s mental health challenges. Therapists and parents are important however, for a pre-teen, there’s nothing like a relatable young adult to look up. My son’s peer mentor at APTF has provided him with so much needed unconditional acceptance, as well as a true feeling that he is not alone in his struggles. His is a role-model for him of someone who has learned to cope with their struggles, and is using those lessons to share the compassion and support.
A priceless service we could not be more grateful for.
Our Peer Support Workforce
Kyle
YOUTH PEER WORKER – 15KM of Chelsea
Kyle comes to APTF with professional experience as a Youth Worker and lived experience of social anxiety and growing up with toxic masculinity.
Alan
YOUTH PEER WORKER
Alan comes to our service as Australia’s first ambassador for the Burnt Out Chef, an English initiative for the hospitality industry.
Alan is keen to share his life experiences with all young people, especially those in or looking to join the hospitality field.
Sidney
YOUTH PEER WORKER – 10KM OF CHELSEA
Sidney brings lived experiences in managing complex mental ill health challenges in her early life. Sidney has used dance as an effective strategy in helping her with live with her emotional challenges.
Sarah
YOUTH PEER WORKER – Mt waverleyÂ
This is Sarah and she brings living/lived experience in ADHD to her role at APTF.
Sushi
YOUTH PEER WORKER – Clyde/cardinia
Sushi hopes by becoming a peer support worker, she can become that vital support system for a young person so that they are always reminded that they are never alone during their journey but most importantly, that they feel safe and noticed.
Nick
YOUTH PEER WORKER – 25KM of st kilda
Nick is our most recent Peer Support Worker who is really keen to get started.