Family Peer Support

Families that are new to Orygen Specialist Program can talk with a family peer support worker — another family member who has cared for someone who has used Orygen services. It is often reassuring to talk to a family peer support worker, as you can share your experiences. Family peer support workers offer telephone and face-to-face support, based on their own experiences of having a relative with a mental illness. Family peer support workers are not mental health clinicians. They offer the opportunity for one parent to talk to another — someone who can listen and provide emotional support, as well as information and referral. Family peer support workers are available for support in the Family Resource Room at Parkville, and at Youth Access Team and the Inpatient Unit in Footscray.