Peer Support Training
Peer Support Training teaches you how to be a Peer Supporter for other disabled people.
This training teaches you how to make meaningful connections and connects you with like-minded individuals who have a passion for helping others. This training is free and open to all disabled people, Tāngata Whaikaha Māori or people with an impairment living in Aotearoa.
Why register for Peer Support Training?
At My Life My Voice, we believe disabled people benefit most from connecting with peers with similar life experiences who have walked a similar path. This training is designed to help you use your experiences to support other disabled people.
Throughout training, you will also:
Deepen your understanding of identity and connection.
Enhance your communication skills.
Empower yourself with knowledge of Disability Rights in Aotearoa and more.
Where is the training?
We currently offer two forms of Peer Support Training: via Zoom and via our e-Learning online course.
In our Online training, you and a group of other registrants will be guided through our different modules across five sessions via Zoom. All sessions are run by experienced facilitators who have knowledge of their subject and lived experience of being disabled. As part of each session, we have conversations, play videos and do practical activities together.
Our e-Learning course is hosted on our website and can be accessed below. In the e-Learning version of our Peer Support Training, you will go through a series of videos, quizzes and several Zoom group sessions. This training is largely independent, able to be done when and where suits you. If the times available for the Zoom group sessions do not work for you, please email us at info@mylifemyvoice.org.nz and let us know.
NOTE: To access Zoom, you need a stable internet connection and a device with a working camera and microphone, such as a laptop, PC or tablet. We are happy to answer questions or do a trial Zoom session with you if you want to practice before the training starts.
What happens in our training?
Training covers five core topics of peer support and being a Peer Supporter. These are:
What is peer support?
Identity and connection
Communication and peer support
Disability in Aotearoa and models of wellness
Guidance for Peer Supporters
In these topics, we discuss the relationship between Tangata Whenua (Māori), Tūrangawaewae (who we are and where we belong), Tino Rangatiratanga (self-determination) and providing good peer support. We also examine international agreements and local governmental commitment to us as disabled citizens, as well as the role of privacy, boundaries, and ethics as a Peer Supporter.
When is the training?
You can begin the e-Learning version of our Peer Support Training at any time.
Our next Online Peer Support Training will be held in November across 5 days. Confirmed dates and times are below:
Monday 11 November — 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Tuesday 12 November — 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Thursday 14 November — 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Monday 18 November — 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Tuesday 19 November — 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
What support can be provided?
We are able to provide Meeting Assistants or NZSL interpreters on request. As we are committed to making our training as accessible as possible, please let us know about any learning supports and access requirements you have and we can investigate how best to support them.
Register for Peer Support Training
Our e-Learning Peer Support Training can be started at any time — no registration required. To begin, click the button below:
To sign up for our Online Peer Support Training, you can register via one of the three methods below:
Complete the online registration form below.
Email info@mylifemyvoice.org.nz with your name and contact details. Tell us the best way to contact you (email, call or text), and we will reach out.
Call 0800 896 004 and we can complete the registration form with you.
Once registrations for our Online Peer Support Training close, we send an acknowledgement email to confirm your space. If you do not receive an acknowledgement email in your inbox the week before the training begins, please check your junk folder.
If you have not received an acknowledgement email or would like further information, please contact us.
Please note: registrations close one week before training begins. We can only accept late registrations if we have staff capacity.