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 d/Deaf, Disabled, 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 across 5 days over September and October 2026. Confirmed dates and times are below:

  • Module 1 - Monday 28 September — 10:00am - 12:30pm

  • Module 2 - Tuesday 29 September — 10:00am - 12:30pm

  • Module 3 - Wednesday 30 September — 10:00am - 12:30pm

  • Module 4 - Tuesday 6 October — 10:00am - 12:30pm

  • Module 5 - Wednesday 7 October — 10:00am - 12:30pm

NOTE: To ensure your place in our Online Peer Support Training and to allow us time to send training materials and secure NZSL Interpreters (if needed), please register as soon as possible.

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.

Who can take part in Peer Support Training?

Our Peer Support Training is funded for all d/Deaf, Disabled, Tāngata Whaikaha Māori, or people with an impairment living in Aotearoa New Zealand. This includes people who are neurodivergent.

If you're unsure whether you're eligible to take part in the training, we'd encourage you to get in touch. Our team would be happy to answer your questions and discuss your situation with you.

Are there any Age Requirements?

Yes, there are two age requirements for becoming involved in our Peer Support programme:

  • You must be 16 years or older to register for Peer Support Training or to use the My Life My Voice App to receive peer support.

  • You must be 18 years or older to become a My Life My Voice Peer Supporter and provide peer support to others through the My Life My Voice App.

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:

Begin your e-Learning Peer Support Training!

To sign up for our Online Peer Support Training, you can register via one of the three methods below: 

  1. Complete the online registration form below.

  2. 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. 

  3. 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.