Peer support service - how it works

We are a peer support counselling service for nurses, midwives and students of the professions. We are here to help you to understand your health or wellbeing challenge and to work together to plot a path to better health. 

In peer support, people use their own experiences to help each other - it is mutual and reciprocal. Our program is designed and delivered by nurses and midwives. 

Our program is national, confidential and free (thanks to Commonwealth funding). Our service is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding public holidays). 

Health issues we tackle 

Work-related stress, burnout, psychological distress, mental health challenges, occupational violence, substance use, family violence or emotional distress associated with a notification to the regulator. These are just some of the big health and wellbeing challenges that nurses and midwives are seeking support for. 

If you find yourself feeling despondent, overwhelmed, anxious, amotivated or frustrated we can help.  

Our people – who will you talk to  

When you book an appointment for peer support with our service, you will speak to an experienced nurse or midwife who has been trained to provide peer support. You won’t need to explain the unique challenges of the profession and our workplaces; we understand.

Process – what to expect of peer support counselling

Everyone will have a different need and experience of our service. We talk to you about your health or wellbeing challenge and support you to get to the bottom of you symptoms. 

When you request an appointment, we allocate you a nurse or midwife peer support counsellor. They sit with you in a confidential 1:1 session to learn about your needs. They hear your story without judgment and help you to unravel the complexity of your concerns. 

Goals are set together, and steps worked out towards improving your health. You choose the direction and pace of your plan, and we are alongside you. 

There is no limit to the number of sessions you can have (although the average is 6-8 sessions). 

With your consent, we may refer you to other services to support your health and wellbeing. 

Compliant, high-quality, responsible

We observe the requirements of the privacy policy and Medical Treatment Act, make sure participants understand their rights and responsibilities, and handle complaints promptly and fairly. Read our policies for peer support service participants