Peer support
Why peer support?
The old saying 'You can't really understand another person's experience until you've walked a mile in their shoes' applies to many of life’s circumstances and situations, including diabetes. People with diabetes often find it helpful to meet other people with the condition to discuss common issues such as how to best manage it, how to deal with specific situations and how to adjust to living with diabetes. For some, receiving support from others who have similar experiences breaks the isolation and lessens the burden of living with diabetes. Similarly, lending support to other people with diabetes can also be very rewarding.
How to find peer support?
Local and informal networks
There are many informal and local networks across Australia. Your doctor or Credentialled Diabetes Educator may be able to put you in touch local groups established through community health and diabetes services.
Diabetes Australia
Diabetes Australia and affiliated State and Territory organisations run events people with diabetes. Some also hosts camps for teenagers and children and hosts peers support groups. Please phone 1300 136 588 at the cost of a local call to find out more or go to our Resource links page to access the websites in your State or Territory organisation.
Online forums
Reality Check is an association established by people with type 1 diabetes and for people with type 1 diabetes. It facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experiences to support young adults with diabetes to achieve and maintain quality of life. Among other activities, it hosts an online forum. To learn more, please visit the website Reality Check .
Diabetes Counselling Online is an Australian website for all Australians living with diabetes and their families and friends. It includes private counselling via e-mail, group discussion forums, chat rooms and blogs. To learn more, please visit the website of Diabetes Counselling Online.