Connect
If you’re feeling stressed, anxious or worried and it’s affecting your work, study or relationships, a Family Life Connect mentor can assist to support your wellbeing and help you achieve your goals.
About This Service
Connect is a FREE peer support service that puts people who live, work or study in Victoria’s Greater Dandenong community, in touch with mentors. This Peer Support program is available for people aged 16+, with services available for individuals from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds. Our mentors speak a range of languages, including;
- Arabic
- Dari
- Farsi/Persian
- Urdu
We encourage you to enhance your skills in a range of areas including stress management and relaxation, goal setting, decision making and problem solving, self-care, keeping physically healthy, building supportive relationships, and navigating health and community services.
Is This Service For Me?
You are eligible for this service ff you are aged 16+ and live in the Greater Dandenong area in Victoria, you can access the service.
Connect is available for individuals from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds. Our mentors speak a range of languages, including Arabic, Dari, Farsi/Persian and Urdu.
For support and advice outside the Greater Dandenong area, please contact Family Life for alternative service suggestions
How We Help
Everyone has times when they feel stressed, anxious, sad or overwhelmed. This can affect our work, study, hobbies and relationships. With guidance, you can begin to take practical steps to improve how you feel, how you cope and how you connect with local support that is available to you.
- Connect is a Family Life peer support program, developed to help individuals feel empowered and connected, fostering positive change and resilience.
- Our peer support program pairs individuals who share similar experiences, fostering mutual understanding and support.
- We provide a range of support, including:
- Sharing valuable knowledge and personal experiences.
- Offering emotional support to help individuals feel understood and less isolated.
- Providing social encouragement to foster a sense of community.
- Offering practical assistance to navigate challenges together.
Getting Started
To request support from our Connect program complete our online support request form. You can also call 0451 632 771 to chat to a peer support mentor directly.
A Connect mentor will be in touch with you to organise an appointment (usually within 1 week of contact).
View our Connect Toolkit to access worksheets, information and activities to improve your wellbeing and help you work towards achieving your goals. Toolkits are available in Farsi/Persian, Arabic, Burmese and Tamil.
Leena's Story
“Leena” had lived in Melbourne for 20 years with her husband, children and extended family members when a family violence incident occurred in the home.
Through the help of a Peer Support Worker, Leena was able to connect to a psychologist and her GP for help. Leena advised that she was grateful that in the Connect program she was able to speak in her native language and with someone who understands the culture.
FAQs
How long is each session and how much does it cost?
Each session with a Family Life Connect mentor is 30-45 minutes long.
This is a FREE service.
Do I need a referral to access the service?
No, you can self-refer to the Connect service. However, a GP or health professional is also able to refer you. To request support from our Connect program complete our Request for Support with Family Life form
How long do I have to wait for an appointment after contacting Family Life?
A Connect mentor will contact you to book an appointment as soon as possible. Appointments are usually booked within a week of first contact.
Where do the peer support sessions take place?
Appointments with a Connect mentor can take place over the phone, or in person at a Family Life service centre.
What type of training do the Family Life Connect menors receive?
community and peer support services. They receive ongoing training and supervision to continue to enhance their skills.
Mentors draw on their own personal experience to offer caring, evidence-based interventions that aim to improve your sense of wellbeing, decrease emotional distress and improve connections to your community.
Can I bring someone with me to the session?
Family Life Connect does not provide relationship counselling. If you would feel more comfortable having your partner, a family member or friend with you for the appointment they are welcome to sit in with you.
How is the Connect service funded?
The Connect service is funded by the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network. For more information about SEMPHN, click here.
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