Community and Peer Program

What is the Community and Peer Program?

Community and Peer Workers (Peers) have lived experience of military service or military family life and have undergone their own mental health journey. They may also be a relative or carer of a current or previous Australian Defence Force (ADF) member.

Informed by their lived experience, Peers walk along-side Open Arms’ clients and their families to provide, and connect them with, the support and resources they need to overcome their mental health challenges.

The Community and Peer Program is available all over Australia and delivers services through:

  • Peer Support
  • Community Engagement
  • Co-delivery of Group Programs

How our Peers help

Peers work closely with clients to develop goals with clear recovery-based outcomes. They also work with Open Arms’ clinicians to ensure that clients receive the best possible care, and promote the best outcomes for their mental health.

Peers are involved in co-delivering Treatment programs and workshops in partnership with Open Arms’ clinicians, and attend community engagement events to connect with military families and talk to them about how Open Arms may be able to help them.  

Meet with a Peer

The Open Arms Community and Peer Program is available nationally. To learn more about the Community and Peer program, telephone Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or request a call back via the Contact Us page.

See also

  • Peer stories

    Peer stories

    Open Arms' Community and Peer Workers (Peers) have a wealth of experience and stories to share about their own journeys of service, recovery and living well.
  • Treatment programs and workshops

    Open Arms range of group activities includes both face to face group treatment programs and online groups.
  • A woman speaks with an Open Arms staff member

    Lived Experience Workforce Development Strategy

    Open Arms Lived Experience Workforce Development Strategy is a blueprint for how we intend to continue to support, nurture and professionally develop our already highly skilled Lived Experience workforce.