Peer support groups

Peer support groups

Sometimes, the best advice and comfort come from someone who has actually walked in your shoes. At OdysseyCare, we believe in the power of shared experiences.

Our Geelong and Melbourne teams facilitate welcoming peer support groups where individuals with disabilities can connect, share their journeys, and learn from one another in a safe, structured environment. We provide a space where you don't have to explain yourself—because the people around you already understand.

Connection and growth through shared lived experience

We don't believe in clinical, rigid group therapy sessions. Our peer support groups are relaxed, participant-led, and focused on genuine human connection.

Whether you want to swap tips on navigating the NDIS, share a recent win, or just be around people who truly 'get it', we provide the space and gentle facilitation to make it happen.

Our peer support programs strongly encourage:

  • Building meaningful, authentic friendships with people on similar paths.
  • Sharing practical, lived-experience advice for everyday challenges.
  • Reducing feelings of isolation and building a strong community network.
  • Developing self-advocacy skills through group empowerment.
  • Providing a safe, judgment-free zone to discuss frustrations and successes.
  • Fostering natural mentorship and confidence between participants.

Supports we offer

We shape our groups around the unique dynamics and goals of the participants who attend them.

Structured peer networks

Safe spaces for guided conversation and support.

  • Regularly scheduled meetups in accessible community spaces or quiet cafes.
  • Themed discussion groups focusing on specific life stages, like moving out or finding work.
  • Facilitated by support workers who understand the value of stepping back and letting peers lead.
  • Mentoring on how to safely share your story and set healthy personal boundaries.

Casual & interest-based groups

Connecting naturally over shared hobbies.

  • Peer groups centred around common interests like art, gaming, or gentle recreation.
  • Low-pressure environments where conversation flows naturally without a strict agenda.
  • Support to transition group friendships into independent community connections.
  • Opportunities to plan group outings and activities together.

Why choose OdysseyCare

OdysseyCare wasn't born in a boardroom. Leah, our founder, is a mum to four kids—one of whom is an NDIS participant. She got tired of generic, unfeeling services and built the company she spent years wishing she could find to give folks real, reliable support.

Families and participants stick with us because:

  • Groups are shaped by participant feedback and lived experience.
  • We don't just talk about trauma-informed practice. It's baked in.
  • Small group sizes ensure everyone feels comfortable and has space to participate.
  • We carefully match participants to groups with similar life stages and interests.
  • Consistent, high-standard coverage across Geelong and Melbourne.

Frequently asked questions

Our groups are gently facilitated by our experienced support workers, but the conversations and directions are participant-led. We step in to ensure the space remains safe, respectful, and inclusive, but we let you do the talking.

Not at all. You are welcome to just sit, listen, and enjoy the company of others. There is absolutely no pressure to speak or share anything you aren't completely comfortable with.

We try to match our groups based on similar life stages (like youth, young adults, or older adults) and shared interests rather than specific disabilities. This fosters the most natural, relatable, and long-lasting connections.

NDIS funded support

Wondering about funding? These supports usually tap into your NDIS budget depending on your goals.

Typically, these programs fall under:

  • Capacity Building: Increased Social and Community Participation.
  • Core Supports: Assistance with social, economic and community participation.

If looking at your plan gives you a headache, don't stress. The team can sort out the service agreements and show you exactly how to make your funding work for your community goals.

Important information

Getting things right from day one is crucial.

  • Talk to us. Let us know what kind of group setting makes you feel most comfortable before you join.
  • We need the standard onboarding paperwork signed off.
  • Nobody gets a generic plan. We connect you with a peer group that matches your specific personality and goals.

Getting started today

We are always keen to hear from participants, families, carers, or Support Coordinators. Ready to meet people who just get it? Give the friendly team a call today to ask a few questions or register your interest.