Giving time, energy and care to others can be an important part of peer support. It can also take a toll on our own wellbeing.
Alike WA recently welcomed peer support group leaders, facilitators, members and volunteers to our Exploring Burnout & Activating Self-Care Workshop, facilitated by Romy Pritchard from RDP Enterprise Solutions.
The practical session explored stress, burnout and compassion fatigue, including some of the signs to look out for and factors that can contribute to feeling overwhelmed.
Participants were also encouraged to reflect on their strengths, values and boundaries, consider what genuine self-care can look like, and begin developing a realistic approach to self-care that works for them.
Taking time to reflect
A key focus of the workshop was making space to consider personal wellbeing alongside the care and support participants provide to others.
Feedback from the session highlighted the value of having practical information and strategies to take away, while also creating an opportunity to reflect on personal strengths, boundaries and the importance of self-care.
Participants also spoke about sharing what they had learned with their own families and support networks, extending the value of the workshop beyond the session itself.
Resources from the workshop
Several tools and resources were explored during the workshop. We’re making them available here for participants who would like to revisit them, and for others across the peer support community who may find them useful.
Self Motivation Quiz
This free online quiz from Richard Step was one of the activities completed during the workshop.
VIA Character Strengths Survey
Participants also explored the VIA Institute’s character strengths survey as an opportunity to reflect on their individual strengths.
Online Mental Health Supports for Adults
RDP Enterprise Solutions also shared a resource bringing together online mental health programs, community and support services, and mental health support lines. The handout includes services such as MindSpot, Mental Health Online, Lifeline and a range of Western Australian support options.
Please note: This resource was provided by RDP Enterprise Solutions as part of the workshop. Service information may change over time, so we recommend checking directly with individual services for current information. Sharing these resources is for information purposes and does not constitute an endorsement by Alike WA.
Supporting sustainable peer support
Peer support relies on people who bring their time, experience and care to their communities. Creating space to recognise our own needs, strengths and boundaries can be an important part of making that contribution sustainable.
Thank you to Romy Pritchard from RDP Enterprise Solutions for facilitating the workshop, and to everyone who joined us and contributed to the session.
The workshop formed part of Alike WA’s RGU Program, supporting people living with or caring for someone with a rare, genetic or undiagnosed condition, while also welcoming people from across the broader peer support sector.