Sector Awareness and Advocacy

Advocacy and Awareness – Championing the Support Group Sector

While the peer support group sector plays a crucial role in community and mental health, it remains under-resourced and often overlooked within the WA community. At Alike WA, we’re dedicated to raising awareness of the powerful impact this sector has, and we advocate for greater recognition and resources for those who lead these invaluable groups.

We advocate on behalf of the sector by making budget and policy submissions, engaging with government representatives to address key issues and trends, and working to increase the broader community’s understanding of the value of peer support.

Our advocacy is guided by ongoing conversations with group leaders and community champions. We invite you to reach out and share any emerging issues or challenges you’d like us to prioritise in our advocacy efforts.

Our Current Advocacy Priorities

Sustainable sector funding
Accessible Funding for Peer Support Groups
Peer Support and Community-Led Solutions
Volunteer Retention

Key Recommendations

Commit to the sustainable funding of community services organisations by providing a base uplift across all existing contracts.
Adopt WACOSS and CEWA’s recommended revised model of the state indexation formula that truly reflects the cost of services.
Invest in start‑up grants for new peer support groups, with a focus on vulnerable populations and service gaps, to set groups up for success and sustainability from the outset.
Invest in capacity‑building and sustainability grants for existing peer support groups to strengthen operations and enable growth.
Increase investment in non-clinical, community-based services and supports, including peer support groups, with a focus on regional and place-based solutions.
Strengthen referral pathways from primary and clinical services into community-led, non-clinical supports.
Remove charges for volunteer checks and streamline volunteer application processes.
Invest in free or discounted debriefing support for volunteer facilitators.

Submissions and Publications

Strong Foundations: Building WA’s Future Through Peer Support State Budget Submission 2026-2027

Thriving Groups, Connected Communities: Peer Support Group Sector State Budget Submission 2024-2025

ConnectGroups is pleased to present its 2024-25 Peer Support Group Sector State Budget Submission: Thriving Groups, Connected Communities. The Submission was informed by a series of Sector consultations that explored the challenges faces by Peer Support Groups and their members, and resourcing requirements to ensure groups remain robust and sustainable. The Submission focuses on three priority areas – Resources, Capability, and Demand – and provides 8 recommendations for State Government to support the growth and sustainability of the peer Support Group Sector.

Building a Resilient Sector: 2022-24 Peer Support Group Sector Plan

ConnectGroups is pleased to present its 2022-24 Peer Support Group Sector Plan (The Plan). The Plan was informed by a series of Sector consultations that explored the challenges faces by Peer Support Groups, their immediate and long-term priorities, and resourcing requirements to ensure a sustainable Peer Support Group Sector. The Plan articulates key priority areas, activities, and funding recommendations over a two-year period to address the needs of the Sector. The Plan aims to contribute to and inform government decision-making by ensuring that the voice of the Peer Support Group Sector is represented, ensuring a strong Sector and, in turn, connected, thriving communities.

Flourishing Together: WA Framework for Support Group Sector Recovery

ConnectGroups is pleased to present its WA Framework for Support Group Sector Recovery (the Framework) to government in 2020. The Framework aims to contribute to and inform government decision-making by ensuring that the voice of the Support Group sector is represented. ConnectGroups presents strategic recommendations, informed by the Support Group sector, to reflect what is most needed to help this community-led sector continue to flourish and expand.