PROST! is a community-based, not-for-profit men’s exercise program supporting physical and mental recovery following a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Unique to WA, its evidence-based group program combines professionally supervised exercise with something equally important: the opportunity for men to connect with others who understand the prostate cancer journey.

PROST! has also been a familiar and valued presence at Alike WA events over the years, including our recent Blokes & Bridges Walk and community expos.

More than an exercise group

PROST!’s approach centres on Muscle, Mateship and Mood.

The program was designed by a physiotherapist and is supervised by accredited exercise physiologists. Sessions include pelvic floor muscle training alongside core, strength, resistance, cardiovascular and balance exercises, with a focus on supporting men following prostate cancer treatment.

But the support does not finish when the exercise session does.

Camaraderie is an important part of PROST!, with members having opportunities to socialise through men’s coffee clubs after sessions. These informal connections provide space for conversation, friendship and mutual support alongside the physical benefits of exercising together.

PROST! also holds occasional wellbeing and stress management masterclasses, led by experienced health professionals, to further support members’ mental health and wellbeing.

Prostate cancer support across Perth

PROST! currently delivers its program at six gym locations across Perth, from Joondalup to Mandurah, with a seventh location planned for Busselton in 2027.

The program aims to keep fees accessible, with rebates available through most private health funds. Eligible veterans may receive DVA subsidies, while people who qualify for a Chronic Disease Management Plan may be able to access Medicare-funded exercise sessions.

PROST! is also listed by the WA Primary Health Alliance through Clinician Assist WA, helping GPs and other health professionals identify the program as a referral option for eligible patients.

Coming up for PROST!

On Saturday 31 October, PROST! will hold its third Masterclass in Wellbeing and Stress Management in Mandurah. Delivered jointly by a clinical psychologist and a urological and prostate cancer nurse practitioner, the session is another way the group supports members with the mental and emotional aspects of living with and being treated for prostate cancer.

PROST! will also be at the WA Seniors Recreation Council’s Have a Go Day on Wednesday 11 November at Burswood Park, where the team will be raising awareness of prostate cancer and sharing information about the support available through the group.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase understanding of prostate cancer and help connect men and their families with information and support.

For 2026, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is encouraging communities to turn awareness into action, including understanding risk, speaking with a GP about early detection and helping men connect with support.

PROST! demonstrates what that support can look like beyond diagnosis and treatment. Regular exercise may bring members together, but connection, shared experience and friendship are also central to the group.

Find out more

Learn more about PROST!, including current locations and how to get involved, on the PROST! website.

Looking for more prostate cancer support? Explore the Alike WA Directory to find peer support groups and services for people affected by prostate cancer across WA.

The post Member spotlight: PROST! Exercise 4 Prostate Cancer appeared first on Alike WA.

Creating connection for people living with CMT

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is an inherited peripheral neuropathy that affects the nerves in the arms, hands, legs and feet. People living with CMT can experience muscle weakness, changes in sensation, difficulties with balance and mobility, and challenges with fine motor skills. Pain and fatigue can also be part of living with the condition.

For CMT WA, peer connection is an important part of responding to these experiences.

The group’s vision is to create a connected and supportive community where individuals and families affected by CMT feel safe, included and valued. At the heart of this is a desire to reduce isolation and create meaningful connections between people who share an understanding of life with CMT.

A support group shaped by its members

While CMT support groups have operated in WA at different times since the late 1980s, the current CMT WA Planning Committee was established in July 2024 following a call for members. Five members came together to develop a group agreement and Terms of Reference to help guide the group into the future.

Today, the CMT WA Support Group meets quarterly, with activities and guest speakers chosen in response to the interests and requests of members. This gives the community a say in what they would like to learn about and discuss.

The group also helps connect people with useful information and resources, including healthcare contacts, advocacy services, assistive technology and other support organisations. Through its connection with CMT Association Australia and other organisations, members can also stay informed about broader CMT resources, research and opportunities.

Informing, connecting and supporting

CMT WA describes its purpose simply as “informing, connecting and supporting individuals and families with CMT in Western Australia.”

It’s a purpose reflected in the group’s focus on creating a sustainable community where people affected by CMT can connect with others, access useful information and feel part of something larger.

Interested in connecting with CMT WA?

The group meets quarterly and welcomes individuals and families affected by CMT in Western Australia.

Find out more through CMT Association Australia:
CMT Association Australia

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Amani Circle, an initiative of Daring Different Global, creates a culturally safe peer support space for people from multicultural and African backgrounds who are living with disability, chronic illness or complex life experiences.

The name Amani means peace in Swahili, reflecting the sense of connection, belonging and community at the heart of the initiative.

A space to be heard

Amani Circle is designed as a regular community gathering rather than a clinical setting.

People can come together to share lived experience, take part in creative and wellbeing activities, build friendships and have conversations with others who may understand some of what they are navigating.

At its heart is something simple but important: creating a space where people can feel heard without judgement and welcomed as they are.

Why culturally responsive peer support matters

Experiences of disability, chronic illness and caring do not happen separately from the other parts of a person’s life.

For people from multicultural communities, navigating services and support can also intersect with cultural expectations, language, isolation and experiences of belonging.

Amani Circle responds by creating a community-led space shaped by lived experience and cultural understanding. Rather than expecting people to leave parts of themselves at the door, the initiative recognises the value of bringing those experiences into the circle.

Through regular gatherings, participants have opportunities to build relationships, share their stories and find connection with others.

Who is Amani Circle for?

Amani Circle welcomes people from multicultural and African backgrounds who are living with disability, chronic illness or difficult and complex life experiences.

The group also welcomes referrals, partnerships and connections with organisations that share a commitment to inclusion, accessibility and culturally responsive support.

Connect with Amani Circle

Amani Circle meets regularly in Mirrabooka, with gatherings including peer connection, creative reflection, wellbeing conversations and community-led activities.

For current session dates and more information about Amani Circle, visit the Daring Different Global website.

The post Support Group Stories: Amani Circle appeared first on Alike WA.

At the heart of their approach is the idea of offering a “hand up”. Through walking and running groups, participants can build routine, confidence and a sense of belonging while supporting their physical and mental wellbeing.

But the support extends beyond getting active. Participants can also access education, mentoring and life skills support, helping them reconnect with community and work towards future employment.

More than movement

On My Feet’s programs are designed to create an ongoing community around participants.

Walking, jogging and running provide a way to bring people together, but connection and practical support are an important part of what happens alongside them.

That sense of community is reflected in the experiences shared by previous participants. One described On My Feet as giving her “hope and the motivation to keep going”, while another described the group as a community that gave her purpose and structure.

Others spoke about being supported through difficult periods of their lives, finding a sense of family and having somewhere they felt comfortable belonging.

Supporting women experiencing housing insecurity

When we featured On My Feet in June 2026, the group was preparing for its next 8-Week Women’s Empowerment Program, running from 27 July to 20 September.

The free program was specifically designed for women experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. This included women couch surfing or staying temporarily with family or friends, living in crisis or transitional accommodation, at high risk of losing their current home, or recovering from addiction and looking for support to move forward.

No previous fitness experience was needed. Participants could walk, jog, run or take part in a combination that suited their ability.

The eight-week program included regular walk, run and strength sessions alongside workshops and mentoring. Participants were also invited to weekly coffee catch-ups and received clothing and equipment to help them take part.

The program included entry into the WAMC Women’s Classic 10km walk or run and, importantly, connection into On My Feet’s year-round program so that support and community did not simply end when the eight weeks were over.

Finding connection through community

The experiences shared by previous participants highlight how much that ongoing connection can mean.

One participant described On My Feet as her “engine for every day”, while another spoke about being able to stand positively again after experiencing many storms in her life.

It is a reminder that peer and community support can take many forms. Sometimes connection begins with a conversation. Sometimes it starts by simply walking alongside someone.

To learn more about On My Feet and its programs, visit the On My Feet website.

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Our Place Social Drop-In provides a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ young people and allies aged 12 to 25 to connect, access support and build community in Midland.

Importantly, the space is shaped by the young people it is there to support.

Created with young people

Our Place is guided by the Our Place Youth Committee, helping ensure the drop-in is created by queer young people, for queer young people.

Activities are shaped around the interests of those attending and can include arts and crafts, games, skill-building activities, excursions and other youth-led experiences.

It creates an informal environment where young people can meet others and take part in activities while building connection and community.

When and where to find Our Place

Our Place Social Drop-In runs every Wednesday during school terms at the Midland Youth Hub, with separate session times for young people aged 12 to 17 and those aged 18 to 25.

School holiday activities are also offered, and free food and drinks are provided.

There’s no registration required to attend.

Find out more

For upcoming activities and further information about Our Place, young people can follow the group on social media or contact: Email: ourplace.perth@gmail.com

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