The grant is part of Injury Matters’ Reconciliation Action Plan and aims to strengthen culturally safe mental health support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Western Australia.

What does the grant cover?

Funding of up to $500 is available for course fees only, through approved training providers.

The grant supports access to accredited Mental Health First Aid training, helping participants develop skills they can use to benefit Aboriginal people and communities.

Who can apply?

You do not need to identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander to apply.

However, applicants must demonstrate how the skills gained through the training will be used to benefit and support Aboriginal people or communities.

This opportunity may be relevant to people involved in peer support groups or community organisations working alongside Aboriginal communities.

Applications close 31 December 2026

Applications close Thursday 31 December 2026.

For full eligibility requirements and application instructions, visit Injury Matters to download the application pack.

If you need assistance applying, contact Injury Matters on (08) 6166 7688.

Alike WA is sharing this external funding opportunity for the benefit of WA’s peer support and community sector. Please refer to Injury Matters for the full grant guidelines and eligibility requirements.

The post Mental Health First Aid Grants: Up to $500 for training appeared first on Alike WA.

The group supports LGBTIQA+ parents, carers and their children across Perth and Western Australia. Through regular playgroups and community events, families have opportunities to build friendships and feel part of a supportive community.

Finding connection through play

Playgroups with Pride WA runs a weekly playgroup at The Den in Morley, alongside a monthly session in Mundijong, south of the river.

The sessions offer a relaxed environment where children can meet other children from rainbow families, while parents and carers share experiences and build connections.

Families at every stage are welcome, including those who are just beginning their family journey or are curious about joining. For Playgroups with Pride, visibility and belonging go hand in hand. Having opportunities to meet other rainbow families helps children and adults feel recognised and included in their wider community.

Celebrating Pride Month together

November is a busy month, with several opportunities for families to come together. The group will once again be attending Pride WA Fairday on Sunday 8 November 2026, where visitors can find them in the Family Zone.

They will also be part of the Rainbow Families Pride Picnic on Saturday 14 November at Riverside Gardens in Bayswater, followed by the Pride Parade on Saturday 28 November.

Joanne Boyling will be representing the group, along with Paul Hadfield-Jia (Gay Dads WA) at Pride in Parliament, helping to ensure Rainbow Families continue to have a voice and visibility.

Helping the group reach more families

For the second year running, Playgroups with Pride WA has received funding through Alike WA’s Pay it Forward small grants program.

This year’s funding will help the group purchase a branded marquee, volunteer polo shirts and mascot merchandise, including penguin plush toys.

These items will help create a recognisable and welcoming presence at events such as Pride Fairday, making it easier for families to find the group, start a conversation and learn about the connections available to them.

It’s a practical example of how small grants can help peer support groups increase their visibility and strengthen their community connections.

Come and say hello

If you’re heading to Pride WA Fairday on Sunday 8 November, look out for Playgroups with Pride WA in the Family Zone.

Whether you’re looking for a playgroup or simply want to learn more about the rainbow families community, the group welcomes new connections.

You can also find out more through the facebook pages and groups; Playgroups with Pride WA, Rainbow Families Western Australia and Rainbow Families.

The post Member spotlight: Playgroups with Pride WA appeared first on Alike WA.

The City of Joondalup is offering three free workshops through its Communities in-focus program, designed to help community groups build practical skills and confidence.

Whether your peer support group is just getting started or has been running for years, these sessions offer useful guidance for the people helping keep it going.

Starting a not-for-profit organisation

Friday 13 November 2026 | 10 am to 1 pm | Online

Thinking about formalising your community group? This workshop covers the legal requirements and practical considerations involved in establishing a not-for-profit organisation.

Topics include choosing a legal structure, incorporation, auspicing arrangements, charity status and ongoing legal obligations.

Delivered by: Justice Connect, Not-for-Profit Law

Good governance made easy

Tuesday 24 November 2026 | 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm | Joondalup Library, First Floor Meeting Room One

Designed for community and committee members, this workshop explores what good governance looks like in practice.

Learn about committee responsibilities, accountability, effective decision-making, managing conflicts of interest and meeting your organisation’s obligations.

Delivered by: Community Station

Better meetings

Thursday 10 December 2026 | 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm | Joondalup Library, First Floor Meeting Room One

Want meetings that feel more productive and less frustrating?

This practical workshop covers preparing agendas, keeping discussions on track, making decisions and managing challenging conversations.

Delivered by: Evolve

All three workshops are free. Visit the City of Joondalup website for further information and registration details.

For more sector training, events and opportunities, keep and eye on the Peer Support Hub as we regularly update it.

These opportunities are delivered by the City of Joondalup and its workshop presenters. Alike WA is sharing them as potentially useful professional development opportunities for WA community and peer support groups.

The post City of Joondalup free community group workshops in November and December appeared first on Alike WA.

Sometimes, finding connection begins with something as simple as joining a board games night.

For one member of Activate Mental Health, that invitation became the start of something lasting. After struggling to make friends and connect socially, he was introduced to the group’s monthly board games night by a support worker.

The structured activity offered a comfortable way to spend time with others, without the pressure that can come with unfamiliar social situations.

More than five years later, he is still part of the board games community. With growing confidence and support along the way, he has also begun attending other Activate Mental Health activities independently.

It’s a story that captures what the group hopes to make possible: opportunities for connection that grow into genuine friendships and a sense of belonging.

Connection before conversation

Activate Mental Health brings people together across Perth through activities built around shared interests.

Walking groups, coffee catch-ups, board games nights and book clubs offer opportunities to meet others in welcoming, informal settings. While mental wellbeing is an important part of the group’s purpose, its activities aren’t centred on asking people to discuss their mental health challenges.

Instead, the focus is on enjoying time together.

The group’s guiding belief is simple: “It’s more fun together.”

For someone experiencing social isolation, joining an activity can feel more approachable than entering a space where they might be expected to talk about personal difficulties. A shared interest offers a natural starting point for conversation, and friendships can develop at their own pace.

Founder of Activate Mental Health, Rahul Seth believes nobody should have to experience social isolation alone. This volunteer-led approach also gives people opportunities to help create communities around the interests and activities that matter to them.

When friendships continue beyond the group

The organised activities are important, but Rahul sees something especially meaningful when members begin connecting outside them. People who first meet at a group event may go on to catch up independently or support one another through life’s challenges.

As Rahul explains;

“For us, that’s the ultimate measure of success: When people no longer rely solely on the group for connection because they have developed their own network of meaningful relationships within the community.”

It’s a powerful way of looking at the impact of peer support.

The goal isn’t simply to fill a calendar with activities. It’s to help people build connections that become part of their everyday lives.

For the member who first attended board games night with a support worker, that has meant both lasting participation and the confidence to explore other activities independently.

For others, it might begin with a walk, a coffee or discovering someone who enjoys the same things they do.

Different stories, shared strength

Activate Mental Health’s community includes people from different backgrounds and with different life experiences. Not everyone arrives for the same reason, and members don’t need to have identical experiences to find common ground.

“To us, ‘shared strength’ means recognising that while everyone’s story is different, nobody has to face life’s challenges alone.”

Making room for connection

Activate Mental Health would like to reach more people across the Perth metropolitan area.

Its volunteer-led model already creates hundreds of opportunities for social connection each year. Looking ahead, the group hopes to secure support for a paid Volunteer Manager who could help existing volunteers, welcome and train new volunteers, and make it possible to offer more activities.

The aim is to grow sustainably while keeping the welcoming, community-led approach at the heart of what Activate Mental Health does.

Because behind every activity is the possibility of a new friendship.

And sometimes, the connection that starts around a board game can become part of someone’s life for years to come.

“Peer support is powerful because it reminds us that we are not alone, and that shared experiences can become a source of connection, understanding and strength.”

Connect with Activate Mental Health

Interested in joining an activity or finding out more?

Explore upcoming events and RSVP through Activate Mental Health’s Meetup group.

You can also learn about the group’s work and volunteering opportunities at www.activatemh.com.au.

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Email: hello@activatemh.com.au

This story is part of Alike WA’s Support Groups Awareness Week 2026 campaign, Different Stories. Shared Strength., celebrating the many ways peer support brings people together across Western Australia.

The post It’s more fun together: how Activate Mental Health builds connection through shared interests appeared first on Alike WA.

Researchers from the University of Notre Dame Australia are hosting Bridging the Cancer Gap: Community Conversation on Wednesday 25 November 2026 at the State Library of Western Australia.

The discussion will explore the barriers people experiencing homelessness face when accessing cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment, and how services could better respond to their needs.

Why this conversation matters

Accessing healthcare can be difficult without stable housing. For people experiencing homelessness, barriers to cancer screening and treatment can create additional challenges at an already difficult time.

Researchers have been examining these issues and are now seeking community perspectives to help identify practical ways to improve access to care.

During the conversation, researchers will share findings from their work and discuss possible improvements to cancer care and support services.

Importantly, participants will have the opportunity to contribute their own experiences and perspectives to help inform future research, policy and advocacy.

Who is invited?

The organisers welcome people with lived or professional experience relating to homelessness and cancer care, including:

• People who have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity.
• People who have supported a friend or family member with cancer while experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
• Peer support workers, healthcare professionals and people working in housing, homelessness or community support services.
• Advocates and other frontline workers with relevant experience.

You don’t need a professional background to contribute. Personal experiences and perspectives are an important part of the discussion.

Event details

Date: Wednesday 25 November 2026
Time: 3 pm to 5 pm
Location: State Library of Western Australia, Perth
Honorarium: $80 for attendees
Refreshments: Light refreshments will be provided.

How to express your interest

Places are limited, and expressions of interest will be reviewed to support a range of perspectives.

If you have relevant lived or professional experience and would like to contribute, please complete the expression of interest form on the organiser’s event page.

This opportunity is shared by Alike WA for the benefit of our peer support community. The Community Conversation is organised by researchers from the University of Notre Dame Australia through the Consumer and Community Involvement Program.

The post Bridging the Cancer Gap: Help shape better access to cancer care appeared first on Alike WA.

For someone attending their first LGBTQIA+ community event, walking through the door can take courage.

They might be new to the area, unsure whether they’ll know anyone or simply looking for somewhere they can relax without having to explain who they are.

In Busselton, a book and media discussion group called Pride Perspectives is helping make that first step a little easier.

Established two years ago by Busselton Pride Alliance, Pride Perspectives brings LGBTQIA+ people and allies together to explore different perspectives through books, films and other media. The conversations are an opportunity to build friendships and feel part of a local community.

More than a book club

Finding people with shared experiences isn’t always easy in a regional community.

For LGBTQIA+ people, particularly young people, opportunities to meet others who understand their experiences can be limited. That can leave people feeling isolated, even when they are surrounded by others.

Pride Perspectives offers a regular, welcoming space where people can spend time together without the expectations that sometimes come with more formal activities.

As the group’s facilitator Clare explains:

“People who come to Pride Perspectives aren’t necessarily looking for formal support. Sometimes they simply want somewhere they can be themselves, meet people, talk about shared interests and feel understood without having to explain or justify who they are.”

The group meets at The People Place, a private venue in Busselton, where sessions are designed to feel friendly and relaxed. There’s no pressure to speak or join the discussion. Participants don’t need to have read the same book or watched the same film as everyone else.

Some people come along for a chat about something they’ve been reading or watching. Others are happy to listen and get to know people at their own pace. There are usually snacks and a simple craft activity too that help to create a low-pressure approach that makes room for different personalities and comfort levels.

When a first visit becomes a familiar place

One of the most meaningful things about Pride Perspectives is that, for some people, it’s the first LGBTQIA+ or Pride event they’ve ever attended.

A relaxed book and media club can feel more approachable than a larger event, especially for someone who is nervous about entering a new community.

Clare has seen people arrive without knowing anyone, then return to Pride Perspectives and other Busselton Pride Alliance activities as they become more comfortable.

“Watching that first step turn into familiarity, friendships and a greater connection to the local LGBTQIA+ community is a reminder of how important accessible, low-pressure opportunities for connection can be.”

It’s a small but powerful change. A place that once felt unfamiliar becomes somewhere a person recognises faces and knows they’re welcome.

The confidence to be yourself

For Pride Perspectives, this year’s Support Groups Awareness Week theme, Different Stories. Shared Strength., speaks to what happens when people bring their own experiences into a shared space. “For Pride Perspectives, shared strength means knowing you are not alone. Everyone brings their own experiences, interests and perspectives, but coming together creates a sense of belonging that can be difficult to find in a regional community.”

The group includes several young members aged 15 to 18, and Clare says their growing confidence is one of the most rewarding things to witness. When young people feel accepted, they can relax into conversations, share their interests and express themselves without worrying about being judged.

This is part of what makes peer support meaningful. It isn’t always about giving advice or finding solutions. Sometimes it’s about seeing someone else live openly and realising that you can, too.

Making room for more to belong

Pride Perspectives hopes to see a future where LGBTQIA+ people, particularly young people, can find community without fear of discrimination or hostility.

As a volunteer-led group, they s a growing need for welcoming spaces, but doesn’t always have the capacity to meet that demand. Its facilitator is also concerned about the impact of increasing anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment and polarised public debate on the community, especially young people’s mental health.

The hope is for greater understanding and respect, where people can participate in community life without feeling that their identity is being questioned or challenged. Until then, Pride Perspectives continues to offer something simple but meaningful: a familiar place to spend time with others and feel accepted for who you are.

The group’s message about the value of peer support captures that beautifully:

“Peer support is powerful because LGBTQIA+ people deserve to know they are not alone. There is something powerful about being with people who understand your experiences, celebrate who you are and let you be unapologetically yourself.”

Connect with Pride Perspectives

Pride Perspectives is a book and media discussion group run by Busselton Pride Alliance in Busselton, Western Australia.

You don’t need to have read a particular book or be ready to speak in a group discussion to attend. People are welcome to participate in whatever way feels comfortable for them.

Find out about upcoming sessions through the Busselton Pride Alliance website or its social media channels.

Facebook | Instagram | Email: support@busseltonpridealliance.org.au | Phone: 0438 926 920

The post A place to be yourself: Finding belonging through Pride Perspectives appeared first on Alike WA.

From a welcoming space for young people navigating bereavement to creative connection within the LGBTIQA+ community, we’re pleased to introduce our newest members.

Lionheart Camp for Kids Inc

Lionheart Camp for Kids provides bereavement support to children, teenagers and families following the death of a parent, sibling or significant caregiver.

Based in Western Australia, Lionheart also runs weekly youth peer support groups during school terms. These groups give young people opportunities to connect with others who have experienced loss, with support from a trained Lionheart facilitator.

Perth Pride Shed

Perth Pride Shed brings members of the LGBTIQA+ community together through creativity and shared connection.

The group holds regular craft gatherings in the Perth area, offering a welcoming space where people can meet others and build friendships. Participants are encouraged to bring their own craft projects, with some materials available for those who need them.

The group aims to reduce social isolation and stigma while strengthening connection across generations.

CWA Stronger With You – Mental Health Support

Based in Albany, CWA Stronger With You offers a supportive space for people living with mental health challenges to share their experiences and connect with others.

The group meets weekly and provides a welcoming environment where people can spend time together over crafts, books and refreshments.

South West T1D Peer Support Group

South West T1D Peer Support Group connects people living with type 1 diabetes, along with those supporting someone with the condition, across the South West of Western Australia.

The group has an established online community where members can share experiences and offer support. It is also working towards more face-to-face gatherings, creating further opportunities for local connection.

Grow peer support groups

We’re also pleased to welcome eight Grow peer support groups across metropolitan Perth.

Grow offers free peer support for adults experiencing mental health challenges. Through regular meetings, participants can connect with others, share experiences and explore practical ways to manage life’s challenges through mutual support.

Our newly approved Grow groups are:

• Grow – Inglewood
• Grow – South Perth
• Grow – Forrestfield
• Grow – Midland
• Grow – Midland Carers
• Grow – Fremantle
• Grow – Armadale
• Grow – Rockingham Carers

These groups meet weekly or fortnightly, depending on the location.

Connecting through peer support

Each of these groups brings something different to the Alike WA community, reflecting the many experiences that can lead people to seek connection and understanding.

We’re pleased to welcome our October members and look forward to supporting the work they do within their communities.

The post Meet our October members appeared first on Alike WA.

Does your community group have an idea to help older Western Australians feel more connected and included?

The Age Friendly Communities Connectivity Grants Program is offering funding of up to $15,000 for projects that support older people to participate in community life.

Delivered through a partnership between LG Professionals WA and the Department of Communities, the program aims to help create communities where older people feel valued, included and connected.

For peer support groups and community organisations working with older people, this could be an opportunity to develop activities that strengthen local connections and reduce social isolation.

What funding is available?

There are two funding streams.

Stream 1: Supporting age-friendly communities

Grants of up to $15,000 are available to local government authorities considering joining the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities.

Funding can support activities that help local governments progress towards membership, including community engagement and planning.

This stream is for local governments only.

Stream 2: Delivering age-friendly projects

Grants of up to $15,000 per project are available to local governments and incorporated not-for-profit community organisations.

Projects may focus on:

• Reducing loneliness and strengthening older people’s connections within their communities.
• Challenging ageism and supporting positive ageing.
• Helping older people participate more fully in community life.

Projects supporting older people experiencing social isolation, as well as those in regional and rural WA, are particularly encouraged.

Partnerships between local governments and incorporated not-for-profit organisations are also welcomed.

Could your peer support group apply?

If your group is incorporated and has a project idea that supports older people to connect and participate in their community, Stream 2 may be worth exploring.

For example, a group might consider an activity that helps older people build friendships or creates opportunities for community participation.

These are illustrative ideas, not confirmation of eligibility. Applicants should check the official funding guidelines before developing a proposal.

Important: All applicants must contact the LG Professionals WA Grants Program Coordinator to discuss their proposal and confirm eligibility before submitting an application. Applications submitted without this prior contact will not be considered.

Key dates

Applications opened: 1 October 2026
Applications close: 13 November 2026
Projects may commence: From 30 November 2026
Projects must be completed: By August 2027

Find out more and apply

For eligibility questions and application guidance, contact:

Christine Young
Grants Program Coordinator, LG Professionals WA
Phone: 0402 893 402
Email: agefriendlygrants@lgprofessionalswa.org.au

Visit the official Age Friendly Communities Connectivity Grants Program page to read the guidelines and access application information.

Alike WA is sharing this external funding opportunity for the information of WA’s peer support community. The grant program is administered by LG Professionals WA in partnership with the Department of Communities.

The post Age Friendly Communities Connectivity Grants: Up to $15,000 for WA projects appeared first on Alike WA.

Organised by the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing, the annual march brings the community together to honour those whose lives have been lost to domestic and family violence, acknowledge survivors and show support for people who continue to experience violence.

Alike WA supports the message behind this important event and recognises the role that community connection and collective action can play in creating safer communities.

Event details

Date: Wednesday 25 November 2026
Location: Forrest Place, Perth
Organiser: Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing

Program:

• 10.00 am: Connect with stallholders and services supporting victim-survivors.
• 11.00 am: Official proceedings begin, with speakers sharing messages of hope and resilience.
• 12.00 noon: Participants assemble for the silent march in solidarity against domestic and family violence.

Standing together for change

The march takes place on the first day of the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which runs from 25 November to 10 December each year.

It is an opportunity for people across Western Australia to stand alongside victim-survivors, remember those who have lost their lives and demonstrate a shared commitment to ending domestic and family violence.

At Alike WA, we believe in the importance of connection and communities where people feel safe and supported. We encourage our members and wider network to learn more about the march and consider taking part.

Event information provided by the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing.

The post 36th March Against Domestic and Family Violence: Walk with us appeared first on Alike WA.

The Neurological Council of WA is inviting current and former carers in Esperance to a free From Carer to Career workshop on Tuesday 24 November 2026.

The workshop offers an opportunity to recognise the skills developed through caring, build confidence and explore how those experiences might translate into future employment opportunities.

Recognising the skills carers bring

Recent From Carer to Career workshops in Karratha and Port Hedland highlighted the valuable skills carers bring to the workforce, including communication, advocacy, problem-solving and care coordination.

Following the success of those Pilbara workshops, the program is coming to Esperance.

Supported by Horizon Power, the initiative aims to help current and former carers recognise their strengths, consider employment pathways and connect with new opportunities.

Workshop details

Date: Tuesday 24 November 2026
Time: 9:30 am to 12 noon
Location: Esperance Lotteries House, Esperance
Cost: Free

Register your interest

If you’re a current or former carer in the Esperance area, this workshop offers an opportunity to explore the value of your caring experience and what it could mean for your future.

You can also share this opportunity with carers in your community who may be interested.

This workshop is delivered by the Neurological Council of WA, with support from Horizon Power. Alike WA is sharing this opportunity for the information of WA’s peer support community.

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