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Sending Hope Issue #15

Your FAQs about the Peer Mentoring Program answered!

Hi ,

If you follow EDV on social media you will often hear us talking about our Peer Mentoring Program! It's something that we've been running for a few years now, and we've recently received a government grant that will enable us to double the size of the program.

So what does this mean for you?

It means that we're in a position to match more Victorians in recovery from an eating disorder with an EDV Mentor, and that could include you! We know there are people in recovery that are curious about the program, but for different reasons might not reach out to sign up. In this issue of Sending Hope, we speak with program manager Rachael Duck, who addresses some frequently asked questions about the program in a bid to help you better understand how the program works and if it could be suitable for you in recovery.

A bit of background....

The Peer Mentoring Program was developed because we noticed a continuing trend of hospital relapse, whereby people who were treated in in-patient or intensive day programs often found themselves re-admitted to hospital in the months following discharge. The program has been designed to help people 'step down' from intensive treatment and support their transition back into their regular life. We believe that the best people to help do this are those who have been through the recovery process themselves, and therefore understand how difficult it can be. These people are known as Peer Mentors.

The program is structured over a 6 month period. Mentors and mentees (must be aged 18 and over) catch up every fortnight for up to three hours at a time. These sessions are casual and community based. Mentors work with their mentees to listen, empathize and offer constructive support based on their own lived experience. The program is not designed to replace traditional eating eating disorder treatment, but rather to work alongside clinical supports. All mentees must have the support of a treating mental health clinician and a GP to participate. Currently in order to be eligible you need to have attended a public or private inpatient, outpatient or day program within the last 6 months. However we are currently working with the government to relax this criteria. If you are interested but don't fit the current criteria, please still get in touch with us as you may be eligible for the program later in the year. 

FAQs with Peer Mentoring Program Manager Rachael Duck 

The program seems a bit overwhelming, I don’t know if I’m ready for it.

Feeling overwhelmed when meeting someone new and trying out a new program, is not uncommon. It demonstrates that we are taking it all into account, looking at our options, and asking ourselves that important question - is this right for me right now?

As we know recovery is not a linear process, taking many twists and turns. Peer mentors are employed in the program to work alongside someone who is on their recovery journey, to help them understand more about their eating disorder, engage in activities out in the community that may support recovery and provide hope that recovery is possible. 

What happens if I don’t ‘click’ with my mentor?

An important part of mentoring is matching! To help with matching there is a section in the registration form where you can indicate what is important to you when being matched (eg: same gender, similar diagnosis etc). If things aren't clicking between you and mentor, you are able to have a conversation with me about your concerns. Communicating your needs together with your mentor, can often help build connections, it might be a case of schedules not lining up, clarifying expectations of the program or feeling unsure about continuing. Based on that discussion we can then take some next steps if required.

What sort of things will I do with my mentor?

The great part about the peer mentoring program is that you and your peer mentor get to decide together the activities you engage in. The activities are supported by a Mentoring Journal which identifies recovery goals you would like to work on. Our peer mentors often have experience and knowledge about what helped them to recover and part of their role is to share this expertise and help you plan out recovery goals, which includes a range of activities. This could range from just meeting up for a chat, to cooking a meal, eating out, or going grocery shopping. 

How does this program work with my other treatment?

Working alongside a peer mentor is a unique experience, and complimentary to the work you do in other professional treatment, for example alongside a psychologist or GP. Your treatment team may have set goals you need to work towards and your peer mentor can support you with these steps. Peer mentors can also explore topics that you may wish to discuss with your treatment team and peer mentors are able to continue working with you during other treatment you may need.

I’m in regional Victoria – can I get a mentor?

Yes, the new funding given to the Peer Mentoring Program enables us to offer the program to rural and regional Victorians, which we are very excited about. Depending on the location of both the mentor and the mentee, these sessions may take place in person or through distance online. 

How much does the program cost?

It's entirely FREE to participate! 

Remember, if you need to talk to someone, please give our Hub a call during business hours on 1300 550 236, or email edv@eatingdisorders.org.au

For urgent support please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

Eating Disorders Victoria respect and welcome diversity of culture, religion, gender and sexuality.