April 2021 - Counterpart

Three reasons to become a Peer Support Volunteer

Our previous post Five reasons to call a Peer Support Volunteer highlighted the importance and benefits of talking to someone who understands your diagnosis but there are also a number of reasons to become a Peer Support Volunteer too! Places for our 2021 volunteer intake are open now. Read below for insights into volunteering and how to apply.

1. Using your experience for the greater good

Although every woman’s cancer experience is different, you’ve been through the treatments, worries and ongoing appointments. You know what to expect which means you are in a unique position to lend a reassuring, sympathetic ear to women who are facing these situations.

2. Being part of a team of women who understand your life experience

Our Peer Support Volunteers connect with each other during training, when coming into the Resource Centre or at our events. They’ve told us that they enjoy the friendships they’ve made with other women who get what they’ve been through.

3. Shifting the focus on your cancer diagnosis

Helping others can provide opportunities to learn and discover new things about ourselves. We can realise how far we have come, how strong we are and how much we have to offer.

In this vimeo video Peer Support Volunteer Bridget shares her Counterpart volunteer experience.

Have you ever considered volunteering? We are currently recruiting!

If you would like to know more about how you can join our Peer support Volunteer team visit the volunteer section of our website. Here you will find details on what is involved as well as a link to register for our online information session and an application form. Applications close 7 June 2021.

Five reasons to call a Peer Support Volunteer

It can be daunting to pick up the phone and talk to a stranger, but if you have experienced breast or a gynaecological cancer, calling Counterpart can be rewarding.

1. Sometimes you need someone who understands

Everyone’s experience is different but talking to someone else who has been through a cancer diagnosis can help. You don’t need to explain or justify your feelings to a Counterpart Peer Support Volunteer. They don’t provide medical advice or counselling, but they’ve been there and they know there is no right or wrong way to be . Counterpart does not provide medical or financial advice or counselling.

2. They aren’t your family or friends

So many women feel the need to put on a brave face to their loved ones. This is especially likely for women who have caring responsibilities for others, whether it is children, ageing parents or another relative. You can speak freely to a Counterpart Peer Support Volunteer because they don’t need anything from you. All they are here for is to listen and give you support.

3. Counterpart’s services are confidential

You don’t need to worry about your privacy when you talk to a Counterpart Volunteer. Counterpart takes privacy very seriously and will never share your health information (unless we are forced to by law, but that’s very unlikely to ever happen). All our service user records are stored with the highest available protection and our volunteers understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.

4. Peer Support Volunteers are extensively trained to support you

Becoming a Counterpart Peer Support Volunteer takes over 40 hours of training. The volunteers have a lot of experience in providing peer support and, if you have a difficult scenario to talk through, they can also additional support from a staff member if necessary. No matter what, the main aim is getting you the support or information you want.

5. Talking about cancer can be fun

That sounds strange doesn’t it? If you don’t want to have a heavy discussion right now, you might be pleasantly surprised to know that sometimes conversations with Peer Support Volunteers end in laughter. Sometimes sharing your worries can be the best way to lift your mood. Our volunteers can show you that there can be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Arrange to speak to a Counterpart Peer Support Volunteer

Call 1300 781 500

Make an online request

Email: [email protected]

Have you ever considered volunteering? We are currently recruiting!

See our post Three reasons to become a Peer Support Volunteer for insights.

Applications are now open to join our team as a Peer Support Volunteer. If you would like information or to attend our online information session please visit the volunteer section of our website. Applications close 7 June 2021.