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Birth Trauma Peer2Peer Support Program

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Welcome to ABTA’s Birth Trauma Peer2Peer Support Program. Here you will find information to help you understand how our free program works and how it may help you. If you have any further questions please email us via our Contact Page.

What is the Peer2Peer Support Program?

The Peer2Peer Support Program is an initiative that provides an online live chat service for women and their families impacted by a difficult birth. This is the first service in Australia dealing specifically with birth trauma. 
We hear time after time from families how important it is for them to simply be heard, treated with respect and to realise they are not alone.  This is where a peer support program can have immense positive impact.  

What can I expect from a session with a P2P Mentor?

Our aim is to offer one-2-one support with empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude.
Our program is made possible by our volunteers (P2P Mentors), who have themselves experienced psychological and/or physical injuries from a difficult birth and are in a place where they can now provide support to others who are walking the journey to acceptance. 
 
Our P2P Mentors are not trained counsellors and are therefore not able to provide specific advice around diagnosis for example, however they can provide a listening ear and supportive shoulder for those navigating life after birth trauma. The may also recommend services and resources that other women and families have found useful. 

Meet your P2P Mentors

Meet our P2P Mentors

When is the service available?

The service is currently available at the following times:

Monday 11:00am to 1:00pm
Monday 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Wednesday 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday 11:00am to 1:00pm

Before participating in the program it is important that you read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. As part of using this service you accept these terms and conditions.

How long does each session last?

Sessions are a maximum of 30 minutes in duration. There is no limit to the number of times you can access the service however this service is intended for short term support and if our Mentors identify that you require ongoing professional support they will direct you to a more appropriate service provider.

At the end of each session you will be asked a quick question to rate our service. It’s quick and easy and allows us to ensure we get your feedback and continue to improve our chat service and our other support channels.

How do I access the service?

If you are contacting us during our service hours, simply select the Live Chat P2P Logo pop up in the bottom right hand corner of the website browser and register your first name and email address.

You can then start messaging a P2P Mentor like you would on Facebook Messenger or via SMS.

What happens when all the Mentors are online but busy on a live chat?

You will be asked to initiate the start of a chat and one of our mentors will pick up your chat as as soon as they become available. As you can understand some days may be busier than others, but your need for support does matter to us, and we will follow up with you if you leave your details.

Can I contact the P2P Mentors out of hours?

If you are trying to contact us outside of these hours, you will be greeted by an out of office note. You will be able to type a message to us and we will respond to you when we are back online.  You will also receive an automated email containing links to information that may be useful in the meantime, and other support services that may be of interest.

How can I become a P2P Mentor?

If you would like to know more about becoming a P2P Mentor we are currently accepting expressions of interest from both men and women.

Apply to be a P2P Mentor

Other options for support

Women are welcome to join our Facebook Group – Australasian Birth Trauma Support to connect with other mothers and ask questions about trauma recovery. 

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