Volunteer now to make a difference in someone else’s life.
Parent and Family Drug Support Line
The Volunteer Support Network is made up of Parent Peer Volunteers who are part of the Parent and Family Drug Support Line, our helpline for parents and families concerned about a loved one's alcohol or other drug use. In addition to professional counsellors, people calling the support line can speak to one of our trained Parent Peer Volunteers who have experienced their own child’s alcohol or drug use.
Peer Volunteers also facilitate peer support groups that help people to learn new strategies, tools and skills to help cope with their situations. These groups are free, and any family member or significant other who is affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use can attend.
We would like to run more support groups and provide assistance to more families in need.If you can lend a hand, we’d love to hear from you.Training is provided alongside ongoing support from professional staff and peers.
Speak to parents on the phone to share practical coping strategies and discuss options with them.
Lead support groups in the community.
Help parents and family members who have a child or family member going through Perth’s Drug Court.
Facilitators allow a safe space for family members to talk openly and freely about their concerns and fears and gain support from others going through similar issues. Groups run between 1.5-2 hours per session. Some facilitators run weekly groups, while others facilitate less frequently.
The Parent Peer Volunteers work one rostered shift a week from home, speaking to parents and family members who've called the helpline for support.
Peer Volunteers attend the Perth Drug Court every Tuesday morning to provide support, answer questions and share referrals for local services.
Apply to become a Parent Peer Volunteer now
We need your help to run more family support groups. If you can lend a hand, we’d love to hear from you.
Have you reached a point in your life where you feel emotionally and practically ready to use your personal experience to help others? Volunteering with us might be perfect for you. The role suits people who can demonstrate effective coping skills, resilience and self-care in order to promote hope and be effective supporters of other parents and families in distress.
Whether you’re looking to give back to your community, want to learn new skills or find a community, volunteering is a valuable experience. As a Peer Volunteer, you will be joining a warm, friendly, supportive and passionate team of parents.
Peer support makes a difference
Parents and family members of people that use alcohol and other drugs say it’s like riding an emotional roller coaster – it can leave you feeling isolated and powerless. That’s why we recruit Peer Volunteers to help provide hope and support to families who are struggling. Facilitators say they find their role extremely rewarding. Ongoing training and support are provided.
Our Testimonials
I attended a parent support group several years ago and vowed that when I retired and had the time, I'd become a volunteer. That's exactly what I did, and I haven't looked back since. It feels so good to give back and we are so well supported by the service.
Parent Peer Volunteer
Thank you so much. I thoroughly enjoyed the training and can see I'm going to be very supported in my role going forward. I've done volunteering roles before but never have I attended such comprehensive training and felt so supported. I'm in the right place in my life right now to give back and can't wait to get started.
Parent Peer Volunteer
I’m so glad I came along. I’ve found it invaluable to meet and discuss thoughts, ideas and situations with others on a similar road – even though we have different lifestyles. It’s not easy to discuss with friends and although understanding they can’t truly understand.
Support Group Participant
Need help?
Concerned about a loved ones alcohol or drug use? It helps to get help.
The Parent and Family Drug Support Line is a confidential, non-judgemental telephone counselling, information and referral service for anyone concerned about a loved one’s alcohol or drug use.
We recruit parents and guardians who've experienced their own child's (of any age) substance use.
The role suits those who've gained a sense of empowerment and the ability to lead a fulfilling lifestyle despite the fact the person they support may still be in chaos. They have achieved this by integrating healthy strategies and ways of coping into their lives.
Volunteers possess excellent communication skills, using their lived experience to provide support and wisdom to those going through similar challenges in a respectful and non-judgemental approach.
We encourage men, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.
Who is the role not suited to?
We acknowledge that all family members are affected when someone in the family uses alcohol or drugs and there are themes that all family members can relate to. However, given parents feel a greater sense of guilt and responsibility than other family members, we are looking for parent peer volunteers or those who are engaged in a guardian type role such as step-parents or grandparents.
The role would not be suitable to those who:
Have experienced alcohol and other drug-related problems within the past two years;
Have experienced an alcohol or other drug-related death of a significant other within the last two years;
Are unable to commit to volunteering for a 12-month period; and/or;
Are unable to complete the training and 6-month probationary period of the program.
As most of our communication is done electronically, volunteers need to have a computer, and be comfortable using technology.
What do the Parent Peer volunteers do?
Volunteers who work on the telephone roster usually perform one rostered shift a week from home, speaking to parents and family members who've called the helpline for support. Shifts last 5 hours; either 8am-1pm, 1-6pm or 6-10pm. Some flexibility can be negotiated around these times if necessary.
Volunteers on the telephone roster listen, share practical coping strategies and discuss options with the caller.
Some Parent Peer Volunteers facilitate support groups in the community. Specific training is provided to get them started.
Parent and Family support groups allow a safe space for family members to talk openly and freely about their concerns, fears, gaining support from others going through similar issues. Groups run between 1.5-2 hours per session and operate in a variety of locations and premises. Some facilitators run weekly groups, while others facilitate less frequently. Facilitators say they find their role extremely rewarding.
Where are the roles based?
Volunteers on the telephone roster do their shift from home. When a parent calls the helpline, the call is transferred through to the parent peer volunteer at home. The caller is never given the volunteers phone number to ensure confidentiality.
Volunteers facilitate groups in a range of locations both in person and online using Zoom.
We are particularly interested in applicants who are willing to facilitate groups in Bunbury, Geraldton, Fremantle, Rockingham, Mandurah, Midland, and Thornlie.
What does the training involve?
Parent Peer Volunteers undertake an initial two to three-day comprehensive training program and orientation.
Training, presentations and opportunities to meet and learn from your peers are provided regularly throughout the year. The service has 2 dedicated Managers whose role is to recruit, train and support its team of parent peer volunteers across the state.
Will I be reimbursed for costs incurred while performing my role?
Voluntary allowances are given to Parent Peer Volunteers engaged in three key activities; general peer support group facilitation, psychoeducational peer support group facilitation and Drug Court support.
Volunteers on the telephone support roster are not currently eligible for voluntary allowances but will be reimbursed for any expenses incurred.
Ready to make a difference?
Apply to become a Parent Peer Volunteer Now
Prospective Parent Peer Volunteers need to complete an Application Form and are then interviewed.
Please contact the Manager for more information on (08) 6553 0239 or by emailing parentdrugsupport@mhc.wa.gov.au
