peer support

This free service connects people living with spinal cord injury with someone who has experienced spinal cord injury themselves.

Peer support advocates live with spinal cord injury themselves and can share their experience with you to support, guide and motivate you during rehabilitation.

A peer support advocate is someone you can talk to who understands the challenges you may experience whilst going through rehabilitation and can also talk with family members and friends.

Be supported by people with lived experience of spinal cord injury

estara’s peer support advocates work at the Repatriation Health Precinct Spinal Injury Unit and the estara office in Dulwich. They can also visit you in your home or other convenient locations.

Our peer support advocates can:

  • Support, advise and advocate for you and your family on issues, resources and services that relate to spinal cord injury
  • Be flexible, respecting your boundaries and providing as much or as little support and guidance as you prefer
  • Advocate for and represent you so you are supported with getting access to the best medical and non-medical services
  • Guide and connect you with professional and community service providers who can support your ongoing rehabilitation.

Ask about peer support advocacy

Our peer support advocates are friendly support people who have been through spinal cord injury and rehabilitation themselves, with first-hand experience of the challenges and obstacles you may encounter.

To learn more or connect with a peer support advocate, enquire below.

Send my enquiry

Peer support networking

For a fun, informal opportunity to connect with other people living with spinal cord injury or related illness, our ‘Push Thru’ program provides catch-up events across South Australia.

Connect with peers in an inclusive environment to share skills, a meal and the knowledge you’ve learnt. Our ‘Push Thru’ groups meet in the Mid North, Eyre Peninsula, South East, Yorke Peninsula, Riverland, Murray Bridge and Fleurieu Peninsula, Barossa and Whyalla.

Call 1800 ESTARA (1800 378 272) to learn more or contact our team.

Frequently asked questions

By sharing lived experience, peer support advocates can provide practical guidance and understanding of your experiences with spinal cord injury.

A peer support partner can help you to solve challenges, create strategies that empower you, starting you on the path to building the life that you choose.

Ask us about joining a ‘Push Thru’ event, where you can meet other people living with spinal cord injury in your region.

These events are inclusive, an opportunity to encourage others, share your experiences in a welcoming environment and be inspired.

Peer support can empower you to feel seen and connected. You can learn new skills and strategies, discover new perspectives and provide encouragement to others. Our Peer Support Program gives you someone to talk to who has experienced spinal cord injury.