CHECK-IN is a peer-based connection, support, and self-advocacy program for VMIAC members.
As people with lived experience of emotional distress and service use, we value your strengths, resilience, and skills. We practice mutuality, respect, and non-judgment.
How do I know if CHECK-IN is for me?
If you are a member if VMIAC, aged 18 years and over, based in Victoria, identify as having lived/living experience of emotional distress, and want to connect with others with lived experience, CHECK-IN is for you.
The CHECK-IN program offers one-to-one peer support and group activities that support self-advocacy amongst people with lived experience of emotional distress. We support consumers in building their skills, knowledge, and confidence to undertake self-advocacy within the community. CHECK-IN is a space where people can connect with others with lived experience. Consumers can share their hard-won knowledge of navigating systems, advocating for themselves or others, with the support of carers, friends, family (biological or chosen).
Who will I be speaking to?
CHECK-IN is staffed by people with diverse life experiences of mental health diagnosis, use of mental health services and recovery. We take practices from intentional peer support, narrative therapy and therapeutic arts.
What activities do you offer?
Peer Support
We offer a 6-week program with weekly or fortnightly sessions with a peer support worker over Zoom or telephone. These sessions are flexible; what we explore is co-created by you and the peer support worker.
Online drop in sessions
Our weekly drop-in sessions include activities which build, support and sustain a community of self-advocates. The sessions occur on a rotating basis, including external facilitators and the opportunities for community members to be involved in co-facilitation.
- Week 1: Community Member Topics
If you are a member of VMIAC, a person with lived experience and would like to get involved in assisting with these sessions through co-facilitation, please get in touch via email, or by calling 1800 845 009.
- Week 2: Arts Making & Conversations
- Week 3: Trauma Informed Yoga Practice. Joined by an external facilitator.
- Week 4: Monthly Social Meetup will occur on the 4th Monday of every month 1pm-3pm.
- Week 5: Our Values & Skills
Download the PDF version of this calendar here
How do I sign up?
To register for peer support, please fill in the form below. One of our peer support workers will be in contact with you within 3 working days. If you experience difficulty with the form, please call 1800 845 009 and speak to us directly.
VMIAC membership
You must be a VMIAC member to participate in CHECK-IN activities. It is free to sign up. By becoming a member, you can have your say in issues that effect people with lived experience.
If you need additional support after working with the CHECK-IN program, we can assist you to find the best fit through external services.For emergency and crisis services, please call triple zero (000).
