Peer Support

Be understood.

Build your confidence by connecting with a mentor who has lived experience of spinal cord injury, via our free peer support program.

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

Be supported by people with lived experience of spinal cord injury

A peer support mentor 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.

estara’s peer support mentors 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 mentors can:

  • Support 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

  • Guide and connect you with professional and community service providers who can support your ongoing rehabilitation.

  • Assist with developing practical solutions in day-to-day life (equipment, routines, etc)

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.

Ask about peer support mentoring


Our peer support mentors 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.

Enquire to learn more or connect with a peer support mentor.

Frequently asked questions

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

    A peer support mentor can help you to solve challenges and create strategies that can help you to continue living a fulfilling life after a spinal cord injury.

  • 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.

    We also facilitate an inclusive community through our recreation programs and peer support groups.

  • 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.