by Lia Perre | Mar 20, 2025 | Uncategorised
At Aspire Recovery Connection, we know that healing happens in connection. Our peer skill-building groups provide a space where people can come together to share experiences, learn from one another, and explore new ways to grow and heal.
We offer a range of peer-led groups, each designed to meet people where they’re at, helping them build confidence, develop skills, and find support in a way that feels meaningful.
Our Groups: Find What Feels Right for You
Men’s Group – A space for men to connect, share experiences, and support each other in a safe, understanding environment.
Creative Expressive Art Group – Explore painting, writing, music, and other forms of creative expression as a way to process emotions and tell your story.
Games Group – Rediscover the joy of play! Board games, strategy games, and interactive activities help build social confidence and create a sense of fun and connection.
Each of our groups is facilitated by peer workers—people with their own lived experience—so you’re never alone in your journey.
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Why Join a Peer Skill-Building Group?
✔ Build Meaningful Connections – Meet others who understand your experiences, offer and receive support, and form genuine bonds.
✔ Develop Inner Strength – Tap into resilience, practice self-compassion, and discover new ways to navigate life’s challenges.
✔ Explore Creative Expression – Connect peer to peer engaging in art, music, writing, and storytelling to express yourself in new ways.
✔ Rediscover the Joy of Play – Laugh, have fun, and connect with your inner child through games and light-hearted activities.
The Importance of Play in Healing
Healing isn’t just about processing challenges—it’s also about rediscovering joy and fun. Our Games Group and other interactive activities help:
Strengthen Social Connections – Reduce anxiety, build rapport, and foster belonging.
Enhance Cognitive Skills – Improve memory, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Boost Mood & Reduce Stress – Laughter and play release endorphins, creating a sense of light-heartedness.
Finding Your Voice Through Creative Expression
Our Creative Expressive Art Group provides an opportunity to use creativity as a tool for healing. Whether it’s painting, writing, playing music, or sharing stories, creative expression can be a powerful way to:
- Release & Process Emotions – Express feelings that may be difficult to put into words.
- Discover Hidden Talents & Passions – Try new creative outlets and gain fresh perspectives.
- Build Confidence – Recognise your unique strengths and contributions.
- Connect in a Supportive Community – Share your creativity in a safe, understanding space.
In Episode 5 of our On the ARC podcast, we explored the role of music in recovery through Dan’s story. For him, heavy metal became an outlet for self-expression, a source of joy, and a reminder of his strength. Just like Dan found healing through music, our Creative Expressive Art Group offers a space to explore your own creative voice.
A Community of Shared Understanding
What makes our peer skill-building groups unique is that they are facilitated by experienced peer workers—people who bring their own lived experience to the table. This creates a space built on trust, empathy, and genuine understanding.
Our groups provide an opportunity to:
- Connect with People Who Truly Get It – Share your story without judgment and be heard.
- Develop Practical Coping Strategies – Learn from others and explore new ways to navigate challenges.
- Embrace Your Authentic Self – Celebrate your strengths, creativity, and personal growth.
If you’re interested in joining one of our peer skill-building groups, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch today:
At ARC, we believe in the power of community. You don’t have to walk this journey alone, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
by Lia Perre | Feb 28, 2025 | NDIS Support and Recovery Services, Peer Mentors, Psychosocial Recovery Coaching
At Aspire Recovery Connection (ARC), we know that healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Each person’s path is deeply personal, shaped by their lived experiences, challenges, and dreams. That’s why we don’t just provide services—we walk alongside you, offering connection, understanding, and support tailored to what truly matters to you.
Healing isn’t about ‘fixing’ anything, it’s about feeling seen, heard, and supported in the ways that feel right for you. Whether it’s finding stable housing, reconnecting with family, or rediscovering purpose, ARC’s lived experience team is here to support you on your journey, not direct it.
Keeping a Roof Overhead: A Foundation for Healing
For many people living with emotional and mental distress, having a stable home is essential for healing. But navigating housing systems, tenancy rules, and financial pressures can feel overwhelming, especially when life already feels like a struggle.
Mark’s Story: Mark, an NDIS participant, was on the verge of eviction due to a miscommunication with his landlord. The stress of the situation triggered deep feelings of anxiety, leaving him feeling isolated and uncertain about what to do.
When Mark reached out to ARC, we listened, truly listened to his fears and concerns. Together, we worked through the situation, helping him communicate effectively with his landlord and put a plan in place for the future. With advocacy, support, and reassurance, Mark was able to keep his home. More importantly, he felt a renewed sense of stability and control over his life, giving him space to focus on his emotional well-being.
Reuniting a Family: Supporting Parents with Psychosocial Disabilities
Parenting with a psychosocial disability can be incredibly complex, especially when systems and services don’t always understand the realities of mental distress. One of the most heart-warming aspects of our work at ARC is helping parents regain confidence in themselves and their ability to provide a loving home.
Susan’s Story: When Susan lost temporary custody of her child due to the impact of her mental health, she felt hopeless. She wanted to be the best mother she could be, but the barriers felt insurmountable.
ARC stood beside Susan, not as authorities or experts, but as people who understood the deep pain of feeling unheard. We helped her connect with resources, build self-advocacy skills, and develop strategies that worked for her. More importantly, we reminded her of her strength, her worth, and her right to be a mother.
Through patience, support, and a human-first approach, Susan was reunited with her child. It wasn’t just about winning a case, it was about rebuilding confidence, stability, and belief in her own ability to thrive as a parent.
Rediscovering Identity and Purpose in Recovery
Recovery isn’t just about stability, it’s also about meaning. So often, people in distress feel disconnected from their identity, unsure of who they are beyond their struggles. At ARC, we believe that everyone deserves to explore their passions, strengths, and purpose in a way that feels right for them.
Our psychosocial recovery coaches walk beside participants, not leading or pushing, but gently supporting them as they rediscover themselves. Whether it’s trying a new activity, reconnecting with culture and community, or setting personal goals, we honour each person’s unique path.
Alex’s Story: After years of feeling lost, Alex wanted to reconnect with the things that once brought him joy but didn’t know where to start. Through ARC’s peer-led programs, he was able to explore his passions in a way that felt safe and supported. He began volunteering at a local community garden, rediscovering a love for nature and connection. With each small step, his confidence grew, reminding him that he was more than his struggles, he was a person full of possibility.
Navigating the NDIS and Finding the Right Support
We know that the NDIS system can feel overwhelming. That’s why ARC offers Psychosocial Recovery Coaching and Support Coordination, helping participants understand their plans, connect with providers, and access the resources they need to build the life they want.
From peer support programs to skill-building workshops, everything we offer is rooted in the belief that you are the expert in your own life. We are simply here to support you in the ways that feel right for you.
Listen to Our Podcast: On the ARC with Cat Morgan
The importance of identity in recovery is something we recently explored on the On the ARC podcast with Cat Morgan. In the latest episode, we discuss what it means to build a sense of self beyond experiences of distress and mental health challenges, and how reclaiming identity can be a crucial part of healing.
More Than Just Services: A Community That Cares
At ARC, we believe healing isn’t about reaching a destination, it’s about feeling supported in the journey. We’re not here to ‘fix’ or ‘save’ anyone. We’re here to hold space, walk alongside you, and remind you that your voice matters.
Because healing happens in connection. And you don’t have to do it alone.
📌 External Resources:
by Lia Perre | Feb 21, 2025 | Uncategorised
At ARC, we believe that recovery is about so much more than just managing symptoms or fitting into a diagnostic box. It’s about rediscovering who you are, exploring your values, and creating a life that feels meaningful and authentic. In Episode 6 of our “On the ARC” podcast, we dove into the complexities of identity in recovery, and we heard powerful stories from people with lived experience about how they navigated the journey of redefining themselves. You can listen to the full episode here.
Beyond the Diagnosis
One of the key takeaways from Episode 6 was that labels can be both helpful and limiting. While a diagnosis can sometimes provide a sense of understanding or validation, it can also become a label that defines us and limits our potential. It’s important to remember that you are not your diagnosis. You are a unique person with your own strengths, values, and aspirations. Learn more about our philosophy and approach on our website.
Psychosocial Recovery Coaching: A Path to Self-Discovery
This is where psychosocial recovery coaching comes in. Our recovery coaches walk alongside you, helping you to explore your identity beyond any labels or diagnoses. They’ll support you to:
- Connect with your values: What truly matters to you? What kind of person do you want to be?
- Identify your strengths: What are you good at? What unique qualities do you bring to the world?
- Set meaningful goals: What do you want to achieve in your life? What kind of life do you want to create?
- Develop coping strategies: How can you navigate mental and emotional distress and find ways to move forward?
- Connect with your community: How can you find belonging and build meaningful relationships?
If you’re interested in exploring this further, we encourage you to read our page on [psychosocial recovery coaching](link to ARC’s psychosocial recovery coaching page).
Psychosocial recovery coaching is about empowering you to take control of your recovery journey and create a life that is aligned with your values and aspirations. It’s about recognising that recovery is not a destination but an ongoing process of growth and self-discovery.
Key Themes from Episode 6: Identity in Recovery
Here are some key themes from Episode 6 that highlight the importance of exploring identity in recovery:
- The power of self-acceptance: Accepting yourself, with all your strengths and experiences, is crucial for recovery. It’s about embracing your whole self, including your lived experience with mental and emotional distress.
- The importance of connection: Connecting with others who understand can be incredibly validating and empowering. It can help you to feel less alone and more supported on your journey. We offer various peer support programs that can help foster these connections.
- The freedom to redefine yourself: Recovery is an opportunity to redefine yourself and create a life that is true to who you are. It’s about letting go of old labels and embracing new possibilities.
Take the Next Step
If you’re interested in learning more about how psychosocial recovery coaching can support you on your journey of recovery and self-discovery, please reach out to us. We’re here to walk alongside you, every step of the way. You can contact us here.
Remember: You are not your diagnosis. You are a unique and valuable person with the potential to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
by Lia Perre | Feb 14, 2025 | Alcohol & Other Drugs, NDIS Support and Recovery Services, Peer Mentors
At Aspire Recovery Connection (ARC), we believe that lived experience is more than just a concept – it’s the very heart of what we do. We know that true healing and connection happen when we walk alongside each other, sharing our stories and understanding the unique challenges of mental and emotional distress from the inside out. It’s the power behind peer support, and it’s what makes ARC such a special place. We invite you to learn more about our approach to lived experience on our website.
We’re a community of lived experience practitioners and leaders, and we walk alongside over two hundred community members. We understand the complexities of mental health because we’ve lived them. We recognise the limitations of the traditional medical model, and we deeply value the wisdom that comes from navigating our own journeys of recovery. This lived expertise informs everything we do, from our peer support and therapeutic services to our training programs. We strive to create a warm, compassionate, and human-rights centred space where everyone feels welcome, understood, and empowered. You can find more information about our services here.
Sharing Our Stories: Insights from the “On the ARC” Podcast
We believe in the power of sharing stories. It’s how we connect, how we learn, and how we heal. Our podcast, “On the ARC,” is a space where we explore the transformative power of lived experience. You can listen to all episodes of On the ARC podcast here. In Episode 5, we hear from two incredible individuals, Jadee and Dan, whose stories beautifully illustrate the impact of peer support.
Jadee’s Journey: The Transformative Power of Peer Connection
Jadee, who volunteers with Talk Out Loud and works as a peer practitioner, shares her own journey of finding connection and healing through peer support. She speaks openly about her experiences with mental health challenges and how connecting with someone who truly understood made all the difference. Jadee emphasises the importance of having someone who can sit with you in your discomfort, who can hold hope for you when you’re struggling to hold it for yourself. It’s that shared understanding, that deep empathy that comes from lived experience, that makes peer support so incredibly powerful. Learn more about the benefits of peer support.
Dan’s Story: Finding Purpose Through Peer Support
Dan’s story in Episode 5 is one of resilience, hope, and giving back. He talks candidly about his own struggles with mental health and addiction, and the challenges he faced in breaking down stigma and seeking help. Dan shares his journey of vulnerability and the importance of support from family, friends, and mentors. He also discusses his inspiring work at ARC, where he facilitates a peer support group for those experiencing alcohol and other drug use. Dan explains how this peer-led approach creates a relaxed, non-judgmental atmosphere where people can connect authentically, share their experiences, and find strength in each other. His emphasis on gratitude, developed through his own lived experience, resonates deeply with others on their journeys. As Dan shared, “It’s easy to be grumpy and upset and angry. It’s harder to be happy, funny, grateful. But yeah. So I’ve learnt to strengthen my willpower and self-belief and having a positive perspective.” If you are interested in learning more about peer support groups at ARC please contact us.
At ARC, Lived Experience is Our Strength
These stories, and countless others within the ARC community, demonstrate the profound impact of lived experience. It’s not just about having a shared experience or diagnosis; it’s about sharing a journey, understanding the nuances of mental and emotional distress from a place of deep personal knowing. At ARC, we believe that lived experience is not just valuable, it’s essential. It’s what allows us to create a truly compassionate and supportive community, a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are. It’s the heart of peer support, and it’s what drives us to continue working towards a world where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to thrive. We encourage you to get involved and be a part of this important work.
by Lia Perre | Feb 6, 2025 | NDIS Support and Recovery Services, Psychosocial Recovery Coaching
Navigating mental and emotional distress can be overwhelming, but no one should have to do it alone. At Aspire Recovery Connection (ARC), we believe in the power of genuine connection, peer-led support, and walking alongside people as they navigate their own healing journey. Our Psychosocial Recovery Coaching service is more than just guidance, it’s a shared experience that respects your autonomy, values your insights, and supports you to create a life that is meaningful to you.
Healing Through Shared Experience
At ARC, we know that healing looks different for everyone. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and we don’t believe in telling you how to heal or what your journey should look like. Instead, we create a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and supported.
What makes ARC different is that we don’t approach mental and emotional distress from a clinical lens. Our team has lived experience of navigating their own recovery journeys, which means we understand the weight of distress, the complexity of emotions, and the courage it takes to move forward. We offer support from a place of understanding, free from judgment, and rooted in the belief that you are the expert in your own life.
We focus on:
- Holding space for your emotions – You don’t need to be “fixed” because you are not broken. We walk beside you as you navigate your experiences in a way that feels right for you.
- Empowering you to define recovery on your own terms – Your journey is yours, and we honour that by listening deeply and supporting what matters to you.
- Fostering deep, authentic connection – We believe that real healing happens through relationships built on trust, respect, and shared humanity.
How Psychosocial Recovery Coaching Complements NDIS Participants’ Goals
For NDIS participants, Psychosocial Recovery Coaching is designed to provide the tools, resources, and support needed to live a fulfilling and autonomous life. This service aligns with your goals by focusing on:
- Building capacity – Developing skills and confidence to engage in the community in ways that feel meaningful to you.
- Strengthening independence – Supporting you to take control of your life, decision-making, and daily activities.
- Navigating systems with confidence – Helping you understand and access the services that align with your personal needs and aspirations.
The NDIS is about choice and control, and at ARC, we embody that by ensuring you are always at the centre of your own recovery journey. Our role is not to lead or direct but to support, empower, and uplift.
Why Choose Aspire Recovery Connection?
We are not just service providers, we are people who have walked similar paths and deeply understand the need for connection and autonomy in recovery. At ARC, our Psychosocial Recovery Coaches:
- Recognise the importance of healing, not just treatment – We focus on your whole self, not just symptoms.
- Walk beside you with compassion and understanding – Our lived experience means we truly get it, and we offer a level of support that is deeply personal.
- Support you to define and pursue your own goals – We trust in your ability to know what is best for you and help you move toward the life you want.
Stories of Transformation
Hearing from others who have walked similar paths can be a powerful reminder that healing is possible. Our podcast, On the ARC with Cat Morgan, features real conversations with people who have navigated recovery in their own ways. These stories highlight resilience, the power of connection, and the role of lived experience in fostering true healing.
🎧 Listen here: On the ARC with Cat Morgan – Aspire Recovery Connection Podcast
Join Us on Your Healing Journey
At Aspire Recovery Connection, we do not offer a roadmap because we know that healing isn’t linear. What we do offer is understanding, solidarity, and the kind of support that empowers you to take the next step, wherever that may lead.
If you would like to learn more about our Psychosocial Recovery Coaching service and how it can support your NDIS goals, visit: Aspire Recovery Connection Services.
You are not alone. We are here, walking beside you, as you write your own story of healing.
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