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.
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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 | Sep 3, 2024 | Peer Mentors
Honouring Paloma’s Incredible Work
We are excited to announce that Aspire Recovery Connection (ARC) has nominated our very own Paloma for the prestigious Mental Health Coalition of SA (MHCSA) Lived Experience Awards. Paloma’s exceptional dedication to the principles of Lived Experience work and her unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and person-directed care make her an outstanding candidate for this recognition.
Championing Justice and Human Rights
Paloma embodies the core value of justice and human rights in her work every day. She deeply understands the impact of social inequity on people’s identities and opportunities, particularly how factors such as race, culture, and sexual orientation can shape a person’s mental health journey. Paloma is passionate about addressing these inequities and advocating for those who have been marginalised. She views Lived Experience work as a crucial response to historical injustices and discrimination against people with mental health challenges. Her approach is not just about providing support; it’s about ensuring that every individual’s human rights are upheld and respected.
Person-Directed Care in Action
Central to Paloma’s work is her commitment to person-directed care. She believes that each individual is the expert of their own experiences and should have the autonomy to direct their recovery journey. One powerful example of this is her support of a community member who has faced multiple hospitalisations, physical disability, and mental health challenges. Paloma has walked alongside this person, advocating for them within the complex healthcare and NDIS Service. She has helped ensure they have access to the resources and support that are meaningful to them. With Paloma’s support, this community member is now publishing a book of poetry and starting a business focused on mental health and creative expression. Paloma’s dedication has empowered this person to find their voice and pursue their dreams, demonstrating the transformative power of truly person-directed care.
Creating Safe Spaces for Healing and Expression
Paloma’s work at ARC also includes creating inclusive, safe spaces for creative expression and healing. She initiated an art group that allows community members to take the lead in their creative processes. This group has become a sanctuary for those who have experienced discrimination and stigma, providing a place where they can express themselves freely and feel a genuine sense of belonging. One participant shared, “Thanks to Paloma, I feel I’m worth something as a person and feel I belong and have value to others!” Through her leadership, Paloma has helped foster an environment where people can heal, connect, and grow together.
A Dedication That Inspires Us All
Paloma’s work at ARC is a testament to her passion for justice, human rights, and person-directed care. She has made a significant impact on the lives of those she supports, creating spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. Her approach is not just about meeting needs but about empowering people to reclaim their lives and pursue their goals with confidence. We are incredibly proud to have Paloma on our team and to nominate her for this award.
Please join us in celebrating Paloma’s nomination for the MHCSA Lived Experience Awards. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals inspire us every day, and we are excited to see her recognised for her incredible work.
Thank you, Paloma, for all that you do!
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