Become a Parent and Family Peer Volunteer

Who can become a parent and family peer volunteer?

Parent and Family Drug Support recruit parents, guardians, and other family members who have experienced substance use of a significant other. This role is ideal for those who have found empowerment and can lead a fulfilling life, even if the person they support is still experiencing chaos. They have integrated healthy coping strategies into their lives.

PFDS volunteers possess excellent communication skills and use their lived experiences to offer support and wisdom to those facing similar challenges. They approach their work with respect and without judgement. 

We encourage individuals of all genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to apply.

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What do the parent and family peer volunteers do?

Volunteers who work on the telephone roster usually perform one rostered shift a week from home, speaking to parents and family members who've called the helpline for support. Shifts last 5 hours; either 8am-1pm, 1pm-6pm or 6-10pm. Some flexibility can be negotiated around these times. Volunteers on the telephone roster listen, share practical coping strategies, and discuss options with the caller.

Some volunteers facilitate support groups in the community. Specific training is provided to get them started. Parent and family support groups allow a safe space for family members to talk openly and freely about their concerns, fears and to gain support from others going through similar issues. Groups run between 1.5-2 hours per session and operate in a variety of locations and premises. Some facilitators run weekly groups, while others facilitate less frequently. Facilitators say they find their role extremely rewarding.

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Where are the roles based?

Volunteers on the telephone roster do their shift from home. When a parent or significant other calls the helpline, the call is transferred through to the parent and family peer volunteer at home. The caller is never given the volunteer's phone number which ensures confidentiality.

Volunteers facilitate groups in a range of locations both in person and online using Zoom. We are particularly interested to hear from applicants who would be willing to facilitate groups in Bunbury, Geraldton, Fremantle, Rockingham, Mandurah, Midland, and Thornlie.

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What does the training involve?

Parent and family peer volunteers undertake an initial two-to-three-day comprehensive training program and orientation.  Training, presentations and opportunities to meet and learn from your peers are provided regularly throughout the year.

The service provides support to the parent and family peer volunteers across the state.

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Will I be reimbursed for costs incurred while performing my role?

Voluntary allowances are given to parent and family peer volunteers engaged in three key activities:

  • General peer support group facilitation
  • Psychoeducational peer support group facilitation
  • Drug Court support.

Volunteers on the telephone support roster are not currently eligible for the voluntary allowances but will be reimbursed for any expenses incurred.

Interested in becoming a parent and family peer volunteer? 

If you can lend a hand, we’d love to hear from you. 

Reach out to the team by sending an expression of interest by emailing the PFDS team at volunteernowpfds@mhc.wa.gov.au.

Important note: Our service is based on peer support, so it is crucial that you have personal experience as a parent and family member of someone who has struggled with or is currently experiencing issues related to alcohol and/or drug use.  Only individuals who meet this criterion will be considered.

Page last updated14 February 2025