Role Title: Membership and Service Review Intern
Organisation: ConnectGroups
Internship Period: Semester 2 (July – October)
Location: Applecross, WA
ConnectGroups is the WA Peak Body for peer support groups, representing and servicing over 800 peer-led groups across the State. Peer support groups offer a unique level of support through shared experience, enabling individuals with a common condition or life adversity to offer emotional and practical support to one another. They provide support on a broad range of issues including chronic and genetic conditions, trauma, mental distress, and social isolation.
ConnectGroups is a member-based organisation, with its membership currently open to WA Peer Support Groups, and organisations providing peer support groups as part of their service delivery. In recent years, due to the changing nature of peer support and changes to needs within the community, there have been an increase in membership applications that fall outside of the scope of ConnectGroups’ membership criteria, or that partially meet criteria. This has resulted in a lack of clarity and consistency in membership assessment.
As a result, ConnectGroups is undertaking a review of its membership model, including membership categories and criteria, peer support group definition, and membership benefits. We require the support of an intern to review the current membership model and service delivery, to consult with current and prospective members, and to provide recommendations for a new, fit for purpose membership model that aligns to current and future peer support groups.
Since 1983, ConnectGroups has provided practical assistance to both new and established groups to support their effective management and role in the community. ConnectGroups promotes the philosophy and practice of peer support throughout Western Australia. Fostering empowerment among Support Groups allows people dealing with stressful life problems and situations to share their experiences and to offer emotional and practical support to one another.