New lead role for peer
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Member Donna Lawless is stepping into a new lead role at CFA having recently been elected as the Peer Coordinator for Districts 10 and 27.
Donna is part of group of dedicated volunteers across the state who are part of CFA’s Peer Support Program. Through the program they support their fellow members through peer to peer mental health and wellbeing support.
The member of Driffield brigade and Group Secretary for Merton Group has been CFA peer for more than five years and a Deputy Peer Coordinator for two.
This year is the first time she has put her hand up for a coordinator position, and she was honoured to be elected to the role.
“We previously had one Peer Coordinator for Districts 10, 11 and 27 which is a huge area to cover,” Donna said.
“I felt it was time to share the load and although I was nervous about giving it a go, I have such great support from the state peer team and my fellow coordinators as I step into the role.
“It’s such a fantastic program to be a part of - to be able to meet so many different people, listen to their experiences and provide that help is an amazing way to give back.”
Meet your peer team and learn more about the program
Donna said the Peer Support Program was vital, now more than ever.
“The demand for support is higher with the ongoing stresses people are facing,” Donna said.
“It’s important that members realise that this service and other wellbeing support services are available and that there is help out there.”
CFA’s Peer Support Program spans both volunteers and staff. Volunteer peers are led by volunteer Peer Coordinators who act as the anchor point and coordinator for peer deployment in their regions. They are supported by a group of Deputy Peer Coordinators.
Every two years peers are nominated into the coordinator positions, with elections held to determine who will hold the leadership roles in each district.
Peer Support State Lead Tim Rogers said leadership roles in the program were vital in ensuring members and their families are provided with the appropriate support in their time of need.
“I congratulate everyone who was nominated and successful in gaining a role as a Peer Coordinator or Deputy Peer Coordinator and thank those who made the decision to step down from the leadership team for their efforts,” Tim said.