Scott
When Scott Smith joined Inner Sydney Voice’s peer educator training, he was going through hard times. He had been a project coordinator in his father’s landscaping business, but the death of both his parents left him grieving, unemployed and in need of public housing.
Scott saw our call-out on Eventbrite for volunteer digital mentors. He had noticed many people around him struggling with technology and wanted to help more. Being a part of the programme has given his confidence and communication skills a big boost and he also became a part of our vaccination education project.
Four weeks ago, he started a part-time role as Programme Coordinator with Manly Salvos, a direct result of the skills and experience he gained as a peer educator. He says he still “pinches himself” about the new job and his move into the community sector. His own experience of hard times, he says, helps him relate to the people he works with and motivates him to help others.
Chris
Chris Maharaj is studying for a Certificate IV in Community Services, and he finds that volunteering as a peer educator complements his studies well. It lets him practice real-world skills alongside the more academic ones, including communication, listening, holding space and, at times, responding to challenging questions.
Chris enjoys talking with people and hopes to work in grief or trauma support in the future. He also finds that being a volunteer peer worker keeps him busy and connected to his community, which benefits his own mental health.