DEFGLIS has released a Peer Support training package to increase the number of people able to provide support to LGBTI personnel in the Defence Community.
Designed by DEFGLIS board member James Bonello, a Registered Nurse and qualified counsellor, the training package provides comprehensive guidance on what peer support entails and how to build and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
LGBTI people have a much higher risk of suicide and depression than in broader society, so a greater number of people who are able to provide peer support will strengthen the overall resilience of Defence capability.
Peer Support is the ‘informal arrangement where one member provides support to another by establishing trust and draws on mutual knowledge and experience of both parties’.
It is not a new concept and is part of the Defence culture stems from the principles of not leaving your mates behind and looking after your mates. The training aims to provide a framework that maximises the provision of support while addressing various risks that can arise when providing support.
The training package offers supporters the basic skills to assist others on a peer to peer level. The model relies on three key element of Connection, Trust and Confidentiality, without these the model will not work and effective peer support network cannot be established on any level.
The training package convers a broad range of skills and attributes required for a Supporter to be able to confidently provide the desired support. After completing the training package participants should be able to:
- Describe the nature of peer support;
- Describe the limitations of peer support;
- Describe the responsibilities of a Supporter;
- Establish appropriate boundaries when providing peer support;
- Identify situations beyond the capability of a Supporter that require referral to professional services;
- Identify DEFGLIS, Defence and community resources that can provide assistance to a Supporter; and,
- Perform the role of a Supporter.
DEFGLIS will continue to enhance and diversify the training packages that we offer over time. If you have any comments or suggestions on how DEFGLIS could improve the package please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To access the Peer Support training package click here
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