EPIC Peer Parent Training Information

EPIC Peer Parent training equips peer parent support workers/volunteers with the emotional insight, communication tools, and trauma-informed understanding to support other parents who are navigating the complex, often isolating experience of raising a young person in crisis.

Become an EPIC Peer Parent Supporter with EPIC and Help other parents feel less alone

At EPIC, we believe in the power of lived experience. If you’ve supported a young person through mental health challenges or risky behaviours, your insight and compassion could make a world of difference to another parent navigating similar struggles. Our Peer Parent Training equips you to walk alongside other parents with empathy, presence, and hope.

Why This Training Matters

Parents are often the first to notice when something feels off with their child, but they can also be the last to receive support. Through peer-led connection and care, we create a stronger, more responsive community. This training prepares you to hold space for others, offer emotional support, and gently guide parents toward helpful resources, without needing to “fix” or have all the answers.

Training Overview:

  • Reach out via our website or call us to express your interest. We’ll be in touch to arrange a time to chat.

  • We’ll talk through what the training involves, the time commitment, and your readiness to support others. We’ll also answer any questions you might have about what it’s like to be a Peer Parent Supporter.

    • Component 1: Online Onboarding (30 mins)
      A one-on-one session with an EPIC team member to guide you through how to access and move through the self-paced eLearning modules.

    • Component 2: Self-Paced eLearning (approx. 4 hours)
      Engaging, reflective online content that helps you build skills in active listening, self-awareness, compassion, and peer support practices.

    • Component 3: Practice Session (2 hours)
      Once you complete the eLearning, we’ll meet (online or in-person) to bring your learning to life through guided reflection, peer practice, and discussion of EPIC’s debriefing and documentation processes.

  • If, after training, we all agree it’s the right fit, you’ll be invited to join our incredible team of Peer Parent Supporters. You’ll receive ongoing connection, support, and opportunities to keep growing as part of the EPIC community.

Benefits of peer support:

“Positive peer relationships are associated with more positive mental health and/or fewer externalising behaviours.”

— Australian Institute of Family Studies

“The committee recommends that the Australian Government fund a national parent peer support network to assist families experiencing school refusal.”

— Recommendation 13
Senate Inquiry into the National Trend of School Refusal, 2023

“Peer support provides mental health benefits through empathy, acceptance, and skill-sharing that comes from dealing with similar lived experiences.”

— SANE Australia