Peer Connect

Experience the power of connection with our peer support program, Peer Connect.

Peer Connect is a vibrant community for people with neuromuscular conditions and their families – offering support, connection and community. Because we know that talking to people with similar experiences is powerful.

Whether it’s navigating the NDIS or exploring the latest medical research, we’re here to help you build a strong support system.

Join us for fun, welcoming events – both virtual and in-person – as well as small group conversations and weekend retreats. From Easter lunches to info days, there’s something for everyone.

Best of all, most events are free! So, what are you waiting for?

Why attend a Peer Connect event?

  • Gain knowledge, including practical tips and advice.
  • Increase confidence and your ability to advocate for yourself.
  • Reduce social isolation and anxiety.
  • Foster connection and build a support network of like-minded people.
  • Share your experiences with others.
Peer Support by Muscular Dystrophy NSW

Peer Connect programs

  • InfoShare: Brings our community together online and in-person to discuss the topics they choose such as accessible travel, navigating the NDIS, home modifications and managing life transitions.
  • Condition-specific groups: Groups for people living with Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), myotonic muscular dystrophy, and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).
  • Power Hour: A monthly virtual catch up for young members who use power wheelchairs, in a fun and relaxed environment.
  • Student Life: A group for students living with a neuromuscular condition to meet, share stories and build connections
  • Mums Wine & Chat: A monthly virtual catch up for mothers in our community to share stories and connect in a casual environment.
  • Social Lunches & Events: From Easter lunches to our annual Community Day, our social lunches and events provide families with opportunities to connect with their community.
  • Neuromuscular Information & Research Day (NIRD): An annual online seminar that brings together the country’s leading experts to provide our community with the latest neuromuscular research.
  • Retreats: Fun and accessible retreats including Peer Connect Retreats, Mums Retreats and Women’s Retreats so that like-minded groups can get together and socialise and learn over a weekend.

Client testimonials

Testimonials

“I found the Mums’ Retreats a blessing… time to get away from the everyday and relax and have a giggle with mums in similar situations.”

Sonya
Mums' Retreat attendee

“Since 2019, I have been part of Peer Connect, where I have been able to share my experience of graduating from University, hoping to help younger guys with MD to see that regular things are possible, you just have to try.”

Jack
MDNSW community member

“We have gained friendship, support, new ideas and knowledge of new services, supports and products.”

Alison
Mums Wine & Chat attendee

“I like the sense of community when we all get together… I think disability can be too serious sometimes. I like the relaxing side of it too – where I get to come away and not have to worry about anything at all. It’s all done for me.”

Lisa
Peer Connect retreat attendee

“I think the best thing about Peer Connect is being able catch up with my friends more often than ever before… it’s really easy to attend because it’s all online and I don’t have to travel anywhere to get to it. It’s also great that it’s open to people all over NSW so we can connect with people who live far away.”

Jamieson
Community member
“The Adventure Camp experience ended up being such a positive opportunity for John to develop independence and this was something I really wanted for him. Not only did he make new friends and enjoy new experiences like playing in the sand at the beach and abseiling, but he also developed new independent skills that he is still doing at home now like brushing his teeth every day and getting himself dressed.

He’s more confident and we both understand that things won’t fall apart if I’m not around. John can’t wait to go back to Camp next year and I am so grateful to MDNSW for making this life-changing experience for him possible.”
Effie, John’s Mum
“The Adventure Camp experience ended up being such a positive opportunity for John to develop independence and this was something I really wanted for him. Not only did he make new friends and enjoy new experiences like playing in the sand at the beach and abseiling, but he also developed new independent skills that he is still doing at home now like brushing his teeth every day and getting himself dressed.

He’s more confident and we both understand that things won’t fall apart if I’m not around. John can’t wait to go back to Camp next year and I am so grateful to MDNSW for making this life-changing experience for him possible.”
Effie, John’s Mum
“The Adventure Camp experience ended up being such a positive opportunity for John to develop independence and this was something I really wanted for him. Not only did he make new friends and enjoy new experiences like playing in the sand at the beach and abseiling, but he also developed new independent skills that he is still doing at home now like brushing his teeth every day and getting himself dressed.

He’s more confident and we both understand that things won’t fall apart if I’m not around. John can’t wait to go back to Camp next year and I am so grateful to MDNSW for making this life-changing experience for him possible.”
Effie, John’s Mum

How do I register?

Drop us a note and say hello by contacting us on info@mdnsw.org.au or (02) 9888 5711. To find out more about the latest events, visit our events page!

Related services

Upcoming events

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Contact Us

Say hello & contact our friendly team today.

Phone: (02) 9888 5711

Freecall: 1800 635 109

Proud partnerships and memberships

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Muscular Dystrophy NSW
ABN 11 774 587 436

Registered CharityNDIS
Contact

Phone: (02) 9888 5711

Freecall: 1800 635 109

Postal Address: PO Box 3071, North Strathfield NSW 2137

Muscular Dystrophy NSW would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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