Peer Support

Speaking to another amputee can help you to understand the pathways ahead of you. Peer Support links individuals (and their families) pre or post amputation with trained amputees who have experience living with, and adapting to limb loss. Our program is designed to match you with someone of a similar age, level of amputation and gender.

Speaking with another amputee can play an important role in your preparation, recovery and rehabilitation of limb loss. In fact, speaking to someone who personally understands what it means to lose a limb can often be a great relief; you can ask questions and discuss issues that only someone who has been through limb loss can answer.

The Limbs 4 Life Peer Support Program enables individuals to connect with trained amputee volunteers who are willing to share their knowledge and experience to assist others during their transition to recovery. Many amputees have told us that receiving a visit from a Peer Support Volunteer was a rewarding experience and the single most important part of their recovery; one that gave them the chance to speak openly about how they were feeling, address some of the issues and concerns that they had, and alleviate some of the distress that they were feeling.

Limbs 4 Life's Peer Support Volunteers have successfully adapted to limb loss and have regained their independence. Peer Support Volunteers are keen to support others and act as mentors to new amputees just starting out on the journey to recovery.

The early stages of your recovery may be a time of uncertainty and doubt. Many amputees report feeling more comfortable discussing personal issues with someone who understands what they are going through; someone who has the hard earned knowledge and can appreciate just how you feel. Limbs 4 Life's Peer Support Program matches trained Volunteers with new amputees requesting support.

Our Program connects amputees in hospitals and rehabilitation centres with trained Peer Support Volunteers. Peer Support Volunteers are individuals who have adapted to limb loss and willingly give of their time to support others during their recovery.

Limbs 4 Life Peer Support Volunteers are assessed for suitability, undergo reference and police checks and take part in a training program to prepare them for their role as Peer Mentors. Peer Support Volunteers provide support that only someone who has also gone through limb loss can. Peer Support Volunteers can also assist family members or care givers who want to better understand how they can help a loved one who has experienced (or is about to undergo) an amputation.

"Peer support gave me hope. Just knowing that there are other people like me, helped to reduce my fears."

Rodney, 49 years below elbow amputee. Trauma SA
"Meeting other amputees really helped my husband. It also made a huge difference to me. I had not idea what to expect and what our lives would be like after he lost his leg. The support and information was wonderful."

Leanne, wife to Bruce, 61 year old below knee amputee. Diabetes QLD
“Shortly after my amputation, I was introduced to a Peer Support Volunteer. This person was the single most important factor in my recovery. It was encouraging to hear his story of recovery and I felt that I could trust him more than any other health worker because of his own lived experience.”

Jack, 27 years, below knee amputee. Cancer TAS
"I had no idea what to expect until I met *Rebecca. She explained the process I would go through and the journey ahead."

Sally, 51 years below knee amputee - Cancer ACT