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Episodes
Helping Support Groups, Individuals and Carers
Episodes

Jun 30, 2026
Jun 30, 2026
1hr 13 min
What helps volunteers feel confident, supported and able to stay?
Recorded in Busselton during National Volunteer Week 2026, this local panel conversation brought together volunteer managers, community leaders and people with lived experience to explore what meaningful volunteer support can look like in practice.
Hosted in collaboration with the Busselton Dunsborough Volunteer Centre, the discussion shares honest reflections, local examples and practical ideas for building strong volunteer teams, creating inclusive and welcoming environments, supporting skill development, and navigating challenging or sensitive situations.
This episode is for anyone involved in a volunteer-led group, community organisation or peer support setting who wants to strengthen how they support and value volunteers.

Feb 28, 2023
Feb 28, 2023
26 min
In recognition of Rare Disease Day, our staff member Emily had the pleasure of catching up with Renee Brown, Secretary for the Australian Pompe Association. Renee speaks about Pompe, its daily challenges, and the importance of raising awareness of rare conditions.
To learn more about Pompe and support available, contact Renee at secretary@australianpompe.org.au.
To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at info@connectgroups.org.au.

Feb 21, 2023
Feb 21, 2023
21 min
As part of our Rare Disease Day podcast series, Emily speaks with Michelle Robinson about the rare condition MELAS, a mitochondrial disease which Michelle and her family live with.
To learn more about mitochondrial disease and support available, contact The Mito Foundation Support Network at info@mito.org.au.
To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at info@connectgroups.org.au.

Feb 17, 2023
Feb 17, 2023
14 min
As part of our Rare Disease Day podcast series, Emily chats with Lisa Rynne, the co-founder of Sotos Syndrome Association, about the rare condition, her experience as a mother of a child with Sotos, and the importance of raising awareness about rare, genetic, and undiagnosed conditions.
To learn more about Sotos Syndrome Association Inc, contact info@sotos.org.au.
To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at info@connectgroups.org.au.

Feb 9, 2023
Feb 9, 2023
20 min
In the lead up to Rare Disease Day, Emily catches up with Julia McDonald from Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group WA who shares her journey of diagnosis and living with a rare condition, and provides information about the WA Support Group.
To learn more about Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group WA, contact Julia at juliamcdonald@ozemail.com.au
To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at info@connectgroups.org.au.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Dec 2, 2022
Dec 2, 2022
31 min
In the lead up to the International Day of People with Disability, ConnectGroups caught up with Amber Gilkes, founder of XYY Syndrome Association of Australia to talk about her experience as a mother of a child with XYY, and the importance of inclusion and raising awareness of the rare, genetic, and undiagnosed conditions sector.
To learn more about XYY, contact Amber at xyyaustralia@gmail.com.
To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at info@connectgroups.org.au.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Nov 22, 2022
Nov 22, 2022
11 min
ConnectGroups recently caught up with Ryan Rigg at Survivors and Friends to learn more about the new Support Group which supports victims of institutional abuse by providing emotional support, information, and resources in a safe and confidential setting.
To learn more about Survivors and Friends, contact Ryan or Jarrod at the emails listed below:
To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at info@connectgroups.org.au.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Oct 19, 2022
Oct 19, 2022
15 min
ConnectGroups SCDO Abbey Grosse and Advocacy Comms Coordinator Amanda Muir chat all things Support Groups Awareness Week in the lead up to the campaign launch.
To find out more about the campaign and how to get involved, visit www.connectgroups.org.au/peer-support-groups-awareness-week.
Tune in to RTR FM 92.1 next week to hear some of our Support Group members talk about the great work they're doing in the community. Schedule below.
Monday 24 October, 10.30am: ConnectGroups
Tuesday 25 October, 9.45am: Solace Grief Support Group and Chronically Inspired
Wednesday 26 October, 9.45am: Prostate Cancer Help Association
Thursday 27 October, 9.45am: Invisible Illnesses Inc and Depression Support Network Albany
Friday 28 October, 10.10am: Heartspace Women's Health Hub and Sikh Women Alliance Network
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Sep 5, 2022
Sep 5, 2022
27 min
In this Women's Health Week feature, ConnectGroups SCDO Abbey Grosse speaks with Tanya Langford about Heartspace Women's Support Group and the importance of an holistic approach for women's health, mental health and wellbeing.
To learn more about Heartspace, email Tanya at tanya.langford@yahoo.com.au.
To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at info@connectgroups.org.au.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Jun 15, 2022
Jun 15, 2022
25 min
In this Men's Health Week feature, ConnectGroups SCDO Abbey Grosse speaks with Ross Campbell about Prost! Exercise 4 Prostate Cancer, the importance of men's health, and how to better engage with men about their health and mental health.
To learn more about Prost!, contact Ross on 0407 886 823 or email email@prost.com.au.
To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at info@connectgroups.org.au.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
