Sign Up for Peer Mentoring

IDFA members who are newly diagnosed or facing significant challenges in managing their immunodeficiency can access 12 weeks of one-on-one support when they need it most—ensuring they never feel alone.

Not an IDFA member yet? Membership is free! Join today and start receiving the support you deserve. You can find our frequently asked questions about Circle of Support Peer Mentoring below.

What to expect from Circle of Support?

With the guidance of your Peer Mentor, you’ll create a personalised action plan to work through over 12 weeks. Your plan can focus on a range of personal goals and actions, including:

Managing treatment and medical care
Exploring medication and treatment cost options
Mental wellbeing and social connection
Building a healthy lifestyle
Coping with fatigue and pain
Navigating transitions in school, study, work or retirement
Balancing caregiving and self-care

Connect one-to one with someone who has lived experience of life with immunodeficiency.

Empower yourself to work towards personal goals for wellbeing, treatment and lifestyle.

Improve your quality of life through free, personalised, and holistic peer mentoring.

Sign up for Circle of Support

Full Name(Required)

State/Territory(Required)

Date of Birth(Required)

Preferred Contact Number(Required)

Email Address(Required)

Preferred contact Day and Time(Required)

Areas for Peer Mentoring Support(Required)

Please select 2-3 priority areas where you wish to receive support.

Self-Managing Treatment & Medical Care

Mental Wellbeing & Connection

Healthy Lifestyle

Managing Fatigue

Managing Pain

Managing Transitions to School, Study, Work or Retirement

Managing Caring & Self-Care

Options for Medication & Treatment Costs

Do you have any special considerations we need to take into account when matching you with a Peer Mentor?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Circle of Support Peer Mentoring?

Circle of Support Peer Mentoring is a free support program for IDFA members, designed to help improve self-management of treatment and overall wellbeing while living with an immunodeficiency.

Your Peer Mentor will:

Connect with you to understand your personal journey and challenges
Support you in setting and working towards self-management and lifestyle goals
Help you develop skills for self-advocacy and confident self-care

Through social and emotional support, member-directed health coaching, and mentoring, Peer Mentors help you build confidence and take charge of your wellbeing.

Are my mentoring sessions private?

Yes, all contact with your Peer Mentor is private and confidential.

If your Peer Mentor is concerned about your mental wellbeing, they may refer you to relevant support services or recommend speaking with your GP, informing IDFA only that a referral was made.

If you have health or medical questions, your Peer Mentor can pass them on to the IDFA Health Professional Advisory Panel and share their response with you.

All Peer Mentors are IDFA volunteers and follow the IDFA Code of Conduct and Privacy, Disclosure, and Confidentiality Policies.

What experience do Peer Mentors have?

IDFA Peer Mentors have lived experience—either managing their own immunodeficiency or caring for someone with one.

They complete training in:

Mental health and wellbeing
Treatment options and working with healthcare providers
Self-advocacy and navigating the healthcare system
Managing fatigue, pain, and treatment costs
Balancing work, study, or life transitions
Holistic self-management, including nutrition, sleep, and physical activity

With their personal insight and training, Peer Mentors provide empathetic, practical, and tailored support.

Can I choose my Peer Mentor?

You’ll be matched with a Peer Mentor based on your location, experience, and needs. Whenever possible, we’ll pair you with a mentor from your state or territory. If you’re a carer, we’ll aim to match you with a Peer Mentor who is also a carer.

Your Peer Mentor will contact you for an initial introduction to answer any questions about the program. If factors like age or gender are important to you, you can note your preferences in the signup form, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.

Do I have to participate for 12 weeks?

No, the program is flexible! You can participate for up to 12 weeks or choose a shorter period to focus on specific areas.

If you need more time, you can extend your support in consultation with your Peer Mentor. Your Circle of Support Plan is entirely member-directed, allowing you to set your own goals, actions, and contact arrangements.

Once you’re happy with your plan, send it to your Peer Mentor to submit to IDFA. You can also update it at any time, especially if you extend your support.

What if I get sick or need to travel?

Circle of Support is designed to be flexible, understanding the day-to-day challenges of living with an immunodeficiency.

If you need to pause or adjust your support due to illness, travel, or commitments like work or study, you can discuss alternative arrangements with your Peer Mentor. These changes can be reflected in your Circle of Support Plan to ensure the program continues to work for you.

How often can I contact my Peer Mentor?

You and your Peer Mentor will agree on a contact schedule that suits you. This can be adjusted based on availability and personal preferences.

Depending on your needs, contact can be:

Phone calls – At agreed-upon times
Video chats – Your Peer Mentor will send a link via email or text
Flexible arrangements – Adjustments can be made for health needs, work, study, or other commitments

Your Peer Mentor will begin with an initial introduction, where you can discuss what works best for you moving forward.