About

Mental Health PeerLeaders NSW Inc

Mental Health Peer Leaders NSW is Incorporated with NSW Fair Trading as a Community Association.
* Incorporation number: INC2300646
* Charitable Fundraising Authority number: CFN/27146
* ABN (Australian Business Number): 15 864 798 542

Click here to read our Constitution.

If you would like more information please feel free to contact us.

The Committee

Hugh Worrall

I have been a ‘career’ community worker for over 35 years, working in local government community development, in emergency accommodation and housing, transport, advocacy and planning, and since 2015 in mental health. As well as that I have worked in television, radio and theatre as well as volunteering in community music organisations.

My passion is to assist people to build up their skills, strength, social networks and resources to be able to help each other at a community level. That’s why I advocate for employing Mental Health Peer Leaders in their local areas to organise activities, events and groups. This creates opportunities for local people to support each other.

I have seen the power of this work as people, who have experienced a serious mental health condition themselves, build their strength and skills to help other people who have had similar mental health experiences. Not only do the participants and the community get a benefit but the Peer Leaders themselves get an important benefit too. They are learning new skills, building their strength, adding to their experience and resume, and getting the satisfaction and healing effects of knowing that they have assisted someone else with their mental health recovery.

Paula Farouqui

I have MUCH sympathy for people for who have experienced mental health conditions. I feel it’s often ONLY those who’ve experienced depression, anxiety and other conditions that CAN support others because their knowledge is through lived experience NOT academia semantics etc. Peer Support programs would be a very worthwhile project in my opinion.

I’ve had many conversations with those who don’t understand depression despite really wanting to – ANOTHER reason that Peer Support would be invaluable, I believe.

Jeff Wille

Jeff Wille is a member of organising committee of Peer Leaders NSW. Jeff believes that community network based support is invaluable to the “recovery” journey. The Peer Leaders concept can give much needed help and should be available to all. Jeff lives in Ettalong on the Central Coast NSW.

Gab McIntosh

Gab is a writer, a teacher and a natural rebel. She is involved with several community groups such as “Food Not Bombs” and “Rising Tide” interested in social justice and environmental issues. She is a former school principal and founder of several small schools. Gab earned the Order of Australia medal for her work in alternative education. Gab knows how social structures, like schools, can effect the mental wellbeing of people and is a big supporter of peer-led support groups.

Nicole Dimitriadis

Nicole is a mental health and wellness professional with a passion for helping people foster personal development through a holistic care approach. She has experience in group facilitation, counselling, coaching and program development. 

With first-hand experience in the sector, Nicole understands the important role peer leaders play within a community. Supportive social programs, projects and groups offered by peer leaders provide people with preventative care, a sense of belonging and a safe space to grow. 

She also has over ten years’ experience in diverse roles in the arts, ranging from writing, production, media and administration. Alongside being an Executive Board Member for Mental Health Peer Leaders NSW, she is responsible for producing, writing and editing content and marketing material for the organisation. 

Nicole hopes that through her involvement, Mental Health Peer Leaders NSW can continue to raise money to help support those who so kindly support others.