Peer support programme
The rainbow Indian journey is easier when we travel it together.
We are excited to launch a peer support programme in Aotearoa New Zealand – for rainbow Indians, by trained rainbow Indians. Support is open to family members and allies too. We welcome people regardless of ethnicity.
What is peer support?
We aim to provide support for people in Aotearoa who are of Indian origin and part of the rainbow community. The support is also for family members – mums, dads, siblings and allies who may need someone to talk to.
We can be your sounding board to help you get through the difficulties we face when our ethnic, cultural and rainbow identities combine.
Peer support sessions are run by trained IOPNZ volunteers. They will be online, and generally in group sessions. They are dialogue-based; we will talk in a healthy and safe space. We will discuss issues such as coming out, family acceptance, navigating community and workplace acceptance, and cultural identity amongst many others.
What it isn’t
Peer support is not a formal counselling or psychological/mental health service. Our facilitators are trained in group session facilitation and can direct you to the right resources if you are struggling with your mental health. We are not trained to engage with you in the capacity of a mental health professional.
Who is it for?
Anyone and everyone! Whilst we are an Indian-origin based community organisation, we welcome anyone who would like to access our group sessions regardless of ethnicity. We will be running sessions for both rainbow members as well as for family members such as parents, siblings and allies.
How to access Indian Origin Pride NZ’s peer support programme
We will start running peer support sessions in May 2023.
