The Alike WA Podcast Series

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.

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 [email protected].

To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at [email protected].

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 [email protected].

To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at [email protected].

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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 [email protected].

To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at [email protected].

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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 [email protected]

To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at [email protected].

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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 [email protected].

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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.

[email protected]

[email protected]

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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

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 [email protected].

To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at [email protected].

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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 protected].

To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at [email protected].

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com