Mito Foundation offers support within the mito community through Mito Meet-ups and our peer support network.
The peer support network offers individual connections within the mito community, reducing loneliness.
Peer support mentors offer support from lived experience, understanding the impact of life with mito. Our peer support mentors understand the challenges of mito better than anyone else. As Mito Foundation mentors are adults affected by mito, parents of children impacted by mito, caregivers and siblings from varying age groups and backgrounds. Although volunteers can speak from lived experience, medical advice cannot be offered.
Our Peer Support Coordinator, Laura, will work with you to access tailored support.
Know you are never alone with mito. A whole community is waiting to support you on your journey.
Accessing peer support
Mito Meet-ups are monthly support groups held via zoom and led by mito community members. Meet-ups are open to all individuals impacted by mito. Register for the next Mito Meet-up here.
Peer Support Network – Contact our Helpline, who will discuss your situation and can assist you in accessing one-on-one support.
Interested in becoming a Peer Support Volunteer?
For more information on becoming a group facilitator or a Peer Support Mentor, email us at peersupport@mito.org.au.
What have the community said about the Peer Support Network?
From a Peer Support Mentor
"Being a mentor with the Mito Foundation is a real privilege, and I hope my small contribution makes a difference. We can get just as much from being mentors as we can from being mentees. I am finding the experience an extremely positive one, and I am grateful to have this opportunity."
From a Peer Support Mentee
"I would say it's a great opportunity to get to know others like yourself. People that understand what you're going through and can give advice, listen to you with genuine understanding, and just have a fun chat if that's what you're after."
Meet Laura Barker
Hi, I’m Laura, and I’m lucky enough to call Western Australia home. I moved from the North-West of England in 2011 on a bit of an adventure. The adventure continues today as we regularly pack up the caravan and see what WA offers. But my greatest happiness is my two fur babies, Charlie and Lola. I love finding lakes and old smelly swamps so that they can go and live their best lives. Their happiness is my happiness.
It hasn’t always been an easy ride. In 2016, I heard the words, ‘you have mitochondrial disease’, and my world fell apart. But, since then, I have slowly learnt that mito and I can live together. I wouldn’t have chosen this rollercoaster, but it chose me, and it has given me some fantastic opportunities.
I know first-hand how vital support is with chronic disease. My community sat with me during my diagnosis as I grieved my old self and what would have been me. They got me across the finish line of The Bloody Long Walk and ziplining off green bridges. Of course, family support is critical, but so is peer support. Having someone understand the smallest part of your journey with little explanation is a relief.
We’re all here to support you. You’re not alone, and a large mito community is waiting to support you.