Mito Foundation provides peer support to the mito community through Mito Meet-ups and our Peer Support Network. Our peer support mentors, who have lived experience with mito, offer understanding and connection. Our diverse mentor group includes adults affected by mito, parents, caregivers, and siblings from different backgrounds. While they can share their experiences, please note that they cannot provide medical advice.
To contact our Peer Support Coordinator, simply complete the webform. Our Peer Support Coordinator, Laura, will work with you to access tailored support.
Interested in becoming a Peer Support Volunteer?
For more information on becoming a group facilitator or a Peer Support Mentor, contact us via the webform or 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, our Peer Support Coordinator
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.