Each one of us has a family which can exist in many variations.  Our families represent our earliest relationships and often our most enduring ones.  The definition of family varies across race and culture.

The family unit can provide emotional and psychological security, particularly through warmth, love, and companionship including social functions such as caring for its members when they are sick or disabled. Some family settings do not necessarily provide warmth and love and are a challenge to navigate or thrive in.

Defining family in a non-traditional way, it may include friendships that see their bond as strong as a family and are willing to care for someone, who due to illness or disability cannot cope without their support.  The Family Peer Support Service supports family members, carers and supporters from a variety of family constructions.

Family peer support workers refer to the term family in a caring role and we include friends as part of the descriptor, as similar to having a family member.  It is considered that having a supportive friend in the caring role can enhance the mental wellbeing of the person they care for regardless of being related by blood or marriage.

“Compassion becomes real when we recognise our shared humanity.”

Pema Chódrón