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What we do

Self-advocacy

We know that you are the expert of your own experience. Our advocates provide information and guidance – they know the facts – while you get to determine how much help you need. At Kin, we empower you to make the choices that impact you directly.

What is self-advocacy?

Self-advocacy is the ability to not only make informed choices about what matters to you but to also challenge decisions that may impact negatively on your quality of life. Through the disability advocacy process, advocates demonstrate skills and strategies that empower you to stand up for your rights. At all times people who seek support are encouraged to speak out knowing they have the support of the advocate beside them.

From time-to-time Kin conducts self-advocacy training for people with lived experience of disability from ethno-culturally diverse communities. Participants are provided with information about and encouraged to join peer support groups of like-minded people.

Peer Support

Kin provides culturally safe space for peer support groups to meet. The peer support groups provide social support to people with lived experience of disability from ethno-culturally diverse communities. Participants learn from each other’s lived experience and share relevant information of benefit to everyone. Two peer support groups meet regularly at Kin main office in Osborne Park. The benefit of meeting at Kin is there is always staff available to provide up-to-date information on changes in government policies and systems that members need to navigate. Guest speakers are also invited from time to time to talk on topics relevant to the groups.

Kin also supports an on-line peer support group. This is an opportunity for those who choose not to meet face-to-face. There is capability to communicate in-language using the on-line tools available. The online forum is a closed group. There is an application process for those wishing to join the on-line forum. This forum is facilitated and monitored by the communications officer.

 Join a Kin peer support

Who to contact?

You can contact Shar at the Kin office on [email protected] or call (08) 9388 7455 if you would like further information about these groups or would like to set up an ethnoculturally diverse peer support group

There are a number of peer support groups established across Western Australia and supported by a range of agencies in the disability sector. For further information about these groups please check our directory here.

Go to directory


We'd like to tell you a few stories

Senait’s Story

Senait is a 28-year-old woman from Eritrea referred to Kin Advocacy by a community health nurse. Her first language is Tigrigna. Senait arrived in Australia two years ago, has limited English literacy and no extended family support in Australia. Both Senait and her partner are deaf and use Auslan as their primary form of communication. She presented with three issues of concern. 

Yasin’s story

Yasin is a 43-year-old Iraqi refugee who arrived in Australia in 2015. Yasin was referred to Kin Advocacy by his GP and presented with numerous chronic health issues, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. He had lodged several unsuccessful applications for a Disability Support Pension (DSP).

Mikal’s story

Mikal is a 16-year-old living in a regional WA. Mikal has an intellectual disability and cognitive impairment. He was referred to Kin Advocacy by his school liaison officer as his primary carer’s health was rapidly declining. The school liaison officer requested support to place Mikal in safe out-of-home care before his primary carer became so unwell that crisis intervention was necessary.
All stories
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Kin | Disability Advocacy for Diverse Communities

132 Main Street
Osborne Park 6017
Western Australia

Freecall 1800 659 921
Phone 08 9388 7455
Email [email protected]

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