Connection. Empowerment. Wellbeing
IPPS brings carers together in small, intimate groups facilitated by someone with lived experience. Sessions are co-designed with carers, ensuring the content reflects what you truly want and need.
With a blend of community, reflective practice, practical resources and expert insights, the IPPS program strengthens resilience, reduces isolation, and provides meaningful support for carers across Queensland.
About the Program
Caring for a family member with an intellectual disability can be both deeply rewarding and emotionally demanding. The In-Person Peer Support (IPPS) Program is a dedicated carer support program designed to help carers feel understood, supported and connected.
Delivered by Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Queensland (DSIDQ) in partnership with Carer Gateway Queensland, this program provides meaningful carer peer support through small, face-to-face groups where carers can connect with others who share similar experiences. Whether you’re seeking emotional strength, carer mental health support, new skills or community, IPPS offers a safe space to grow and feel empowered.
This is one of the most supportive DSIDQ programs available for carers wanting genuine connection, practical tools and ongoing intellectual disability support.
DSIDQ delivers a high-quality program built around:
- Carer-led sessions tailored to your needs
- A safe, inclusive and accessible environment
- Facilitators with lived experience
- A blend of community connection, education and practical skills
- Access to in-person groups and online coaching for a seamless support experience
This program stands apart for its deep focus on empowerment, wellbeing and genuine peer connection.
Benefits for Carers
- Feel supported through meaningful peer support for disability carers
- Access practical tools and real-life strategies
- Strengthen emotional wellbeing and resilience
- Connect with a local Brisbane carer support or Gold Coast carer group
- Gain confidence through shared experiences and expert guidance
- Build lifelong friendships and community
- Experience holistic support that complements respite and support for carers
Program Features
Face-to-Face Carer Peer Support Groups
- Facilitated by a carer with lived experience
- Guest speakers across wellbeing, legal, financial and disability topics
- 6–8 sessions held fortnightly
- Carer-led conversations and co-designed topics
- Builds connection, confidence and peer networks
- Supports carer mental health and emotional wellbeing
Sessions May Explore
- Building community and connection
- Wellbeing, self-care and stress management
- Practical tools (first aid, planning, navigating services)
- Guest speakers across health, law, finance and disability
- Understanding behaviour and communication
- Purpose, resilience and reflective practice
Who Is This Program For?
- The IPPS program is ideal for:
- Adults in any caring role
- Carers seeking practical tools, wellbeing support and community
- Carers experiencing isolation, burnout or stress
- Carers wanting to strengthen their mental health and personal resilience
(Young carers will be supported with referrals to Carer Gateway youth services.)
Locations (2026)
- Throughout Queensland
Our Principles
The IPPS program incorporates the Carer Gateway service design principles:
- Carer-led – Driven by carers’ priorities, experiences and lived wisdom.
- Practical & Flexible – Easy to access, tailored and responsive.
- Inclusive – Welcoming and accessible to all carers, regardless of background.
- Holistic & Seamless – Support before, during and after sessions, linking into wider intellectual disability support services and coaching.
This program is supported by:
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