Hi, I’m Sophon a Khmer women.

I live independently with intellectual disability and a physical issue with my right arm from Polio as a child, so I have weakness to my right upper limb with chronic lower back pain. I am very active in my Local Community Church and with the Khmer Community Language Sunday School. My languages are my identity.

Through Diversity and Disability Alliance’s (DDAlliance) training I promote myself to have developed my passion for working with people with disability. I am excited about receiving such a special award (certificate) and surpassing the goals I set for myself.

I am inspired to be a peer facilitator and peer mentor to share my ideas with my peers and colleagues.

Peer mentoring has led me to want to complete more training and gain as much experience as I can to become better and give Peer Support.

My passions are working with new peers and sharing valuable lived experiences with others at the DDAlliance peer cafes. I faced many barriers in my life which challenged my confidence and experiences with vulnerability, however, it becomes my motivation to break through and remove stigmas to live my life. I gained self confidence through my involvement at peer cafes and paying it forward in my mentoring sessions. I am keen about offering confidence skills to peers and can practice on setting goals you like to pursue together.

I have a firm belief that as peers we are equals and I cherish peer relationships as we build rapport in our future mentor sessions.

I also love to support peers by advocating for people with disability, we can help create change through sharing stories, experiences from wisdom and still feel confident by getting involved in community programs.

If you would like to work with me on your journey, part of my offerings are supporting peers to find support with getting a support worker or carer, to boost your independence in living the life you want. And provide information about your rights as a fellow peer. For social goals, I can introduce you to peer support groups or community events if you like to become social in your area.

I also offer emotional support as I can support you with finding mental services that is applicable to your situation.

Part of my hobbies I enjoy watching the show about Kurt Fearnley from ABC 24 News where he talks about disability. He inspires me and I would like to recommend this show to peers.

I’m active in my mentor role and I contribute as much as I can.

Mentoring training and my lived experience gives me the skills to support peers. If you select me as your mentor I can offer my great skills in supporting you on an empathetic and caring level.