MyTime’s impact
The MyTime practice model is grounded in evidence showing that peer support can improve outcomes for parents of children with disabilities or complex needs, which in turn leads to positive outcomes for their children.
MyTime helps parents feel connected, confident and supported
The 2026 MyTime Impact Report shows that MyTime is making a meaningful difference for parents and carers across Australia. Members report improvements in support, connection, belonging, self-care, self-compassion, hope and parenting confidence.
The research shows that the benefits of MyTime for parents and carers build over time. Parents often experience early gains in feeling understood, supported, and connected. As they continue participating, these benefits grow into stronger self-care, self-compassion, hope, confidence and wellbeing.
“MyTime is like a warm group hug...I feel loved, understood and respected from this group."
Our research approach
The 2026 Impact Report draws on survey responses from 604 members who completed at least two surveys since 2024. Most had been involved with MyTime for 6 to 12 months.
The surveys were completed on entry into the MyTime program and/or every 6 months from January 2024 to June 2025. Survey questions focused on member support, access to information and services, self-care, self-compassion, parenting confidence, hope, belonging, community connection and program satisfaction
The report also includes insights from 25 members across five MyTime groups who participated in a Photovoice pilot, sharing images and reflections on the biggest change they experienced through MyTime.
MyTime impact at a glance
- Early gains: Parents feel a stronger sense of belonging, feel understood, and gain confidence in finding information and support.
- Building outcomes: Parents develop stronger self-care, self-compassion and hope for the future.
- Longer-term changes: Parents report greater parenting confidence, wellbeing and connection with community.
- The outcome: Together, these findings show that MyTime’s benefits build progressively as parents remain connected to the program.
Key findings
Parents feel more supported
Members reported an increased sense of support over time. The largest improvements appeared early in their MyTime journey. Parents also reported stronger confidence in knowing how to access information, services and support to meet their child’s needs.
What this means: MyTime helps parents feel less alone and better able to find the support they need.
I value MyTime because it’s a safe and welcoming environment. No matter what kind of day I’ve had I know I’ll be supported and leave feeling better.
Parents feel a stronger sense of belonging
Parents reported a sense of belonging soon after joining MyTime, and this was maintained as they continued participating. Connection to community also grew over time, suggesting that the longer parents remain engaged, the more connected they feel.
What this means: MyTime creates a space where parents can connect with others who understand their experience.
Being part of MyTime has helped me feel less isolated. They encourage friendship and belonging. I made new friends.
Parents build self-care and self-compassion
Over time, parents became more likely to take time to relax and re-energise. Parents also reported becoming more understanding and kind towards themselves when things were difficult or mistakes happened.
What this means: MyTime helps parents recognise that their own wellbeing matters too.
I feel recharged after each session. Taking that small amount of time for myself has improved not only my mood but also how I support my family.
Parents feel more hopeful about the future
Parents reported a growing sense of hope and optimism as they continued to engage with MyTime. Through shared experiences, parents can see new possibilities and feel more confident about the future for themselves and their family.
What this means: MyTime helps parents feel that they are not facing the future alone.
I was very isolated and had no confidence in making the right choices. I now see hope in the future.
Parents become more confident in their parenting
Parents reported increasing confidence in their parenting abilities over time, with the strongest changes seen after longer participation. Peer support helps parents feel understood, validated and socially supported, which can strengthen coping strategies and confidence in their parenting role.
What this means: When parents feel supported, they can feel more confident in caring for their child.
MyTime has helped me feel stronger, more positive, and better equipped to support my child.
Satisfaction
Members report consistently high levels of satisfaction with MyTime.
- 94% feel listened to and understood
- 92% are satisfied with the support they receive
- 94% say the information and support help them care for their child
These results reflect the value of facilitated peer support and the important role of safe, inclusive and member-led groups.
Why peer support matters
Parenting a child with disability or complex needs can be demanding, isolating and difficult to navigate.
Peer support gives parents the opportunity to be heard and have their share experiences validated, build relationships and access practical and emotional support from others who understand.
For parents and carers, this kind of support can strengthen confidence, wellbeing, coping and connection. For children, supported parents are better able to provide nurturing environments that help them thrive.
How MyTime creates impact
MyTime creates impact through safe, inclusive and member-led groups.
Facilitators play a key role by creating welcoming environments, guiding discussion, supporting group connection and helping members access reliable information and ideas.
Through these experiences, members can build:
- a stronger sense of belonging
- greater connection to others and community
- more confidence and self-efficacy
- better self-care and self-compassion
- more hope and possibility
- stronger coping and parenting confidence.
A trusted national support system
MyTime is more than a group. It is a trusted peer-support community that strengthens parents, families and children over time.
The 2026 MyTime Impact Report shows that when parents feel connected, confident and supported, families are stronger — and children are better placed to thrive.
"MyTime has helped me feel stronger, more positive, and better equipped to support my child.”