ActivateUNSW - Disability peer support
Get involved with our community of students with disabilities, long-term health or mental health conditions
Whether you have a short- or long-term disability or illness, ActivateUNSW is here to create a safe space and community for you.
As a peer support program, ActivateUNSW introduces you to fellow students and mentors in a safe and understanding environment to help ease your transition into university life.
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What does this program offer?
ActivateUNSW runs between Weeks 1-8 of each term. The aim of our program is to foster a community of fellow students with shared experiences and a deep understanding of these health conditions.
Throughout the weeks, you'll join small group mentoring sessions and attend events that will build your connections and UNSW knowledge.
- Mentees
- Mentors
Why join as a mentee?
We understand that university can be overwhelming at times. At ActivateUNSW, you will meet fellow mentees with disabilities, long-term illnesses and mental health conditions who are trying to navigate university, just like you.
You will have access to mentors who will guide you through life as a student in a safe and understanding small group setting. There will also be larger program-wide events to build your connections and UNSW knowledge.
Get started with ActivateUNSW
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Any UNSW student is welcome to apply to join the mentee program! Whether you're just starting out in university or experiencing a lifechanging situation for the first time, our doors are open for you.
You do not have to be registered with the Equitable Learning Services to join as a mentee with ActivateUNSW.
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- Go the the ActivateUNSW Vygo registration page
- Sign in using your UNSW zID email address
- Complete the organisation registration questions
- Select ActivateUNSW and join the program as a "member"
- Complete the ActivateUNSW program questions and submit your registration.
Once you've registered, we'll match you with a mentor closer to the start of the program.
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Vygo is the platform where you'll connect with the ActivateUNSW mentoring community as you get started at UNSW. Through Vygo, you can:
- Message your mentor
- Book mentoring sessions
- Connect with your mentoring group
- Access ActivateUNSW program information.
You can use Vygo in your web browser or download the mobile app.
Apply as a mentee
Expressions of interest to join in Term 3 2026 are now open.
Why join as a mentor?
As a mentor, you will gain valuable experience in creating a safe and friendly environment for students with disabilities, long-term and/or mental health conditions. Join us for a chance to help nurture an inclusive and accessible environment at UNSW!
What you’ll gain:
- Paid employment at a Level 1.1 casual rate
- Leadership, teamwork and communication skills
- Hands-on experience to boost your CV
- The chance to shape someone’s uni journey.
Are you eligible to apply?
To be a mentor, you do not have to be registered with the Equitable Learning Services. Any student meeting the criteria below is encouraged to apply:
- Have completed min. one year of studies at UNSW; and
- Possess lived experiences of disability, long term illness or mental health conditions; or
- Have a special interest in supporting people with disability, long term illness or mental health conditions.
Please note: All applicants must have a paid Working with Children Check.
Apply to be a mentor
We're not currently recruiting - check back later for future opportunities.
Are you a student living with autism?
At UNSW, we want to ensure that every student has an excellent support network while you complete your studies.
Join the Connections Club every Wednesday at 3 - 4pm during the term to connect with peers who understand or share your neurotype.
We know everyone has different communication preferences, so there will be coloured sticky dots on hand that allow you to signal your communication preferences to others.
Explore other resources
Have a question?
Contact the Peer Mentoring team for any questions about our Peer Support Mentoring Program.