Meet Justine, a La Trobe student based in Bendigo who found a supportive community through the CANDID (ChronicAlly ill, NeuroDiverse, Impaired and Disabled) program at La Trobe.
I did not achieve the ATAR score required for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2011. I was accepted into my second choice, the Master of Podiatric Practice, which I completed in 2016. I completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science in 2021 and a Master of Exercise Physiology in 2023. From January 2025, I am studying a Master of Physiotherapy Practice. All courses completed at La Trobe University, Bendigo. I persevered in completing my various courses, which granted me admission into my physiotherapist course. I was upset at the time that I did not get the ATAR score but looking back now, I am incredibly grateful for the long journey, as I have had many learning experiences and made several great connections. I work as a Podiatrist, EP and Sports Trainer.
I want to raise more awareness of the CANDID peer support group to help other students and to have more people to study with, because studying alone can be overwhelming.
The CANDID group wants to ensure that students who might benefit from their activities are aware of their existence. The group members take the time to listen, accept and help people with challenges. They celebrate individuals’ positives and achievements, fostering growth into successful students and in life. Everything is confidential and you are under no pressure to share anything for any reason. You can attend any activities you want, when available.
The CANDID group started in 2020 with support from AccessAbility Advisors.
I discovered the group because I thought I needed a Learning Access Plan (LAP), as I struggled returning to full-time study for a third time. However, I do not need the LAP because the group has been very beneficial.
Thank you, Laena, for developing the idea of a group to support people with disabilities, and Lyndel for helping form it. Thank you, Hayley and Téa, for joining as CANDID volunteer facilitators. Thank you to all members and guests for their contributions.
The CANDID peer support group makes the university more supportive and is non-judgmental, with the slogan ‘because we CAN, so we DID’.
It is a student-led and university-supported group that facilitates friendships, develops connections and provides mutual support for students who have experiences of:
- chronic illness
- neurodivergence
- disability (including mental health)
- impairment
Carers and allies are also welcome.
CANDID recognises and actively responds to diverse needs by:
- Having in person and online options for connection
- Welcoming people from all walks of life
- Designing programming so all meetings are optional
- Guest speaker’s presentations are often recorded so they can be accessed later
I learn lots about different medical conditions that are considered disabilities, in particular neurodivergent/neurodiverse/neurotypical conditions and how to be more inclusive of people with disabilities. A diagnosis is not needed to join, as the CANDID founders know access to diagnosis is often prohibitive for many people.
Lyndel, a founding volunteer facilitator, said: “It is very important to us that there are no barriers to joining the CANDID group. You do not need to disclose why you are coming to our sessions unless you want to. We welcome different communication styles. You also do not have to turn your camera and microphone on. You may wish to have a photo displayed and/or communicate by chat.”
I have been significantly more motivated, happier, and productive while studying since joining in March 2025, compared to previous years.
I regularly attend the online CANDID Microsoft Teams Shut Up And Study (SUAS) sessions and the monthly Learning Sessions, where guest speakers discuss topics to improve study and life. I enjoy having a chat with the group members about what we are working on in our SUAS session. There are also weekly in-person SUAS sessions at the Bundoora campus.
Social sessions are informal to get to know each other, brainstorm ideas for common issues and discuss topics of interest. These are usually online via Teams and occasionally in person. Bendigo and Bundoora campuses have in-person social sessions, but if you are at another campus you can ask people from your campus to meet.
The CANDID Microsoft Teams site also offers numerous resources to support study and life, including assistive technology, executive functioning, mental health, disability rights and self-advocacy, library and study resources and careers and employment services. I reorganised all the files into coloured and categorical folders and often upload my resources into the shared folders. Others can add resources they use to help others at any time. You can download and print the resources.
I have enjoyed completing La Trobe’s free self-paced subject, Enhancing and Responding to Mental Health (RPC8030), which I want to raise awareness of. Students can self-enrol via the LMS by searching for the subject’s name, as recommended by a past La Trobe University Senior Coordinator of student mental health promotion. She presented an excellent session on managing mental health at university. CANDID members can access the recording on Teams. The subject does not give you credit points. It has students’ and external people’s lived experiences and their strategies to manage mental health. It has helped improve my mental health and understand what my clients and others may be experiencing.
How to join the CANDID group
Fill out the expression of interest form here to be added to the mailing list. Please let CANDID volunteer facilitators know if you have any further questions, feedback or requests.
Neurodivergent folks may also be interested in joining the O365-La Trobe University Neurodiversity Networks (LTUNN) Students Team via Microsoft Teams. You can join O365-Assistive Technology & Universal Design Team via Microsoft Teams. Register here
Contact
Lyndel, Laena, Hayley, and Téa
CANDID volunteer facilitators
E: candid.group@latrobe.edu.au