‘A profound desire to give back’: SOAR peer-to-peer burns support program an Australian first

After enduring a severe burn injury that resulted in a six-week hospital stay, Susan Power found herself deeply impacted by the care provided by the staff at RBWH.

“During my most vulnerable moments, their unwavering professionalism was complemented by a deep respect for my dignity as a patient,” Susan said.

“This experience not only fostered my gratitude towards the medical team but also inspired me to become actively involved with RWBH, as I wish to contribute to an organisation that embodies such compassionate and human-centred care.”

Two years after her injury, as she began to regain her confidence and reintegrate into society, Susan found a pamphlet for the SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) program.

“I recognised it as the perfect opportunity to contribute and support others who are navigating similar challenges to me,” she said.

Phoenix SOAR is a program of the US Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, offering one-to-one peer support to burn survivors and their family/carers. There are 85-plus SOAR hospitals in the US and Canada.

The RBWH Stuart Pegg Burn Centre is the first Burns Centre in Australia and NZ to establish and implement SOAR peer support. The program has been funded by the RBWH Foundation via a donation from Anglo American Australian Mining.

RBWH burn survivors and carers from across Queensland have volunteered to undergo training to offer peer support, under the supervision and mentorship of the Burn Psychologist Dr Lynne Heyes.

“Peer burn support provides a unique opportunity to address issues such as loneliness, isolation and fears of the future a burn injury often evokes. It meets a critical psychosocial need that health professionals cannot provide, and provides an intangible powerful experience for all involved,” Dr Heyes said.

Susan reiterated that while doctors and nurses deliver exceptional medical care, SOAR support workers bring a unique perspective, having faced and navigated the emotional and physical ramifications of burn injuries themselves.

“This shared experience fosters a deeper understanding and connection, allowing participants to communicate openly and authentically,” Susan said.

“Moreover, the program creates a safe space where individuals can discuss their feelings, fears, and triumphs without judgment, promoting emotional healing. By facilitating these connections, the SOAR program empowers participants to regain confidence and resilience, ultimately enhancing their recovery journey.”

Peer support can be offered in person at the hospital or via telehealth. Look for the posters in clinic and scan the QR code.