Evaluating the Now & Next Program: A peer support program for caregivers of children with a disability and/or chronic illness

Intervention condition families will attend the next available Now & Next program following randomisation. The Now and Next (N&N) program is a peer support program facilitated by trained parent peer workers with personal experience raising children with disabilities. N&N, which was co-designed by caregivers of children with a disability and informed by positive psychology principles, assists caregivers in developing child and family goals, identifying their strengths and improving their capacity to cope with the daily stressors of raising a child with a disability. The program is run across 8 weekly group sessions (2.5 hours each session). Sessions are delivered in groups of 8 to 12 caregivers and can be attended online or in-person. Children are not involved in the group sessions. Prior to program commencement, caregivers sent a welcome kit including the Pictability Vision Setting Tool and our Now and Next Mindfulness Book. The program begins with an individual vision and planning session where families are encouraged to think about an inspiring vision for their child and their family. Subsequent sessions focus on goal setting, identifying strengths, circle of control and circle of influence, empowerment, working with professionals, self-care, and a final recap session. Goal achievement is tracked weekly using The Partners for Change Outcome Management System (PCOMS). Adherence to intervention is tracked through observation and attendance records.