What Is Capacity Building Under the NDIS?

Capacity Building supports are one of the three main funding categories in an NDIS plan. These supports help participants develop the skills and confidence they need to become more independent and engaged in their community.

Capacity Building funding can support participants to:

• Build everyday life skills

• Grow confidence and self-belief

• Strengthen relationships

• Make informed choices

• Participate in work, study, and community life

These supports are future-focused, helping participants grow rather than relying on support long-term.

Capacity Building Supports Explained Simply

Capacity Building funding includes support areas such as:

• Improved Social and Community Participation

• Improved Life Choices

• Improved Daily Living

• Improved Relationships

• Improved Health and Wellbeing

• Improved Employment

Each category focuses on helping participants develop skills, confidence, and independence in ways that matter to them.

What Is Peer Mentoring in the NDIS?

Peer mentoring is about learning from someone who’s been there. It connects participants with mentors who have lived experience of disability or navigating the NDIS themselves.

Within the NDIS, peer mentoring fits naturally under Capacity Building supports, especially:

• Improved Social and Community Participation

• Improved Life Choices

• Improved Relationships

Peer mentoring isn’t about being told what to do—it’s about walking alongside someone who understands.

How Peer2Peer Mentors Enhance the Participant Experience

Peer2Peer Mentors offer lived-experience mentoring that is genuine, and empowering. Our approach focuses on connection first, because real growth happens when participants feel safe, understood, and respected.

1. Shared Experience Builds Real Connection

Being supported by someone with lived experience helps participants feel:

• Seen and understood

• Less alone in their journey

• More comfortable opening up

This shared understanding creates trust and makes Capacity Building supports feel more natural and meaningful.

2. Building Confidence and Self-Advocacy

Peer2Peer Mentors support participants to:

• Understand their NDIS plan and goals

• Build confidence speaking up for themselves

• Make choices that reflect what they want

Over time, participants feel more in control of their supports and their future.

3. Supporting Social and Community Participation

Social connection is a huge part of wellbeing. Peer mentoring supports participants to:

• Get involved in community activities

• Build social skills in everyday settings

• Feel more confident meeting new people

The focus is on real connection, not just ticking boxes.

4. Growing Practical Life Skills

Through one-to-one mentoring, participants can work on skills such as:

• Communication and emotional regulation

• Problem-solving and goal setting

• Building routines and independence

Because mentors draw on lived experience, the strategies shared are practical, realistic, and achievable.

5. A Strength-Based, Participant-Led Approach

Peer2Peer Mentors believe participants are the experts in their own lives. Supports are:

• Participant-led

• Strength-based

• Flexible and respectful

This aligns strongly with the NDIS values of choice, control, and inclusion, creating a more positive Capacity Building experience.

Why Peer Mentoring Works So Well for Capacity Building

Peer mentoring brings something different to Capacity Building support. It’s human, relatable, and empowering.

For many participants, peer mentoring:

• Increases motivation and confidence

• Makes supports feel less intimidating

• Encourages long-term independence

• Complements other NDIS services

It’s not about fixing someone, it’s about growing together.

Accessing Peer2Peer Mentors Through the NDIS

Participants with Capacity Building funding—particularly Improved Social and Community Participation or Improved Life Choices—may be able to access peer mentoring through Peer2Peer Mentors.

Participants who are self-managed or plan-managed usually have greater flexibility when choosing peer mentoring supports.

Capacity Building under the NDIS is about helping participants build the confidence, skills, and connections they need to live life on their terms. By offering lived-experience support, Peer2Peer Mentors enhance the participant experience in a way that feels genuine and empowering.