In Bijeljina, during August, September and October 2026, the first cycle of peer support groups for parents of persons with disabilities was realized, with the aim of creating a safe space for the exchange of experiences, mutual understanding and empowerment of parents.

Four meetings were held on August 15 and 29, September 26 and October 26, 2026, in the premises of the "Bijeljina Sunflower Children" Association. The activity was implemented by the Information Center for People with Disabilities "Lotos" Tuzla, within the framework of partnership with the organization STIL Stockholm, with the support of MyRight Sweden.

Over the course of four peer sessions, a total of 36 attendances were recorded, with 18 different individuals participating—11 mothers, six fathers, and one sibling of a person with a disability. The meetings were led by Slavica Rajić, a peer support group facilitator, who fostered open communication, the exchange of experiences, and the development of mutual support by facilitating discussions.

The conversations covered numerous topics that are part of the everyday life of families of people with disabilities. Special attention is devoted to autism and the availability of treatment, the challenges of inclusive education, the puberty period of persons with disabilities, but also the personal identity, emotions and needs of the parents themselves.

One of the most significant values ​​of these meetings was the opportunity for parents—within an atmosphere of trust and understanding—to talk about their experiences, challenges, dilemmas, and feelings. Topics that had not previously been discussed in sufficient depth were brought up, and through the sharing of experiences, participants realized how important it is to have people who understand their daily challenges.

With the implementation of this cycle, for the first time an area of ​​organized peer support was established for parents of people with disabilities in the area of ​​Bijeljina. He particularly encourages the interest of the participants in the continuation of regular meetings and the development of a group that will represent a place of continuous support, connection and joint action.

This activity was realized in cooperation with the Association "Bijeljina dceca suncokreti", whose contribution was significant for the establishment and implementation of the support group.

The first peer support groups in Bijeljina showed how much parents of disabled people need a safe space where they can talk openly, share experiences and feel that they are not alone.

Continuing such meetings represents an important step toward empowering parents, fostering connections among them, and building a community in which support, understanding, and solidarity hold a special place.

The activity was realized within the framework of partnership cooperation of I.C. "Lotos" Tuzla and STIL Stockholm, with the support of MyRight Sweden.