When life moves forward, your support can too

Big milestones like finishing school, starting a new job or gaining more independence can be exciting times. They can also bring new goals, new routines and new support needs.

And when someone already understands you, what works for you and what you’re working towards, they can be an important part of navigating that new chapter.

That’s exactly what happened for our Partner, Blade.

 

Meet Blade: getting his driver’s licence with someone he chose as his Support Worker

Blade lives in the small rural town of Yolla in north-western Tasmania. As a child, his mum managed his NDIS plan and employed his Support Workers through the Carer Solutions Direct Employ service. Now in his twenties, Blade manages his own supports and directly employs people he knows and trusts, including his Support Worker, Jeremy.

Jeremy came into Blade’s life through a previous Support Worker, who thought the two would be a good match. She was right. Blade describes Jeremy as funny, kind, patient and supportive, and a “big brother” figure who has helped him build his confidence and manage his anxiety.

Over time, Jeremy has come to understand Blade, what matters to him and how best to support him. So when Blade set himself a new goal of learning to drive, he knew exactly who he wanted by his side.

As Jeremy’s employer, Blade could bring him on board for this new goal, with Carer Solutions looking after the rest behind the scenes. Together, they worked towards Blade getting his licence.

 

 

Start with the people already around you

Blade’s story shows how the relationships you’ve already built can become part of what comes next.

If you’re thinking about a new goal or life transition, it can be worth taking a fresh look at your existing Support Worker team:

• Talk about what’s next. Starting a new stage of study, getting a job or becoming more independent at home? Your Support Workers may already know your goals and have ideas about how they could support you.
• Look beyond what they do today. Someone who already knows you might have experience, interests or strengths that could be useful in a new setting or as you work towards a new goal.
• Plan the transition together. Involving your Support Workers in the conversation early can make a transition feel more familiar and give everyone time to work out what might need to change.

 

Growing your team with someone new

Sometimes, a new goal calls for a skill or experience that isn’t already in your circle, and that’s a great opportunity to grow your team. A few questions to help you think it through:

1. Think about where you might meet someone. Local community centres, clubs, schools, TAFEs and universities can all be good places to look, depending on what you’re working towards.
2. Get clear on what you need. Is it a particular skill, a shared interest, experience in a certain environment, or simply someone who feels like a good fit? Knowing what matters to you can help you know who you’re looking for.
3. Look for a warm introduction. Your current Support Worker, friends, family or local community may already know someone worth meeting. Starting with a connection can make getting to know someone new feel more natural.
4. Talk it through with your Carer Solutions Community Engagement Specialist. They know the local landscape and can help you brainstorm where to look and who you might connect with, based on what you’re working towards.

Whatever’s next, the people around you can play an important part, whether they’re already in your life or someone new.

 

We’re here to help you plan ahead

Your Direct Employ journey can grow with you. Whether you’re already using Direct Employ or exploring your options, our Direct Employ specialists can help you plan for what’s next.

They can help you look at the people already in your life, explore how existing relationships could become Support Worker arrangements, and consider where you might find someone new if your team needs to grow.

Call us on 1300 729 839 to chat with our team.