Being an independent support worker on Mable has many benefits — you have the freedom to choose your hours, where you work and what services you choose to offer.
While support work comes with so much freedom and independence, it doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Mable has a rich community of independent support workers that connect with and support each other.
Finding a support community of other independent support workers on Mable can be hugely beneficial for you and your support worker business. For example, if you have a support worker ‘buddy’ in the same area, you can ask them if they can step in if you’re unwell or unable to make a support shift.
Why you should build your own support community
You can share the load
Having your own support worker business and working independently means organising your own work schedule. You’re in charge but even so, your schedule can change week to week. For situations like this it is great to have a “buddy” on the Mable website who can potentially fill in for you when necessary, and vice versa.
Having a support worker network that your client knows and trusts means you can lean on one another when you need. We have some great stories of workers who “buddy up” to share and refer work to each other.
Here are some ways you can share the load:
- Swapping shifts
- Covering for emergencies
- Providing backup during busy periods
You can deliver exceptional customer service
Your clients are relying on you to be there for them. Most of the time you can be, but sometimes life gets in the way.
Having a support community of other workers allows you to ensure continued care for your clients. What this means is that when you need time off, together you can find a buddy to cover those shifts.
To ensure they’re familiar with your client’s needs, you can set up a ‘buddy shift’ to introduce the other support workers to your clients and their support needs.
It’s a way to expand your client base
Most clients on the Mable platform don’t just have one support worker; they engage a team of support workers who support them in different aspects of their lives. Your support community can introduce you to their network of clients, who might be looking for additional support.
Collaborating with other support workers can help you grow your support worker business and gain new clients and opportunities.
You can support one another
There are many benefits to working independently – you can decide who you work with, when and where. Without co-workers however, there can be times when you feel a little isolated. Building a close support network of other support workers can provide you with the sense of community or company to help you feel connected, and like you’re part of a team.
There are many ways you can connect with your support community to share questions, advice and support, including:
- Starting a group chat
- Having regular catch ups
- Video chatting
- Connecting via social media
- Sharing resources and insights
- Sharing support session wins and highlights
Connecting with other support workers can also help your mental and emotional wellbeing. If you need additional support, the Mable Wellbeing Platform is a comprehensive support service for all support workers registered on our platform. Through the platform, you can access free and confidential counselling, 24/7.
You can ensure true person-centred care
Working within a team to support the same clients can enable you to provide continuity of support that’s designed around the needs of the client. Becoming familiar with other support workers who are supporting your client can enable you to share shift notes, ideas on activities and important information about your client’s health and wellbeing. Working together to gain a better understanding of your client and their needs will improve the quality of support for them, and make your job that little bit easier.
How to find buddies and build your support community
Invite people from outside the Mable platform to provide support
Maybe you have a friend who would make a great companion for one of your existing clients via Mable. Perhaps you have a client who wants to get active, and a fit and healthy friend who’s looking for some flexible work.
You don’t need formal qualifications to provide social and domestic support on Mable, so encouraging people from within your own community to join Mable is a great way to help your clients find that extra support they’re looking for.
Attend or organise a meetup
Mable’s community engagement managers host events in key locations across the country. They’re a fantastic opportunity to network with other support workers, ask questions to the Mable team, and share information on training opportunities or news from your sector. They’re also a great place to meet and grow your support community. If there are no events or meetups happening in your area, there’s no reason why you can’t organise your own! To find out about events happening in your area, visit our events page.
Do I need to be a registered support worker with Mable to join the Facebook group?
Yes, in order to join the closed Facebook group you must be an approved independent support worker on the Mable platform.
Are there any qualifications required for inviting people outside the Mable platform to provide support?
No, you can provide support on Mable without having any qualifications. However, if you wish to provide more complex support, you may require relevant qualifications. For more information, read our guide to support worker qualifications.
