Finding the right support worker can take time. For Lana, her perfect support worker turned out to be someone from her own community.
"Belinda!! It's Lana, from soccer," I replied excitedly to my friend on the Mable app.
I'd just posted a support job and was surprised to receive a response from someone I actually knew.
Belinda's son plays soccer with mine - but back then, I knew her more as "Jack's mum" than Belinda. I didn't know she was a support worker, only that our boys were mates.
Here's how that casual acquaintance has grown into a really wonderful support relationship - and why I feel engaging a support worker who gets your life and your community is so important.
Starting my support journey
I'd just received my NDIS approval letter when I posted that ad. It was my first time seeking support for myself on Mable. I wasn't sure how it would go - would I find someone, would I like them?
Within moments, several local independent support workers responded. "Well, this will be easy," I thought.
While everyone sounded great, one reply stood out. She was about my age, a fellow mum, and had a warm, positive vibe. She also sounded very efficient and reliable.
Then I paused.
"Is that… Belinda?" I clicked her profile and sure enough – it was! I messaged her and we both laughed at how small the world is.
Then it crossed my mind - will it be a tad awkward having someone I know support me?
From soccer to support
Turns out, I needn't have worried.
The jitters vanished the moment Belinda offered her arm to guide me to her car. As we drove to the appointment, we started chatting about our kids, just like we did on the soccer field.
I opened up about my situation, too. I'm legally blind, severely hearing impaired, and have neurological weakness on my left side with impaired balance, all thanks to my tumour condition, VHL. It's a chronic illness that's kept me in and out of hospitals most of my life. She also knew I was a mum of two boys.
A mum with disabilities who had been struggling. My house was a mess, I couldn't drive, so it was hard getting my kids places or myself to appointments. We were often low on food as shopping wasn't easy for me. I also constantly felt overwhelmed and tired - like I was doing life on a quarter tank.
"I want to support you however you need," she said, with genuine empathy.
From there, we talked about my goals (soccer pun unintended) and how she could assist me going forward.
A career change
During that first car ride, I learned that Belinda had previously worked in high-end hospitality - managing teams and restaurants across the globe.
Now, as a mum needing flexible work within school hours, she had pivoted to support work and was loving it. She had a few clients but no one her own age.
Our relationship then shifted from soccer mum acquaintances to a professional, mutually beneficial partnership. She helps me with transport, shopping, meal prep and so much more - and I'm able to offer her consistent work that fits around her family life.
It's a true win/win.
Outer circle support
My experience with Belinda has made me realise how good it is having someone from my community/outer social circle support me. She's a fellow mum, who gets my life and lives nearby. It's great!
I'd encourage anyone seeking support to also find 'your people'. Use Mable's search functionality, read profiles, shortlist and DM workers to see if you're a good fit.
Even encouraging someone from your outer circle to join Mable could be an idea (if you think they'd be great and would like the flexibility). Personally, I wouldn't want someone too close. I like that my friends are just friends now. I no longer need to ask them for "favours".
I also love the balance I have with Belinda - we laugh a lot, but there's professionalism. I know I'm not a friend, but a valued client she connects with - one who happens to be the mum of her son's buddy.
For this reason, I feel comfortable asking her to do things I can't safely manage, like lifting a heavy laundry basket or climbing a ladder to fetch things up high.
Belinda also has a deep understanding of my disabilities these days. She anticipates many of my support needs and seeks to make my environment easier and safer for me.
"So perfect"
The other day, she gave my kitchen appliance cupboard an impromptu tidy, so I could more easily see what was in it. It was a small improvement which I greatly appreciated.
Turns out my 10-year-old did too.
Wanting to make a smoothie, he opened the cupboard to fetch the blender and gasped: "Wow, Belinda is so organised!"
"It's actually unbelievable, Mum," he added. "You are disabled and I am friends with the support worker's son. It's just so perfect."
"I know," I smiled.
Then I told him to get dressed for soccer training. He'd be going with Belinda - no longer just "Jack's mum" - but of course his little mate will be riding in the car with him.
What a score to get a support worker who is also a soccer mum!
About Lana Hallowes
Lana Hallowes is a freelance writer and mum of two boys, who are growing up much faster than she'd like. She loves writing for Mable and is a disability and inclusion advocate. She is legally blind, hearing impaired and her blue walking stick is her favourite accessory. Lana also lives in a neurodiverse household.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Mable. Any content provided by the author is for general informational purposes only and readers should seek their own independent advice about support services in their specific circumstances.
