The Role of Informal Supports in an NDIS Participant’s Journey

1. Family & Friends

Loved ones often provide personal care, transport, companionship, and advocacy.

2. Community Networks

Local groups, clubs, and religious or cultural organisations foster social inclusion and community participation.

3. Peers and Mentors

Through shared understanding, individuals with lived experience can offer guidance, motivation, and support.



How Informal Supports Complement NDIS Services

While formal NDIS-funded services provide essential professional support, informal supports help fill the gaps in everyday life. They:

• Provide consistency and stability, offering support when formal services are unavailable.
• Help participants develop life skills and independence in familiar environments.
• Offer emotional and social support, reducing isolation and improving mental well-being.
  
  

Balancing Informal and Formal Supports

To ensure that informal supports are sustainable, it is essential to:

• Recognise the contributions of family and friends while ensuring they don’t experience burnout.
• Encourage a balance between informal and formal support, allowing participants to access professional help.
• Work with a Support Coordinator to integrate both types of support effectively and create a well-rounded care plan.
  
  

How NDIS Recognises Informal Supports

The NDIS considers informal support when developing a participant’s plan. Informal support includes:

• Assessing the availability and capacity of family and friends to provide support.
• Factoring in informal supports when determining funding for formal services.
• Providing access to respite care and carer support programs to prevent caregiver stress.
  
  

Support for Carers and Families in the NDIS Journey

Families and carers provide help and support that could otherwise be delivered by formal services or paid support workers. They are often the greatest advocates for people with disabilities, offering practical and emotional support to help them live their best lives.

If the person they care for wants it, carers play a vital role in supporting them to join the NDIS, set goals, and use their NDIS plan effectively. Support Coordinators are key in assisting carers and families through the planning process by guiding them on available supports, helping them understand their role in the participant’s journey, and ensuring they can access respite options. Carers may also benefit from NDIS-funded respite services, which allow them to take necessary breaks while ensuring the participant receives appropriate support.

Respite and Support for Carers

Respite supports participants and their carers by providing short breaks from caregiving responsibilities. This can include:

By allowing carers to take time off, respite can help them better manage their health and overall well-being. The NDIS takes into account what is reasonable to expect from families, carers, informal networks, and the community when determining appropriate funding and support.

Conclusion and the Role of Support Coordinators

Informal supports are a cornerstone of a participant’s journey, complementing formal NDIS services and fostering greater independence. Recognising and valuing these relationships ensures a holistic approach to care, where both informal and formal supports work together to create a sustainable and supportive environment.

Balancing caregiving and self-care is crucial for carers. Support Coordinators can help families and carers navigate the NDIS system, access respite services, and ensure that a well-balanced mix of formal and informal supports is in place. If informal support is insufficient, working with a Support Coordinator can help clarify, reduce stress, and connect families with additional resources to ensure that carers receive the assistance they need.

At Hand in Hand Support Coordination, we’re here to help you confidently navigate the NDISInfomra. Whether you’re a participant, carer, or family member, our expert team provides tailored support at every level—Support Connection, Level 2 Coordination of Supports, and Specialist Level 3 Coordination. Contact us today for personalised guidance that empowers you to achieve your goals and create a balanced support system. Let’s work together to make the most of your NDIS journey.