The roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is in full swing throughout East Gippsland, which is resulting in the reshaping of existing services for anyone with a disability or a psychosocial condition.

In some instances the NDIS provides increased funding to individuals, enabling greater access to support services. Of course, this also provides significant employment opportunities for local businesses.

Shelley Wormald, Manager of the NDIS team at Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH), said “We’ve been inundated with requests for services. We expected to continue to provide support services to the clients we were already involved with and predicted we may add a few new clients; however, in this first two months of the rollout we’ve actually increased our new clients by around 70 per cent, as well as seen an increase in the amount of funding available to our existing clients.”

The majority of services requested relate to daily living or social and community assistance. Chris Tipa the Executive Manager of Aged and Disability Services Unit at GLCH said, “We’re in a great position now to be able to welcome more people into our organisation. Along with the changes taking place in the Aged Care sector, the NDIS is also changing the way we deliver supports”.

“Unfortunately,” he adds, “we’ve also seen that some of these changes are causing confusion within the community. So here at GLCH we’re committed to making sure that the information and services we provide remain simple and easy to understand.”

GLCH provides a broad range of in-home services to people with a disability, as well as allied health and paediatric therapies, and social support services. There are currently numerous opportunities to join the GLCH team in these areas, with more vacancies being added all the time.

“I’m excited about the opportunities that are being created for East Gippsland – both now and in the future,” said Ms Wormald. “We’re always on the lookout for people who have a passion for helping people, so if that sounds like you then get in touch with us.”

“And of course,” adds Mr Tipa, “if you require services or clarification understanding the NDIS then please contact us as well.”

To find out more contact our disabilities team on 5155 8300 or follow Gippsland Lakes Complete Health on Facebook.