Getting started with Esteem Mentoring
Starting with a new provider should feel clear and unhurried. Here is exactly what happens from your first call to your first shift. Anyone can start the process, including the participant, a family member, a nominee, an advocate, a support coordinator or a health professional.
Need this information in Easy Read, another language or another format? Call 07 3882 1863 and we will arrange it.
We support NDIS participants who self-manage their funding or use a plan manager.
The seven steps
Enquiry or referral
Call, email or send an enquiry. We will ask for enough information to understand the support you are after, but please do not send detailed medical or behaviour information through the website. We will arrange a secure way to collect that later if needed.
Suitability and availability
We look at your location, funding, support needs, risks and our worker capacity, and work out whether we can provide the support safely and well. If we cannot, we will tell you and try to suggest other options.
Meet and discuss
We meet with you, and anyone you would like to bring, at home, somewhere you feel comfortable or at our office in North Lakes (get in touch to arrange a time). You can bring an advocate or support person at any stage.
Intake and consent
We explain how our services work, along with privacy, consent, complaints and your rights. Consent is informed and voluntary, and you can change or withdraw it where applicable.
Support planning and worker matching
Together we write down your goals, preferences, communication needs, routines, risks and agreed strategies. We also talk about the kind of worker you would like, and the skills they will need.
Agreement and starting support
Your Service Agreement and Schedule of Supports set out the services, prices, responsibilities, cancellation terms and how support can end. You get a copy to keep. Then we introduce your worker and start.
Review
We check in regularly, ask for your feedback and review your support when your goals, needs or circumstances change, as well as at agreed review points.
What helps to have ready
You do not need everything to make an enquiry, but these help us move faster:
- the participant's NDIS number and plan dates
- how the plan is managed (self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed)
- the support you are looking for and roughly how many hours
- preferred days and times
- the suburb where support will happen
- contact details for a support coordinator or plan manager, if there is one
- any current plans from therapists or a behaviour support practitioner (we will ask for these securely later)
For support coordinators and health professionals
We welcome referrals. Call us on 07 3882 1863 for a quick capacity check, or send a referral through our referral form. We aim to respond within one business day and always speak with the participant before support starts. Please share clinical documents through a secure method rather than the website form.
Getting started questions
Do I need an NDIS plan to start?
Most of our supports are funded through the NDIS, so you will usually need an approved plan. If you are still applying, contact us anyway and we can talk about what to expect.
How long does it take to start support?
It depends on the support and our worker availability. Simple community access can sometimes start within a couple of weeks. SIL and complex support take longer because of the planning involved.
Does making an enquiry commit me to anything?
No. An enquiry is just a conversation. Nothing is agreed until you sign a Service Agreement.
Can I change my mind after starting?
Yes. You can change or end your supports in line with your Service Agreement, and we can help with a planned transition to another provider.
Can I bring someone to the first meeting?
Of course. You can bring a family member, friend, advocate or anyone you trust.
Talk with our team
Call us on 07 3882 1863, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or send an enquiry and we will get back to you.
Enquiring does not commit you to anything.