Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to help you get started

Services - FAQs ( General Overview )

JANGO Community Services offers a wide array of NDIS-funded supports to meet various needs. Our core service areas include daily living assistance (help at home with personal care and chores), community participation (support to engage in social and recreational activities), transport assistance (help getting to appointments or outings), and capacity-building programs (skill development and training). We also provide NDIS support coordination to help you navigate your plan, and plan management services to handle the administrative side of your NDIS funding. Essentially, JANGO is a one-stop provider for all your disability support needs on the Gold Coast and beyond.

We understand that every person’s needs are unique. During our initial conversation, we take the time to listen to your goals, challenges, and preferences. Our experienced team will then guide you through the available options, explaining how each service works. Whether you’re unsure if you need personal care, household help, or a community program, we’ll help identify supports that align with your NDIS plan and personal aspirations. This collaborative planning ensures you choose only the services that truly benefit you and fit comfortably into your life.

Yes – we pride ourselves on being a local provider with a broad reach. Our headquarters is on the Gold Coast, and we actively serve participants across South Brisbane, Toowoomba, and Beaudesert regions as well. JANGO’s support workers are mobile and can come to your home or meet you in the community, 2 depending on the service. If you live in any of these areas (or nearby suburbs), chances are we have team members ready to assist you. We aim to boost our local presence throughout Queensland so that quality NDIS support is accessible to more people in their own communities.

JANGO Community Services combines the professionalism of a large provider with the warmth of a small community organization. Here are a few things that set us apart: Local Expertise: We’re deeply rooted in the Gold Coast and South East QLD community, giving us insight into local resources, events, and networks that can benefit you. Dedicated Team: Our support workers and coordinators are carefully selected for their qualifications, compassion, and positive attitude. Many families praise our team’s reliability and caring nature. Holistic Support: Because we offer varied services under one roof, we can address multiple aspects of your life in a coordinated way – from home assistance to community outings to plan management – ensuring consistency and ease for you. Responsive Communication: We pride ourselves on great communication. You’ll find it easy to reach us, and we’ll respond promptly. We also welcome feedback and actively adjust supports to better serve you. Ultimately, our goal is not just to provide a service, but to build a supportive relationship that empowers you to live your best life. JANGO’s unique blend of heart and expertise gives you an edge in achieving your goals.

Absolutely. All of the services we provide at JANGO are NDIS-approved supports, which means they can be funded through your NDIS plan if you have the relevant budget categories. For example, Core Supports budgets can cover daily living assistance, personal care, and transport, while Capacity Building budgets can cover programs like skill development or support coordination. Our team can help you understand your plan and ensure that you make the most of your funding. We also take care of service agreements and regular reporting, so using your NDIS funding with us is hassle-free.

Personalization is at the heart of JANGO’s approach. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all support – instead, we design services around your goals and preferences. When you join JANGO, we work with you (and your family or carers) to create a support plan that respects your daily routine, cultural background, communication style, and personal aspirations. You have choice and control over how supports are delivered – for instance, you can request support workers of a particular gender or at specific times of day. We also set regular check-ins to adjust the services as your needs change or as you achieve milestones. This flexible, person-centered approach ensures that our support truly improves your quality of life and helps you grow.

Gold Coast NDIS Daily Living Assistance – FAQs

“Daily living assistance” refers to support with everyday tasks that a person with disability might find 3 challenging to do on their own. Under the NDIS, this could include help with personal activities like showering, dressing, or eating, as well as domestic chores such as cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping. The aim is to enable you to live as independently and comfortably as possible. JANGO’s NDIS daily living assistance on the Gold Coast is tailored to your routine – we step in where you need a helping hand, while encouraging you to do what you can for yourself, so you build confidence in daily life.

JANGO’s support workers can assist with a broad range of day-to-day tasks, depending on your needs and NDIS plan. For example, we commonly help participants with: Personal Care: Bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, and medication reminders to start or end your day comfortably. Meal Preparation: Cooking meals or assisting you in cooking, as well as help with feeding if required, to ensure you have nutritious food. Household Chores: Light cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, bed-making, and keeping your living space safe and tidy. Errands and Shopping: Accompanying you to do grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions, and helping manage errands around town. Our goal is to support you in the areas of daily life where you want assistance, always respecting your choices. If there’s a particular task you need help with, just let us know – we’re flexible and here to make your day-to-day living easier.

We recognize that everyone’s household and routine are unique. When you begin daily living support with JANGO, we will discuss your typical day, your preferences on how tasks are done, and any specific routines you like to follow. We then match you with a compatible support worker (or team) who will learn your way of doing things – whether it’s how you like your morning tea prepared or the way you organize your kitchen. You also have control over scheduling: support can be arranged at times that suit your lifestyle, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed. By tailoring our assistance to your preferences and culture, we ensure the support feels natural and fits seamlessly into your life rather than disrupting it.

While our primary base is on the Gold Coast (so you’ll see a lot of Gold Coast focus in our services), we do extend daily living assistance to nearby regions. We have a growing team in South Brisbane and can also serve participants in the Toowoomba and Beaudesert areas. If you’re in or around these locations and need help with daily living tasks, JANGO is ready to assist. We believe in supporting our community broadly, so we’re continually expanding our reach to ensure no one misses out on quality care due to where they live in South East Queensland.

Our daily living assistance is provided by trained and caring support workers who are part of the JANGO team. All our support staff have relevant qualifications or certifications in disability care and have undergone thorough background checks. They also receive ongoing training in areas like first aid, safe manual handling, and personal care techniques. Just as importantly, we select our team for their compassionate personalities and reliability. Many of our support workers have extensive experience helping individuals with similar needs, so you can trust that you’re in capable hands. We ensure that the same support worker (or a small consistent team) works with you regularly, so you can build trust and a comfortable routine together.

Daily living assistance typically falls under the Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life budget in your NDIS plan. If you have funding allocated to “Assistance with daily life” or similar wording, you can use that funding for services like personal care and household assistance. Most NDIS participants with everyday support needs will have this included in their plan. If you’re not sure, JANGO can help review your plan or you can contact the NDIA to clarify your funding categories. Even if you don’t have it currently, during your next plan review you can discuss adding daily living supports if you need them. JANGO’s team is happy to advise you on the process and provide any supporting information about why daily assistance would be beneficial in helping you achieve your independent living goals.

NDIS Support Coordination – FAQs

JANGO’s support coordinators are experienced professionals who are passionate about empowering participants. When you work with a JANGO support coordinator, you’ll get personalized assistance in: Understanding Your Plan: We’ll break down your NDIS plan with you, so you fully understand what each budget category can be used for. Connecting to Services: Based on your goals (like finding a good physio, joining a social group, or getting assistive technology), we’ll recommend reputable providers in your area. We have extensive local knowledge around the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Toowoomba, and Beaudesert, so we can suggest quality options nearby. Coordinating and Booking Supports: We can help schedule services, liaise with providers, and make sure all your supports are working together smoothly. This includes resolving any issues that arise with service delivery. Building Your Capacity: Our coordinators don’t just do everything for you; we also coach you to increase your confidence in managing your supports. Over time, you’ll learn new skills in self advocacy and coordinating your care, so you feel more in control. With JANGO’s support coordination, participants and families often feel relief – knowing there’s an expert in your corner who will handle the complexity and let you focus on your well-being and goals.

The NDIS generally has three tiers: Support Connection (basic assistance to connect with providers), Support Coordination (more hands-on coordination and coaching), and Specialist Support Coordination (for complex situations that need a specialist, often by an allied health professional). JANGO offers standard Support Coordination, which is the level most participants with coordination funding have. This means we provide comprehensive support in planning and connecting your services, as well as building your skills to manage your plan. If someone requires Specialist Support Coordination due to very complex needs, we can refer to appropriate services or discuss how to include that. For most people, our standard support coordination covers everything needed to navigate and utilize their NDIS plan effectively.

If you have “Support Coordination” included in your NDIS plan, you can choose JANGO Community Services as your provider for this service. Simply contact us and let us know you’re interested in our support coordination. We’ll discuss your current plan, your goals, and any challenges you’re facing. Once we have your consent, we can start working together immediately. We will help you complete a service agreement for support coordination, and then one of our coordinators will be assigned to you. If you’re new to the NDIS or unsure whether you have funding for coordination, we can help you check your plan or advise you on asking the NDIS for this support in the future. The important thing to remember is you have the choice of provider – even if you had a different support coordinator before, you can switch to JANGO if you’re looking for a more responsive and caring approach.

A support worker (or carer) typically provides hands-on assistance with day-to-day tasks (like the person who comes to help with your personal care or takes you to appointments), whereas a support coordinator works more behind the scenes on planning and arranging your supports. Think of it this way: if your life were a movie, the support worker might be on-screen helping you live your daily life, while the support coordinator is the director or organizer making sure all the right support “actors” are in place and things run smoothly. They won’t usually provide personal care or transport themselves; instead, they’ll organize those services for you and ensure that each provider knows what they need to do according to your plan. Both roles are important – support workers help you with immediate needs, and support coordinators help map out the big picture of your care and keep it on track with your NDIS goals.

NDIS Personal Care Services – FAQs

Personal care services under the NDIS involve assistance with self-care activities that you do every day to look after yourself. This includes things like bathing or showering, dressing, toileting, grooming (such as hair care and oral hygiene), and help with eating or mobility around the house. Basically, if there’s a task related to your personal hygiene or daily self-maintenance that you need support with, it falls under personal care. The NDIS funds personal care through your Core Supports budget (Assistance with Daily Life category) if it’s a necessary support for you. At JANGO, our personal care services are delivered with dignity and respect – our staff ensure you feel comfortable and safe while helping you with these intimate daily activities.

We understand that personal care is, well, personal! JANGO’s approach is to maintain your dignity, privacy, and comfort at all times. Our support workers are trained to be discreet and respectful. They will always explain what they are doing and ask your preferences (for example, how you like to take a bath or what shampoo you prefer). We match you with support workers you’re comfortable with – you can request male or female staff according to your comfort level, or even someone who speaks your first language if that makes communication easier. We also encourage your independence: if there are parts of a task you can do, we will support you to do them rather than doing everything for you. This way, you stay as active and in control as possible. The bottom line is that your wishes guide our personal care services, and we adapt to your routines and needs.

Yes, that’s one of our main goals. While it might sound counterintuitive that needing help makes you “independent,” the truth is appropriate support can greatly increase your independence. By assisting you with challenging tasks (like showering safely or getting dressed), we remove barriers that might otherwise limit you. With JANGO’s help, you can establish a stable daily routine and conserve energy for other things you enjoy. Moreover, our support workers can suggest little adaptations or techniques during personal care (for example, using assistive devices or setting up your bathroom for safety) that empower you to do more on your own. Over time, some participants gain confidence and improve their skills, reducing how much help they need. So in short, personal care support is not about creating dependence – it’s about giving you the right level of help so you can lead the life you want with as much autonomy as possible.

Definitely. JANGO Community Services offers personal care assistance across the Gold Coast region and in our other service areas like South Brisbane, Toowoomba, and Beaudesert. We have support staff located throughout these communities who can come to your home to provide personal care. No matter which area you’re in, we strive to arrive on time and provide consistent, quality care. If you move or split your time between these locations (for example, staying with family in Brisbane on weekends and on the Coast during weekdays), we can coordinate support across both. Our flexibility and local staffing mean you’ll get reliable personal care when and where you need it.

Absolutely. We encourage you to take the lead in directing your supports. You can choose the time of day that suits you best for personal care routines – some participants prefer morning help to start the day, while others might need evening assistance or even overnight support. JANGO will do our best to roster a support worker at your preferred times. You also have a say in how the tasks are done. For instance, you might like a shower instead of a bath, or you might have a specific way of laying out your clothes for the day – these personal preferences are important to us. Our service planning will include all those details. If something isn’t working for you, just let us know and we will adjust. We believe NDIS participants should have choice and control, so your input is central to scheduling and delivering your personal care.

Yes, our support workers are fully qualified and competent in providing personal care. Many have a Certificate III or IV in Individual Support (Disability or Aged Care) or higher qualifications in community services. They are trained in safe hygiene practices, manual handling (for example, using hoists or helping someone transfer safely), and infection control – all crucial for quality personal care. Before they start working with you, we ensure they understand any specific requirements you have (like managing a catheter, or using a particular type of equipment). Additionally, all JANGO staff members undergo background checks, reference checks, and are insured, so you can trust the people coming into your home. We also assign new workers a buddy or supervisor initially to make sure they uphold our high standards. Your safety and comfort are our priority.

We understand that personal care needs aren’t limited to 9-to-5. Many participants require assistance with morning routines, evening wind-down, or even overnight for things like turning in bed or using the bathroom. JANGO offers flexible scheduling to accommodate these needs. We can provide early morning support to help you get up and ready for the day or evening support to assist with dinner, bathing, and bedtime prep. For those with higher needs, we can also arrange for overnight support or sleepover shifts if it’s funded in your plan. Just let us know your schedule requirements, and we will work with you to find suitable support workers for those times. Our goal is to ensure you feel supported around the clock as needed, so you’re never left struggling during critical parts of your day.

NDIS Household Tasks Assistance – FAQs

JANGO can help with a variety of household chores and tasks to keep your home clean, safe, and comfortable. Under NDIS household tasks assistance, our support workers commonly handle duties such as: Sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping floors Cleaning bathrooms and kitchens (wiping surfaces, cleaning toilets, etc.) Doing laundry, ironing, and changing bed linens Washing dishes or loading/unloading the dishwasher Taking out the rubbish and basic tidying of living areas Grocery shopping and putting away groceries Meal preparation and cooking assistance (if you need help preparing daily meals) Our aim is to take care of those domestic tasks that you find difficult due to your disability. We work with you to decide which chores you want help with, and we always respect your personal routines (for example, using your preferred cleaning products or methods). With our assistance, your home can stay well maintained, and you can conserve your energy for the things you enjoy.

If you want the cost to be covered by the NDIS, then yes, you should have funding allocated for Assistance with Daily Life (household tasks) in your NDIS plan. Most participants who need help at home will have this included in their Core Supports budget. Using your NDIS funding means you won’t have out of-pocket costs for the approved household services we provide. If you’re unsure whether your plan covers it, we can help you check. In cases where someone doesn’t have NDIS funding (for example, if you’re still waiting on an approved plan or you’ve used up your budget), you could choose to pay privately, but our focus is on NDIS participants. We’re happy to guide you on requesting household task support in your plan at your next review if it’s something you need regularly.

Household tasks assistance is available in all the areas JANGO serves. While our base is on the Gold Coast, we definitely provide domestic support in South Brisbane, Toowoomba, Beaudesert, and nearby communities as well. We understand that maintaining a home can be challenging regardless of where you live, so we’ve expanded our team to reach multiple locations in South East Queensland. When you contact us, we’ll assign a support worker who lives near your area whenever possible, so you get prompt, localized service. Geography shouldn’t be a barrier to a clean, comfortable home – JANGO is committed to helping participants across our region with household tasks.

Yes, you can. Many participants choose to have a regular schedule for household help, such as a support worker coming every Monday and Thursday, or on a fortnightly basis for a big clean. During your planning with JANGO, we’ll ask about how often you need assistance and what days/times suit you best. A consistent schedule can be really helpful: you know exactly when help is coming, and your support worker gets to know your house and routine well. Of course, we remain flexible – if you need to adjust timing (say, to fit around appointments or if family is visiting), just communicate with us and we’ll do our best to accommodate. Our goal is to provide reliable, flexible home support that adapts to your life.

We try our best to provide consistency because we know how important it is to have someone you trust in your home. JANGO will typically assign a primary support worker to handle your household tasks on an ongoing basis. This way, they become familiar with your home, your cleaning preferences, and the little details (like where you keep the extra linens or how you like your shirts folded). In case your regular worker is unavailable (due to illness or holiday), we’ll inform you and arrange a suitable substitute – and we’ll make sure to brief them on your routine beforehand. Rest assured, every member of our team upholds the same high standards, and we welcome your feedback. Many of our participants grow comfortable with their support workers and appreciate seeing a familiar friendly face each visit.

Our household tasks service generally covers routine domestic chores and light maintenance. Tasks like cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, and tidying are our bread and butter. We can also help with seasonal chores like changing smoke alarm batteries or light gardening (e.g., watering plants, mowing a small lawn) if it’s part of your support plan. However, for very heavy-duty home maintenance or renovations (think major plumbing fixes, electrical work, roof repairs, etc.), those are outside the scope of NDIS personal support and usually require specialist tradespeople. That said, if you need help arranging those kinds of services, our support coordination team can assist in finding the right professionals. For typical day-to-day upkeep, JANGO’s team will ensure your household environment stays in great shape, which contributes to your overall well-being at home.

Safety and trust are paramount since our staff will be working in your personal space. JANGO maintains high standards by thoroughly vetting all support workers – this includes criminal history checks (Blue Card/Yellow Card in QLD), reference checks, and ensuring they have up-to-date training in safety protocols. We also carry appropriate insurance for all services. When a new worker starts in your home, they will always carry identification and be introduced to you (you won’t get strangers showing up unannounced). We encourage open communication, so if you ever have concerns about how a task is done or about safety, you can speak up and we will address it immediately. Our team follows strict guidelines for things like safe use of cleaning products, proper posture when moving items or assisting you, and infection control (especially important for tasks like cleaning bathrooms or handling laundry). By adhering to these standards and listening to your feedback, we create a secure, trustworthy environment for in-home support. Your comfort and peace of mind are our priorities.

NDIS Transport Support (Gold Coast) – FAQs

NDIS transport support is designed to help participants get around in the community when they can’t use public transport easily due to their disability. The support can take a few forms. For some participants, it means getting a funding allowance for travel so they can pay for taxis, rideshares, or other transport services. For others, it involves a support worker providing transport in their own vehicle or accompanying the person on public transport to ensure they travel safely. It can also include training to use public transport independently (like learning to catch a bus or train confidently). Essentially, anything that helps you access the community – be it medical appointments, school, work, or social outings – could fall under transport support if it’s necessary due to your disability. The NDIS typically categorizes transport funds separately in your plan (often as a set amount per year for travel costs).

JANGO Community Services provides practical transport assistance to make sure you can go wherever you need to. If you have funding for transport and prefer a support worker to drive you, we can arrange for a friendly, licensed support worker with a suitable vehicle to pick you up and take you to appointments, shopping centers, community events, or even just to visit friends. Our vehicles (or our staff’s vehicles) are insured and we can accommodate mobility aids – if you use a wheelchair, let us know and we will send a wheelchair-accessible vehicle when required. Additionally, we offer travel training: a support worker can ride along with you on public buses or trains a few times, teaching you the routes, how to buy tickets, and other skills until you feel confident to do it solo. Being based on the Gold Coast, we’re very familiar with the local area, traffic patterns, and accessible routes, so we’ll plan the easiest and safest way to get you from A to B. Our aim is to remove transport barriers so you’re not stuck at home – you can stay active and engaged in your community with JANGO’s help.

Yes, that’s one of our main goals. While it might sound counterintuitive that needing help makes you “independent,” the truth is appropriate support can greatly increase your independence. By assisting you with challenging tasks (like showering safely or getting dressed), we remove barriers that might otherwise limit you. With JANGO’s help, you can establish a stable daily routine and conserve energy for other things you enjoy. Moreover, our support workers can suggest little adaptations or techniques during personal care (for example, using assistive devices or setting up your bathroom for safety) that empower you to do more on your own. Over time, some participants gain confidence and improve their skills, reducing how much help they need. So in short, personal care support is not about creating dependence – it’s about giving you the right level of help so you can lead the life you want with as much autonomy as possible.

Yes, we do. Our primary transport service operations are on the Gold Coast, but we have the capability to assist participants in South Brisbane, and we’re expanding to service places like Toowoomba and Beaudesert as well. For instance, if you live in South Brisbane and need a ride to a community event or help catching the train, we can send a local Brisbane-based support worker to you. In more regional areas like Toowoomba or Beaudesert, availability may depend on staff presence, but we are actively growing our network of support workers and partnering with transport services to ensure participants in those regions aren’t left out. It’s always best to contact us with your specific location and needs – we’ll do our utmost to accommodate and arrange reliable transport assistance no matter which of our service areas you’re in.

Definitely. One of the valuable supports we offer is travel training as part of building your independent living skills. If your goal is to use public transport on your own, a JANGO support worker can work with you on that. This might involve accompanying you on a few trips to demonstrate things like reading bus timetables, planning the best route, buying tickets or using a GoCard, and safety tips while traveling. We’ll go step by step, at a pace you’re comfortable with. Over time, you’ll become more familiar with the process and gain the confidence to travel without support. Many participants find that after some hands-on practice with us, they can independently go to their classes, job, or social outings via bus or train. It opens up a new level of freedom! Of course, if you ever feel you need ongoing assistance for longer trips or busy routes, JANGO’s team is always available – but we love to see participants achieve that level of independence whenever possible.

In most cases, you won’t pay out-of-pocket for fuel or vehicle expenses – those costs are covered by your NDIS funding, provided you have transport funding in your plan. When a support worker drives you in their car or a JANGO vehicle, we charge a transport fee per kilometer (capped at the NDIS price guide rate) against your transport budget or Core budget (depending on how your plan is managed and if you agree to use Core for transport). We will explain these arrangements clearly in your service agreement so there are no surprises. If you’re riding in a taxi or rideshare that we’ve organized, typically you would use your transport funding to pay for those fares as well. The idea is that the NDIS helps with these costs so you are not personally paying for disability-related transport needs. The only things you might pay for yourself are incidental costs like parking fees or road tolls if they aren’t covered by NDIS (these can sometimes be claimed too, but it depends). We always strive to use your funding efficiently, combining trips or using fuel efficient routes to minimize costs. Transparency is key – you can ask for a breakdown of any transport charges anytime, and we’ll happily provide details.

Safety is critical when it comes to transportation. JANGO ensures that any vehicle used for participant transport is well-maintained, registered, and insured. We regularly inspect our vehicles (or our support workers’ vehicles) to be sure they meet safety standards – brakes, tires, seatbelts, and any wheelchair restraints or ramps must be in top condition. Our drivers/support workers hold valid driver’s licenses with clean driving records. They receive training on assisting passengers with mobility needs, such as how to secure a wheelchair properly or help someone in and out of the car safely. We also have protocols in place, like driving at safe speeds, avoiding risky maneuvers, and not using phones while driving. During the ride, our staff will make sure you’re comfortable – for example, we can make rest stops on longer journeys or adjust temperature and music to your liking. In light of health precautions, especially after recent times, vehicles are kept clean and hand sanitizer is available. By prioritizing these safety measures, JANGO aims to give you a smooth, secure ride every time.

NDIS Skill Development Programs – FAQs

JANGO Community Services offers a variety of engaging programs to develop different skills. Some examples of our programs include: Daily Living Skills Training: Learn practical tasks like cooking simple meals, doing laundry, budgeting for groceries, or safely using appliances. Social & Communication Skills: Join group activities or guided sessions that help you practice conversation, teamwork, public speaking, or making friends in a supportive environment. (For instance, we host a Public Speaking & Debate group to build confidence in communication.) Health and Fitness Programs: Participate in exercise groups, dance classes, or sports activities to build physical strength and well-being. We even have a Health and Fitness program focused on improving overall wellness and promoting an active lifestyle. Creative & Emotional Expression: Try programs like music or art therapy (our Music for Emotional Regulation program, for example) to use creativity as a way to manage emotions and stress while building new talents. Community Navigation: Workshops on using public transport, navigating the community, or practicing at real-life venues (shopping centers, libraries) to build your confidence in public settings. These are just a few – we continually develop new programs based on participant feedback and interests. Whether you want to become more self-sufficient at home or engage more with your community, we likely have a program to support that goal.

Our programs are open to NDIS participants of various ages and abilities – we tailor activities to suit the group or individual involved. Some programs are geared towards specific age ranges or interests (for example, young adults looking to build employment skills, or teenagers developing social skills, etc.), while others are mixed-age and ability. We always ensure that the program’s content is relevant and accessible. For instance, if a participant has a certain communication need or learning style, we adapt the materials or staffing to accommodate that. Generally, as long as you have a goal in your NDIS plan that aligns with gaining or improving a skill, you’re welcome to join. Even if you’re not very social or are anxious about trying something new, our team will support you gently to participate at your own pace. Carers or family members can often attend initial sessions if it makes you more comfortable. JANGO believes everyone has the capacity to learn and grow, so we do our best to include anyone who is interested in our skill-building opportunities.

Skill development is directly linked to independence. When you learn to do something yourself – say, cook a meal or take a bus – you reduce the need to rely on others for that task. Our programs are aimed at giving you practical experience and confidence. For example, after attending a cooking class series, you might feel ready to prepare simple meals without supervision, improving your daily independence. Or after joining a social skills group, you might feel more comfortable going out and meeting new people, which increases your social independence. We also incorporate problem-solving and decision-making in our programs, so you become better at handling challenges on your own. Each small step, like learning to manage money or practicing personal safety, adds up to a big difference in your self-reliance. Over time, you (and your family) will likely notice that you need less hands-on help for certain activities, and you might even set bigger goals because you’re confident in your abilities. That’s the empowerment JANGO strives to achieve through our capacity building programs.

We offer both one-on-one training and group programs, depending on the skill and your preference. One-on-one sessions are great when you want individualized attention – for instance, if you’re learning a specific skill like using a computer or practicing a daily routine at home, a dedicated support worker or therapist can work with you personally. Group sessions, on the other hand, are wonderful for skills that benefit from social interaction, like communication games, sports, or group outings. There’s also the bonus of meeting peers and making friends in group programs. We often encourage participants to try group activities because they can be motivating and fun, but we understand that not everyone is comfortable in a group. At JANGO, we might start you off one-on-one to build confidence and then transition you into a small group when you’re ready, or we stick with individual sessions if that’s what suits you best. The format is flexible – it’s all about what environment helps you learn and thrive most effectively.

The location can vary based on the program. Many of our life skills training sessions happen in real-life settings – for example, cooking classes might be in a community kitchen or your own home, travel training happens on actual buses or trains, and social outings occur at parks, cafes, or community centers on the Gold Coast. For programs like music or art, we might use our JANGO activity space or partner facilities that are fully accessible and equipped (in South Brisbane or Gold Coast areas). Fitness programs could be at local parks or gyms that we partner with. We aim to host activities in the community whenever possible because it gives you practical experience in the environments you’ll use those skills. If you’re in Toowoomba or Beaudesert, we coordinate using local venues or even virtual sessions if distance is an issue. Before you join a program, we’ll give you a schedule with all the details of where and when sessions are held. Rest assured, all locations we use are disability-friendly and chosen for safety and convenience.

To have the program costs covered by the NDIS, you should have funding under relevant Capacity 13 Building categories in your plan. Common budget categories that cover our programs include Improved Daily Living, Increased Social & Community Participation, or other capacity-building line items. For example, if you have Improved Daily Living funding (often overseen by therapists), it can be used for training that builds your independence. Increased Social & Community Participation funding might cover group-based community activities or social skill development. If you have Support Coordination or Improved Relationships funding, some of that could potentially be used for capacity-building activities as well, depending on your goals. We know the NDIS categories can be confusing, so JANGO’s team will help identify which funding in your plan can be used for the programs you’re interested in. We can also liaise with your plan manager or the NDIA if needed to get approval. If by chance you don’t have the right funding in your current plan, we can advise you on how to request it in your next plan review by demonstrating how these programs will help you achieve your stated goals.

NDIS Emotional Well-being Support – FAQs

Emotional well-being support refers to services and activities aimed at helping NDIS participants maintain and improve their mental health, resilience, and overall psychological well-being. This could range from one-on-one counseling or therapy (with a psychologist or counselor funded under Improved Daily Living or Improved Relationships) to less formal supports like having a mentor or support worker help you develop coping strategies and social skills. It can also include group activities that boost morale and reduce isolation, such as peer support groups or creative workshops that allow emotional expression. Under the NDIS, these supports are often part of capacity building – recognizing that mental and emotional health is as important as physical health for leading a good life. JANGO’s emotional well-being support focuses on providing compassionate, understanding assistance so you can navigate stress, build confidence, and feel connected.

At JANGO, we take a holistic approach to support your emotional wellness. Here are a few ways we help: Experienced Listeners: Our support workers and coordinators are trained to listen empathetically. Sometimes participants just need someone to talk to regularly – we’re here to lend an ear and encourage you. Mentoring and Coaching: We can work with you on personal goals like building self-esteem, managing anxiety in social situations, or creating daily routines that give you stability. This might involve coaching sessions or practicing techniques (like deep breathing, mindfulness exercises) together. Therapeutic Referrals: If your NDIS plan includes therapy services (psychology, counselling, art therapy, etc.), we can help coordinate those. We also have partnerships with mental health professionals and can refer you to a trusted therapist who understands disability if you don’t have one yet. Group Well-being Activities: JANGO sometimes runs group programs that indirectly boost emotional well-being – for example, a drama or music group can be a fun way to express yourself and relieve stress. Our Music for Emotional Regulation program is one such initiative where participants use music to process feelings and improve mood. Consistency and Trust: We aim to provide consistent support staff so you build a trusting relationship over time. Having people around who genuinely care and understand you can itself be a huge emotional support. We recognize that mental health is deeply personal, so we adapt our approach to what makes you feel safe and supported. Our ultimate goal is to help you build resilience and have a more positive day-to-day experience.

Yes, it can be, as long as it’s related to your disability needs and goals. There are a couple of areas in an NDIS plan that might fund these supports. The Improved Daily Living category can cover therapeutic services like psychology or counselling sessions. There’s also Improved Relationships, which can fund social skill development or behavior support that often overlaps with emotional well-being (for example, funding a behavior support specialist to help with strategies for anxiety or anger). Additionally, group activities that improve confidence or social connections could be funded under Increased Social and Community Participation. It all depends on how your goals are written. For instance, if you have a goal to “improve confidence and mental health”, then funding is usually provided to match that. When planning with you, JANGO can help ensure your needs for emotional support are clearly stated so that funding is allocated. If you already have the funding, we’ll make sure to connect you with appropriate services (whether through us or external therapists). And remember, if something isn’t funded now, you can bring it up in a plan review; the NDIS does acknowledge the importance of mental well-being in your overall plan.

Yes, we do. While many aspects of emotional support can be provided by our general support workers (who are all compassionate and have basic training in mental health first aid), we also have specialized staff for more targeted support. JANGO’s team includes experienced support coordinators and mentors who have backgrounds in mental health or community services. For clinical services like psychology or counselling, we partner with qualified professionals – registered psychologists, counselors, or social workers – who are either part of our extended team or whom we can refer you to. If you require a Positive Behaviour Support plan or specialized therapy, we’ll involve practitioners who are certified and experienced in those areas. We always ensure that anyone working on sensitive emotional or psychological issues with you has the right credentials and approach. Additionally, all our staff practice confidentiality and non judgmental support, which is crucial for you to feel safe opening up about how you feel.

The location can vary based on the program. Many of our life skills training sessions happen in real-life settings – for example, cooking classes might be in a community kitchen or your own home, travel training happens on actual buses or trains, and social outings occur at parks, cafes, or community centers on the Gold Coast. For programs like music or art, we might use our JANGO activity space or partner facilities that are fully accessible and equipped (in South Brisbane or Gold Coast areas). Fitness programs could be at local parks or gyms that we partner with. We aim to host activities in the community whenever possible because it gives you practical experience in the environments you’ll use those skills. If you’re in Toowoomba or Beaudesert, we coordinate using local venues or even virtual sessions if distance is an issue. Before you join a program, we’ll give you a schedule with all the details of where and when sessions are held. Rest assured, all locations we use are disability-friendly and chosen for safety and convenience.

There’s a wide range of activities that can boost emotional health, and we like to tailor them to what you enjoy. Some options include: Creative Therapies: Activities like art, music, or drama can be therapeutic. For example, painting or making music can help you express feelings you might find hard to put into words. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Learning techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can reduce stress and anxiety. We sometimes incorporate simple mindfulness exercises into our daily support or offer sessions focused on relaxation. Social Groups: Simply getting out and socializing in a supportive group can significantly improve mood. JANGO facilitates gentle social meet-ups – like coffee clubs, game nights, or nature walks – where participants can connect in a low-pressure setting. Physical Activity: Exercise is known to improve mental health. Joining our fitness program or even taking a supported walk along the beach can release endorphins and help with emotional balance. Life Coaching Activities: Setting small personal goals (like keeping a journal, or practicing positive affirmations each morning) and checking in on them can give a sense of achievement and hope. Our support workers can help you with these little daily routines that add up over time. We’ll explore with you what activities make you feel good or curious, and integrate those into your support plan. The key is consistency and enjoyment – doing supportive activities regularly and liking what you do makes it more effective for your emotional well-being.

Family members and carers are often a big part of one’s support network, so yes, they can be involved to the extent that you’re comfortable. With your permission, we can include your loved ones in certain sessions – for instance, family could attend a mental health education workshop or join in a family therapy session if that’s part of your plan. We can also teach them basic strategies to support you on tough days (like how to encourage you or implement a calming technique that works for you). Often, emotional well being improves when everyone around you is on the same page and understands what you need. That said, we also respect your privacy. If there are discussions or counseling where you prefer to speak freely without family present, we will honor that and create a safe, private space for you. The involvement of family is always guided by your wishes and what is most beneficial for your mental health. We find a balanced approach – keeping carers informed enough to help you, but also empowering you to have your own voice and confidence.

Community Participation Programs – FAQs

Community participation programs are supports that help people with disabilities get involved in their community, socially and culturally. Under the NDIS, these might be funded as part of Increased Social and Community Participation or as Community Access support in your Core budget. What it means practically is that you have assistance to attend events, join groups, or simply go out and about to places you enjoy, which you might not be able to do independently. These programs can include structured group activities (like classes, group outings, or day programs at a community center) and one-on-one support to participate in community life (like a support worker taking you to a local festival or library). The goal is to reduce isolation, build social skills, and ensure you have the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities just like anyone else. Community participation isn’t just about fun (though it is enjoyable) – it’s also about building confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging in society.

JANGO Community Services offers a variety of programs and supports to encourage social and community involvement. Some of the community participation opportunities we provide include: Group Outings: We organize regular group outings such as picnics in the park, movie afternoons, bowling nights, or trips to local attractions (zoos, museums, events on the Gold Coast). These are supervised by our staff and tailored to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Skill-Building Social Programs: As part of our capacity building, we have programs like public speaking clubs, art classes, or music groups that not only teach a skill but also let you meet people with similar interests. Community Classes and Clubs: We help participants join existing community classes – for example, if you want to take a cooking class, dance lesson, or attend a sporting club, we can provide support or a buddy to go along with you and assist as needed. Volunteering Support: If giving back to the community is something you’re interested in, we can facilitate volunteer placements (like helping at a community garden or library) and support you during those activities. It’s a great way to be active in the community and build work-like experience in a supported manner. Special Events and Celebrations: We don’t miss out on the fun stuff – whether it’s attending the local Christmas carols, a cultural festival, or NDIS-related expos and workshops, JANGO can coordinate trips so you can participate safely with any help you need. We continuously ask our participants what they’re interested in, and create opportunities accordingly. The idea is that there’s always something happening that you can join, or we’ll support you to pursue your own community interests.

These programs offer numerous benefits for your overall well-being and personal growth. Firstly, they help break down feelings of loneliness or boredom by getting you out of the house and into stimulating environments. You’ll have chances to make new friends and connections, which is great for your mental health and confidence. Many participants find that their communication and social skills naturally improve as they engage more with others – you might become more comfortable starting conversations, for example, or expressing your opinions in a group. Being active in the community also often brings a sense of achievement and purpose. Whether you learned something new in a class or simply had a good laugh with peers, those positive experiences build self-esteem. Additionally, community outings can expose you to new hobbies and interests, helping you discover what you’re passionate about. Over time, consistent community participation can lead to greater independence (you learn how to navigate community spaces, use public facilities, etc.) and it reinforces that you are a valued member of society with contributions to make. The positive impacts can ripple into other areas of life – participants often report feeling happier and more motivated in general when they have a rich social life.

Yes. While many of our group events and programs are centered around the Gold Coast (because that’s where we have a large base of participants and venues), we absolutely extend community participation supports to South Brisbane, Beaudesert, Toowoomba, and surrounding areas. We tailor activities to what’s available and popular locally. For example, in South Brisbane, we might facilitate a group to attend the museums or South Bank events; in Toowoomba, maybe trips to the gardens or local community fairs; in Beaudesert, we could join agricultural shows or rural community markets. Also, if participants from different areas want to come together (say, meet at a midway point for a big BBQ meetup or an activity at a known spot), we can coordinate transport to make that happen. We’re also open to collaborating with local community centers in those regions to host joint activities. The key is, no matter where you live in our service region, JANGO wants you to have access to enjoyable community experiences. If you have an idea for an event or need help joining a community group in your town, just let us know and we’ll work on it with you!

Absolutely. Your interests and choices drive your community participation. We regularly ask for input from our participants about what events or activities they’d like to see on the calendar. You’re encouraged to let us know what you enjoy – whether it’s going to the beach, seeing live music, doing crafts, or anything else. We’ll do our best to either include it in our group schedule or arrange one-on-one outings for you to pursue that interest. Also, when we plan group outings, we’ll announce them in advance, and you can decide if you want to join or not. There’s no pressure; if you’re not interested in a particular event, you simply don’t RSVP for that one. On the flip side, if there’s something you’re really keen on, we’ll make note of that and might even organize it specially if enough people share the interest. The whole point of NDIS is choice and control, and that extends to recreation and social activities. JANGO is here to facilitate opportunities, but you get to choose how you spend your leisure time.

Yes, we understand group settings aren’t for everyone (or maybe not yet, if you’re still building confidence). If you prefer, JANGO can provide a support worker to accompany you individually to community locations of your choice. For example, if you want to go shopping, attend a class, or just take a walk in the park but need some assistance or company, we can arrange that on a one-on-one basis. This way, you still get the benefit of going out and participating, but with focused support that’s entirely tailored to you. Many participants start with one-on-one community access and later transition to joining small groups once they feel ready. There’s no rush – we’ll go at your pace. The important thing is that you have the opportunity to access the community in a way that feels safe and enjoyable for you. Whether it’s solo or in a group, JANGO’s goal is to help you explore your community and do the things you love outside of home.

Programs Page – FAQs (General Programs Overview)

JANGO offers a diverse range of programs aimed at skill development, personal growth, and fun social engagement for NDIS participants. Broadly, our programs fall into a few categories: Capacity Building Programs: These are designed to help you learn new skills and become more independent. For example, we have programs like Music for Emotional Regulation, Health and Fitness, and soon a Public Speaking & Debating program. Each of these targets different skills – music program helps with emotional expression and communication, fitness improves physical health and confidence, and public speaking builds communication skills and self-esteem. Community Participation Programs: Group outings and social activities where participants can engage with the community. Think along the lines of activity clubs, group classes, or supported outings to local events (many of which we coordinate through our community participation services). Therapeutic and Well-being Workshops: Periodically, we run workshops or short courses on things like stress management, art therapy sessions, or nutrition and cooking for healthy living. These often involve professionals (therapists, dietitians, etc.) and are meant to educate and empower participants in specific areas of health and well-being. Special Interest Groups: Based on participant interest, we sometimes host clubs or meetups for certain hobbies – for instance, a tech/gaming club for those interested in video games or computers, or a book club for avid readers who want to discuss and socialize. All our programs are created with input from the people we support. We aim to keep them inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable. You can check our current program list on our website or call us for the latest offerings, as we frequently introduce new activities in response to what our community tells us they want.

Joining a program with JANGO is simple and friendly. Here’s what to do: Browse or Ask for Program Info: You can look at the Programs section on our website or request a brochure from us to see what’s currently available. We also announce upcoming programs on our social media and newsletters. If you’re not sure which program might suit you, just ask – we’ll happily explain details. Express Your Interest: Once you spot a program or activity you’d like to join, let your support coordinator or JANGO contact know, or reach out to us directly via phone/email. We’ll note down your interest and provide any additional info you need (like the schedule, location, any prerequisites). Check Funding and Sign Up: We’ll help confirm that you have the appropriate NDIS funding to cover the program (most fall under Capacity Building or Core supports). Then, we’ll get you signed up. This usually involves a simple service agreement or consent for that program. If it’s a group event, we might have a calendar invite or reminder system so you know when the next session is. 4. Attend and Enjoy: We’ll see you at the program! If it’s in-person, our staff will be there to welcome and support you throughout the activity. If transport is a barrier, let us know – we may assist in arranging a way for you to get there. For any online or virtual sessions (if we run those), we’ll guide you on how to log in. We try to keep it very user-friendly. Our team will often check in with you after your first session to make sure it met your expectations. And remember, you’re free to try a program and, if it’s not your cup of tea, there’s no obligation to continue – though we’ll work hard to make it a positive experience you’ll want to continue!

In many cases, yes, the programs we offer can be funded through your NDIS plan, provided you have the relevant budget and it aligns with your goals. Most of our skill development and capacity building programs can be covered under Capacity Building Supports – for instance, a program focused on improving daily living skills might be funded by your Improved Daily Living budget. Community participation type programs or social groups might be funded by either your Core Supports (if it’s structured as an access support) or Increased Social & Community Participation (a capacity building category). We know that’s a bit technical, but practically speaking: when you express interest in a program, we’ll verify what funding you have and ensure we bill it to the correct category. If, say, you’re out of funds in a certain category, we might suggest a plan review or see if there’s flexibility to use Core funding. Also note, some programs might require a small co-contribution for materials or entry fees (e.g., if a group goes to a theme park, the ticket might not be fully covered by NDIS), but we’ll always inform you beforehand of any extra costs. The majority of the time, participants do not have to pay out-of-pocket to attend our programs as long as they have an active NDIS plan with appropriate funding. JANGO’s team is well-versed in NDIS price guide rules and will help maximize the use of your plan for these beneficial activities.

It depends on the program. We use a mix of venues to keep things dynamic and relevant: On-site at JANGO or Partner Facilities: Some structured programs (like certain workshops, or the music and art sessions) might take place at our JANGO Community hub or a partner venue such as a hired hall, studio, or community center. These locations are accessible and set up to accommodate our participants’ needs. For example, our music program might be in a studio space equipped with instruments and seating for everyone. Out in the Community: Many programs deliberately take place in community settings. Our fitness activities often happen at local parks or walking tracks on the Gold Coast to get fresh air and a real world workout experience. Public speaking practice might be done by visiting a Toastmasters meeting or similar community group as a field experience. Social outings, by definition, happen in community venues like cafes, libraries, or attractions. We find using real-world environments helps participants generalize their skills and feel more a part of the broader community. At Home (occasionally): If a program is one-on-one, like life skills training, it could happen right in your home. For instance, a cooking skills program might involve a support worker coming to your kitchen and teaching you with your own utensils, which makes the learning directly applicable to your daily life. Online: In some cases (like during health lockdowns or for participants in remote areas), we run certain programs virtually via Zoom or other platforms. This is less frequent now, but still an option if it suits the program and participant needs (for example, a virtual book club or an online art class where we send you the materials). We try to choose the setting that best fits the nature of the program and the comfort of participants. All locations are communicated to you well in advance, and we always consider factors like accessibility (wheelchair access, quiet spaces if needed, etc.) when picking spots. If you have concerns about a venue, we’re open to feedback and can adjust when possible.

Yes, you can be involved in multiple programs concurrently, as long as it fits within your schedule and your NDIS funding allows it. Many participants enjoy a mix of activities – for example, you might attend a weekly fitness group while also taking a life skills cooking class on weekends. We encourage you to engage in anything that interests you. We’ll help coordinate the timing so there aren’t clashes, and ensure that doing multiple programs is still comfortable for you (we don’t want you to feel overwhelmed, so we’ll discuss what a realistic weekly routine looks like). In terms of funding, if each program is drawing from different budget categories (say one from Core, another from Capacity Building), it’s usually fine. If they draw from the same budget, we’ll help you keep an eye on spending to ensure you have enough funds for all the sessions. Additionally, participating in various programs can actually complement each other – skills learned in one might help you in another. Our team will periodically review your progress across programs to make sure you’re happy with the balance and outcomes. Your enthusiasm to join multiple activities is something we love to see, as it means you’re actively pursuing your goals and interests!

JANGO designs programs with inclusivity in mind, and we often adapt content for different age groups or abilities. Some programs are more popular with certain age ranges – for instance, our Health and Fitness group might have a lot of young adults, whereas a basic cooking or home skills class might cater to school leavers moving towards independent living. We indicate when a program is targeted (e.g., “Young Adult Social Club” or “Teen Gaming Group” or “Seniors Craft Circle”). However, we don’t rigidly enforce age limits unless it’s necessary for the program’s content. We look at developmental and interest suitability more than chronological age. If you’re a bit older but keen on a program that’s mostly younger folks (or vice versa), we’ll discuss with you to ensure you’d feel comfortable – often, mixed-age activities can be very enriching for all involved. As for specific needs, we absolutely consider them: for example, if someone is non-verbal, we make sure our communication-based programs are still accessible by using visuals or assistive technology. If a participant has sensory sensitivities, we adapt environments (maybe have a quiet corner or allow noise-cancelling headphones during an activity). No matter your level of ability, our facilitators focus on what you can do and how to include you meaningfully. We also run or collaborate on programs specifically for certain groups, like programs for people on the autism spectrum focusing on social cues, or programs for those with physical disabilities focusing on adapted sports. In short, there’s something for everyone, and we strive to make every program a positive experience for each participant.

JANGO’s programs are unique because they are created with a heart for our community and a high standard of support. Unlike generic community activities, our programs are run by staff who understand disability and are there not just to lead the activity, but to support you through it. If you attend a regular community class without support, you might find certain aspects challenging (like keeping up with the instructor or communicating your needs). In a JANGO program, we bridge that gap – ensuring the environment is accommodating and that you have assistance as needed, all while pushing towards growth and independence. Another difference is the personal touch: we keep group sizes manageable so you don’t get lost in the crowd, and our team often builds warm relationships with participants. We also integrate goal-tracking subtly into programs. For example, if your goal is to increase social interaction, our facilitators will gently encourage you to take on small leadership roles in a group or buddy you up with peers, then celebrate with you as you progress. We also coordinate with your other supports (like therapists or support coordinators) when relevant, so what you do in our programs complements the rest of your NDIS plan. And lastly, we’re always innovating – since we’re locally operated, we can quickly tailor or introduce new activities based on feedback, unlike larger institutions with fixed curricula. All this means JANGO’s programs aren’t just activities to pass time; they’re stepping stones to personal achievement, delivered in a fun, caring, and empowering way.