Page 59 - MDS final deliverable

8. SET UP A BUDDYUP PROGRAM
A trusted buddy to support MDS participants
THE SOLUTION
Developing an in-house service like ‘Hireup’ which can help ‘buddy up’ participants within MDS to ensure they can assist and support each other when needed. The BuddyUP program allows participants or their family members to hire other staff or participants who have similar disabilities to be their friend when needed and assist with companionship, chores and social outings. MDS can charge a small fee, which can be deducted from the proposed hourly rate.
Existing examples: Hireup (an NDIS registered online platform for people with disability to find, hire and manage support workers who fit their needs and share their interests. The current hourly rate is $47.95) and Blueknot (helpline for people who struggle with their psychological and physical health).
Resources required: MDS project team, business model, MDS participants and their family members Active listening: Free confidential helpline
for anybody who wants to talk and share
MDS Participants
WHY IT WILL WORK:
Household chores
Provide transportation
Socialising
Buddy
• Most participants and families are generally unwilling to pay for additional disability support services, as they feel this should be covered by NDIS or because they are financially stretched. They do however, use a variety of external services to fill in any service gaps and may be happy to pay if MDS introduced these services as they trust MDS overall.
• Making friends is a big deal for participants. Making trusted friends is an important part in creating a positive customer experience for participants. It is worth noting that families are turning to services like ‘Hireup’ not only for extra support but to ‘hire a friend’. This is an opportunity that MDS should consider.
• Participants are generally keen to reciprocate the support they have received from MDS by helping others who share their experiences. This is particularly evident with the mental health cohort.
• We have observed that centre-based locations become vacant in the afternoon when the participants leave for their activities. These spaces could be better leveraged, perhaps allowing other participants to use them to implement further positive initiatives.
Fitness