We want to deliver a reinvented community model of inclusion that is connected, local, and person centred.
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) Programs and Innovation team was established in 2023 and works to deliver new and creative projects that support a diverse range of people with disability.
The team:
- Work alongside people with disability to pilot new programs that address gaps in community and mainstream services.
- Contribute to advocacy opportunities.
- Respond to and influence policy through analysis and making submissions to government.
The Programs and Innovation team are currently delivering two pilot programs for adults with disability and young children with developmental concerns.
Enhanced Early Supports Model
The Enhanced Early Supports model has been pilot tested to deliver a more intensive, targeted, and less costly service than the current NDIS funded model.
We aim to demonstrate the role BSL can play in shaping the national early years system to create better outcomes for all children and families.
Who is it for?
The Enhanced Early Supports model is for families of children aged 0-5 who are concerned about their child’s development, who do not have a funded NDIS plan, or are not eligible for the NDIS.
This model aims to:
- Help children learn, connect, and thrive through better supports.
- Increase a child’s inclusion and participation in early childhood programs.
- Increase carer confidence and wellbeing.
- Facilitate child development and learning through building participation in family and community routines.
- Provide support that is effective, evidence based and available when you need it.
Our pilot programs
We are running two Enhanced Early Supports pilots:
Early Years Support Coaches
This Early Childhood pilot program is delivered by Early Years Support Coaches for families in the Wyndham and Hobsons Bay regions.
Learn more
Download the program flyer or make a referral to the program.
To express your interest, or to discuss the program further, contact Anna Kardachi on 0482 168 258 or email BSLTrial@NDIS.gov.au.
Enhanced Early Supports
Enhanced Early Supports is an Early Childhood pilot program delivered by Early Childhood professionals for families in the Brimbank and Melton regions. The pilot commenced in January 2024.
Evaluation report
The 12-month evaluation of the pilot has demonstrated that this Enhanced Early Supports model can make a significant difference for children with developmental delay and achieve outcomes. Learn more and read the evaluation report.
Learn more
Download the program flyer or make a referral to the program here.
To express your interest, or to discuss the program further, contact Meghan Chapman on 0490 300 853 or email BSLTrial@NDIS.gov.au.
What families are saying
“The program has been a huge support; as a first-time mum I didn’t know how to help my child. It has been the most helpful thing I have done.”
“When I first started the program, I felt lost. I tried lots of things but they weren’t working. Now, however, I have much more confidence and feel less anxious about my child’s behaviour.”
Local Area Coordination (LAC) Pilot
The LAC pilot was delivered by BSL Local Area Coordinators who work alongside community members with disability to build their confidence in accessing mainstream and community supports.
Who was the program for?
Adults with disability aged 18-64 who are not engaged with NDIS funding and living in the Hume and Merri-bek regions.
This program aimed to:
- Provide individualised support to assist people in meeting some of their needs and achieving their goals.
- Support people to feel more connected to their local community.
- Identify the gaps and challenges to accessing services in the Hume and Merri-bek regions.
- Increase knowledge of local mainstream and community-based supports.
- Increase wellbeing and improve quality of life.
The team has developed strong connections in the local community and is working from a place-based model. We aim to demonstrate an intensive LAC Model to influence the development of Foundational Supports and the Navigator Role, both recommendations from the recent NDIS Review.
This pilot project has now concluded, and we’re developing the evaluation report.