Simply Helping Iggy to Explore His World

When Iggy first connected with Simply Helping Central and Northern Melbourne, he was navigating a period of significant change. After five years with a trusted support worker who had passed away, starting over brought uncertainty. For Iggy, living with bipolar disorder and anxiety means that changes to his day-to-day routine can feel both physically and mentally debilitating.

What began as a gentle transition soon became life changing. Based on Iggy’s preferences, he was matched with Simply Helping support worker Sasha. “We clicked automatically,” Iggy shared. Their mutual interest in retro collectables, vintage music, 70s soul, reggae, and community radio quickly became a foundation for trust and familiarity.

As Iggy became more comfortable, his supports gradually increased. This created more opportunities to spend time in the community with his support worker and work towards greater independence. “Sometimes I get anxiety attacks when I leave my house, and Sasha’s there for me,” Iggy explains. “He calms me down. I couldn’t do it without him. Having someone who understands makes a big difference in my ability to leave the house.”

Together, Iggy and Sasha have explored local op shops, cafés, and other new places. Over time, these outings have helped build Iggy’s confidence and given him something to look forward to each week.

As his confidence has grown, Iggy has also expanded his support network. What once felt difficult now feels more manageable. Previously preferring only one support worker, Iggy is now supported by three Simply Helping team members: Sasha, Nathan, and Phillip. Each brings their own personality and approach, while maintaining the consistency and respect that Iggy values. “The boys are brilliant,” he says. “We’re all on the same page.”

This progress has supported Iggy’s independence at home and helped him achieve his goal of giving his mum a break. With a love of food and cooking, he has begun preparing meals himself, such as spaghetti bolognese, ravioli, and other dishes he enjoys. It’s a significant step for both Iggy and his family.

Reflecting on his experience with Simply Helping, Iggy shared, “Everything has been effortless. Simply Helping is fantastic, understanding, and patient. I’m so happy.”

For Iggy, Simply Helping has become more than a support service. It’s a team he trusts, with people who respect him, communicate openly, and support him to engage with the world in a way that feels right for him.

Click here to learn more about Simply Helping Central and Northern Melbourne and how our range of supports can assist you in achieving your goals.