Simply Helping Andrea to Find Joy in the Everyday

At Simply Helping Central and Northern Melbourne, we’re privileged to support NDIS participants like Andrea, whose strength and positivity inspire everyone around her.

After experiencing a stroke in 2003, Andrea’s life changed dramatically. The right side of her body was affected, making walking and speaking difficult. She could no longer continue with the career she had worked so hard to build, supporting children and adults living with disability. With no family nearby and limited support at home, Andrea relied on council services for meals and cleaning. Once Andrea gained access to the NDIS, she connected with Simply Helping Central and Northern Melbourne, who have been providing regular and consistent support in her home and community ever since.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s, Andrea has faced many challenges, but having consistent support has given her more confidence. “Having the NDIS gives me reassurance,” she says. “It means I know someone will be coming every second day to help me out.”

That someone is often Grace, one of Andrea’s Simply Helping support workers, who assists with meal prep and other tasks to ensure Andrea can live at home comfortably and independently. The two share a wonderful connection filled with laughter and fun. “Grace makes me laugh,” Andrea says. “We play a mean game of Uno, and I usually win!”

Community access has become one of Andrea’s greatest joys. She loves spending time outdoors, shopping for clothes, and visiting new places. Some recent highlights include a trip to Woodend and visiting the famous Living Legends horses, where she enjoyed a relaxing afternoon tea. “Once I got a taste for going out again, I felt that sense of freedom,” Andrea says. “It made me want to go further and further.”

With plans for more adventures, such as visiting Yarra Bend and exploring more local attractions, Andrea is also hoping to get a lightweight wheelchair to help her stay out longer and enjoy each outing to the fullest. For Andrea, Simply Helping’s support is more than practical assistance; it’s about confidence and rediscovering independence. “It’s really good that people can take me out,” she says. “It gives me something to look forward to every day.”

Simply Helping believes everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best life. If you, or a loved one, need support on your journey to independence, phone Simply Helping Central and Northern Melbourne on (03) 9661 0499 or email [email protected].