Information for Families and Carers

For families who want respectful, reliable support that helps their loved one build confidence, independence and connection without overriding their choice or privacy.

This page is for families and carers who are helping an adult child or loved one explore support, or who have been sent here by the person themselves or their support coordinator.

This is adult support, not a program someone gets pushed through.

Families often know when someone needs more support, but the person still needs to feel respected, included and in control. Side Quest Supports is built around small, practical steps rather than pressure, big promises or forced socialising.

That might mean starting with a short outing, a familiar interest, a clear plan, a cafe stop, a train or plane spotting trip, a museum visit, a gentle walk, or another everyday side quest that feels achievable.

You might be here because…

your adult child wants more independence, but starting feels hard
they are isolated, burnt out, anxious or stuck at home
you have been looking for support that feels calmer and more natural
you want something you can send to them without making it feel like pressure
a support coordinator has suggested Side Quest Supports as a possible fit

They might be here because…

they were sent this page and are deciding if it feels safe
they want support, but do not want to be treated like a child
they want clear expectations before agreeing to anything
they need time to think, ask questions or start gently
they want their family involved in a way that respects their independence

How family involvement can work

Family input can be helpful, especially when someone is nervous, has had bad support experiences, or finds admin and planning overwhelming. The important part is that the adult participant stays centred.

Before support starts

You can help explain what has worked before, what has not worked, sensory needs, communication preferences, risks, routines, transport needs and what a good first step might look like.

During support

Communication can be agreed upfront. Some people want family updated. Some want privacy. Some want a support coordinator to be the main contact. We work with the person, not around them.

As confidence builds

The goal is not to rush independence. It is to make the next step feel possible, then build from there at a pace that does not create burnout.

A note for the participant this was sent to

If someone sent you this page, it does not mean you have to do anything. You can read it, ignore it, ask questions, send it to your support coordinator, or use it as a starting point for a conversation.

Side Quest Supports is about support that respects your pace, your interests, your communication style and your right to say no.

How to introduce this gently

If you are sending this to your adult child or loved one, or their a support coordinator, it may help to keep the message low-pressure.

If you’re sending it to them

“I found this and thought it might be closer to the kind of support you’ve talked about. It is more interest-based and low-pressure. No pressure to do anything with it, but I thought I’d send it through in case you wanted to have a look.”
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Another option is

“This looks more interest-based and less clinical. Would you like me to send it to your support coordinator, or would you rather look at it yourself first?”
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If you’re sending this to their support coordinator, you could say:

“Could you please have a look at Side Quest Supports and let us know whether this could fit within their goals, funding and support needs?”

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Before onboarding someone, we may ask about

What the person wants support to help with.
What they definitely do not want.
Communication preferences and sensory needs.
Transport, access, safety and health considerations.
NDIS funding type, plan dates and support coordinator details if relevant.
Who the participant consents for us to speak with.

A few boundaries we take seriously

This is important for families or support circles to know so that there are no mismatched expectations between all parties involved

We support adults, so choice, independence and privacy matter.
Family input is welcome when the participant wants or agrees to it.
Support should be clear, predictable and respectful.
Progress should not come at the cost of distress or burnout.
Side Quest Supports is not an emergency or crisis service.
Support needs to be safe for everyone involved. We may not be the right fit where risks cannot be managed safely.