Preparing for Your First Support Session
Your first session is a chance to begin working together and explain how you like things done. You do not need to prepare a perfect home or have every answer ready. A few practical details can make the start clearer and more comfortable.
Choose one or two things that matter most
Think about what you would like help with first. It could be preparing lunch, getting ready for an appointment or taking part in an activity. Describe the result you want as well as the task. “I want to make breakfast with some help” says more than “meal support”.
Explain your communication preferences
Let Henari know how you prefer information to be shared. You might want short instructions, extra time, written reminders or support from someone you trust. Tell the worker what you would like to do yourself and when you want assistance. You can ask for a pause or clarification.
Check the arrangements
Before the session, confirm the date, start time, location, agreed activities and expected duration. Check the cost and the cancellation arrangements. Ask whom to contact if the worker has not arrived or your plans change. If you want a meet and greet first, ask about availability and whether a charge applies.
Share relevant safety information securely
Tell the team about information needed to deliver the agreed support safely, such as access arrangements, allergies, mobility equipment or existing support plans. Ask for the appropriate secure way to share documents. Do not put medical reports or your full NDIS plan into a general website enquiry.
Decide who you want involved
You can ask a family member, advocate or coordinator to help with the conversation. Make clear what information can be shared and whom Henari should contact. The participant’s own preferences should remain central.
Use a short first-session checklist
My first priorities and tasks I want to do myself.
My communication preferences and important boundaries.
The agreed time, place, activities and cost.
Access details and relevant support instructions already discussed with Henari.
The contact to use if arrangements change.
Tell us how it went
After the session, consider what felt comfortable, what helped and what should change. You do not have to wait for a formal review to raise a concern. Contact Henari about ordinary changes, and explain if there is a quality or safety issue. In an emergency, call 000.