Building independence: How the right support helps your child grow their skills

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Cooking up a storm is one of 14-year-old Conor’s favourite activities. So when his mum, Jennie, first started searching for an independent support worker on Mable, she knew she wanted someone who could help Conor do the things he loves.

For Jennie, having a support worker who would help Conor build everyday skills meant equipping him with the confidence to be more independent.

Support that just clicks

While reading Livia’s profile on Mable, Jennie discovered she’d been a teacher in a former career. Having worked with kids a lot, she thought Livia might be a good candidate for supporting Conor. From their very first in-person meeting, Jennie knew she’d really found ‘the one’.

Livia also felt the same way. ‘We had our first meeting, and immediately I think we knew we were a good match. We had that heart connection,’ She says.

Since then, Jennie, Conor, and Livia have developed a deep bond.

‘She’s kind of like an auntie,’ Jennie smiles, describing Livia as ‘vital’ to their family.

Most of all, she knows Conor loves her – and they have a great time together!

Supporting Conor’s independence – and Mum’s too

Jennie says Livia has helped them all to be more independent.

‘By assisting Conor with his needs [and goals] … It allows him to be more independent from me, and that allows me some independence to be my own person,’ she explains.

Livia provides practical support, such as taking Conor to speech therapy and assisting him with daily living tasks, but they’ve really bonded over their shared passion for dancing and making pasta.

In addition to being a former teacher, Livia has also worked as a cook. Her love of food and energy for life is something she shares with Conor.

‘I pick him up from school, and we always have a dance party in the car!’ Livia chuckles.

They also enjoy cooking together, often making pasta from scratch.

‘Conor loves eating pasta!’ Livia says. ‘We have lots of fun.’

Learning to cook and express his creativity in the kitchen has helped Conor become more independent. Seeing him learn and grow with Livia’s support gave Jennie the confidence that Conor is in safe hands with someone who genuinely cares about helping him thrive.

As well as understanding Conor’s needs and sensitivities by really listening to him and responding, Jennie greatly appreciates the happiness and good vibes Livia generates.

Lightening the load

Having built her support team on Mable, Jennie has peace of mind that Conor has the right people in his corner.

When good support like this is in place, it has a flow-on effect. Family members who are also carers feel supported, too.

‘She’s definitely helped lighten the load for me, that’s for sure,’ Jennie says.

Jennie also deeply appreciates having Livia in their lives because it allows her to replenish her emotional ‘cup’ by giving her a carer’s break.

But most of all, she’s happy she found the right person for Conor. Someone who has what she believes is more important than anything else in a support worker.

‘A good heart…that is definitely Livia,’ she says.

Join Mable for free and find an independent support worker who helps your child grow.