Respite Now

05/03/2026

Just a little reminder of how fun community living can be! One of our clients’ friends brought the laughs with a cheeky T-shirt today. Sharing life with others always creates smiles. 😁😁😁

26/02/2026

Sharing this helpful update 🦮

The new Dog Guide Provider List is now available — making it easier to compare services and find registered, accredited providers for participants with dog guide funding.

Definitely worth a look if this supports you or someone you know 💜
Learn more here: https://ow.ly/iKew50Ymb5Q

We have launched our Dog Guide Provider List. 🦮

The list supports participants with dog guide funding by offering:

✅ service information

✅ provider comparison

✅ registered and accredited dog guide providers.

Providers on this list met key requirements for inclusion, including staffing, registration and approved accreditation.

Learn more at 💻 https://ow.ly/iKew50Ymb5Q

20/02/2026

We got over 20 reactions on one of our posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! 🎉

20/02/2026

When someone says they’re not OK, it can feel confronting - and that’s normal.

Your role isn’t to fix their situation. Just listen, try to stay calm, and show you care. A small moment of support can make a big difference.

For more tips visit: ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

20/02/2026

🎉 The second edition of The RITCHLY Connection is here!

We’re celebrating our amazing Respite Now community — clients, staff, and everyone who supports them. This edition is packed with updates, stories, and events to keep you connected and inspired. 💛

Check it out and stay in the loop with all the exciting things happening in our community!



Read more 👇👇👇👇
https://mailchi.mp/respitenow.com.au/the-ritchly-connection-respite-now-quarterly-newsletter

14/01/2026

🎄✨ Respite Now Chrissy Party 2025 ✨🎄

Our 2025 Chrissy Party was a blast! Clients and staff came together for a live music band, singing, dancing, and delicious food — the room was full of laughter and festive cheer.

A special highlight was recognising our outstanding staff, celebrating their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Thank you to everyone who joined in and made the day so memorable. Here’s to community, fun, and the holiday spirit!

14/01/2026

11/12/2025

🚨 Big update for NDIS participants and families! 🚨
From mid-2026, the NDIS is introducing a new way of planning that aims to make planning fairer, simpler, and more consistent for everyone. 💬🤝

🔎 The new planning approach will focus on:
✨ Person-centred and strengths-based assessments
💰 Fairer and more consistent budgets
📑 Fewer expensive reports required
🧩 Simpler, more flexible plans

This comes from the latest NDIS update — shaped by feedback from thousands of participants, carers and providers. The goal is to better reflect your real support needs and make planning easier to use and understand. 🧠❤️
NDIS

📆 What’s next?
The changes will be phased in from mid-2026 so most people won’t see immediate changes to their current plans.
NDIS

Want to learn more and stay informed? Head to the official NDIS website for full details and support resources. https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11024-update-new-way-planning

The NDIA officially details “new framework planning”, a phased change to the NDIS planning process nationwide starting mid-2026. It will introduce support needs assessments, use the I-CAN v6 tool, and aim for fairer, more consistent budgets and simpler, flexible plans.  https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11024-update-new-way-planning

28/11/2025

🚂🌳 All Aboard the Puffing Billy Adventure! 🌿✨

Our clients and staff enjoyed an unforgettable day aboard the iconic Puffing Billy Railway, breathing in the fresh mountain air, taking in the beautiful forest scenery, and sharing plenty of smiles along the way. 💚

There’s something special about slowing down, sharing a carriage, and watching the world roll by together. Days like this highlight the joy of community access — connection, laughter, confidence, and the freedom to explore. 🌞

🌟 Want to be part of the next adventure?
Respite Now is always planning fun, meaningful, and inclusive outings.

Let us know how your community access goals can turn into shared experiences filled with good vibes and new friendships.

Huge thanks to our wonderful clients for embracing the day, and to the amazing Respite Now staff who ensured a smooth, safe, and memorable experience for everyone. 🌿💛

05/11/2025

🌿 Rethinking ADHD Support: Putting People Before Profit

Experts are calling for change in how ADHD care is delivered — raising concerns about the growing influence of profit-driven models that can overlook what truly matters: people.

Behind every diagnosis is a person with hopes, challenges, and potential. Access to care should never come at the cost of compassion. True support is person-centred, ethical, and grounded in understanding — built on trust, not transactions. 🌿

Every individual deserves care that listens, uplifts, and empowers them to thrive. Because at the heart of good care is putting people first. ✨

Resource : https://disabilityupdate.net/adhd-experts-call-to-reform-profit-driven-private-model/

31/10/2025

🧡 Boo! But Make It Inclusive — A Halloween Message from Respite Now 👻

Halloween is here — a time for creativity, laughter, and a little spooky fun! Respite Now think that the best kind of celebration is where everyone feels welcome, safe and included.

Let’s make this Halloween more accessible for people of all abilities, sensory needs, and comfort levels. Here are a few simple ways we can all make a difference:
🧡 Be sensory-aware. Avoid overly loud sounds, flashing lights, or jump scares. Create “quiet corners” or calm zones for those who may feel overwhelmed.
🧡 Offer inclusive treats. Try non-food items like stickers, bubbles, or small toys — great for children and adults with allergies or dietary restrictions.
🧡 Keep pathways open. Ensure your decorations and displays don’t block ramps or sidewalks. Accessibility is festive too!
🧡 Be patient and kind. Not everyone communicates the same way. Some participants may take a little more time or express excitement differently — and that’s perfectly okay.
🧡 Celebrate everyone’s way of joining in. Whether someone wears a costume, waves from the car, or simply enjoys the atmosphere, participation looks different for everyone.
Together, we can turn Halloween into more than just a night of treats — but a moment of connection, understanding, and joy for all. 🎃
Let’s celebrate inclusion this spooky season — because we’ve found that every day can be a fun day as long as everyone is included. 💜