Being seen and supported: Why LGBTQIA+ inclusion matters in allied health

From early check-ups to mental health conversations, Men’s Health Week (June 10–16) is a chance to remind ourselves—and the men in our lives—that it’s okay to take health seriously. It’s okay to talk. It’s okay to ask for support. At helpz, we know that health looks different for everyone. For boys, teens, and men with disability or psychosocial challenges, support isn’t always easy to find—or to ask for. But the right allied health care can make all the difference. Men face unique challenges According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but are far less likely to seek help 1 Males with a disability experience higher rates of psychological distress than males without disability 2 Many men delay accessing health services, especially when it comes to emotional or mental health concerns The reasons are complex—social expectations, stigma, access issues, or simply not knowing where to turn. That’s where we come in. Breaking the stigma Our team at helpz supports boys and men across all life stages—from children with developmental delay to adult participants with autism, intellectual disability, or psychosocial conditions. We take a person-centred, non-judgemental approach and meet people where they are. Sometimes that looks like: Behaviour support that helps young men manage emotions and build connection Occupational therapy to support daily living skills and social confidence Psychology sessions focused on anxiety, self-worth, or relationship challenges Mental health OT that helps manage routine, motivation, and life transitions We listen first. We build trust. And we never push someone to be anything other than who they are. Talking early, talking often Whether it’s a father, a son, a friend or a participant—checking in can be powerful. Many men don’t know that therapy can be practical, respectful and empowering. At helpz, we believe in early intervention and consistent support. We work with families, carers, support coordinators and men themselves to tailor care that builds real outcomes: resilience, independence, and wellbeing. A safe place to ask for help You don’t need to wait for a crisis to get help. Men’s Health Week is a reminder that seeking support is a sign of strength—not weakness. If you or someone you support could benefit from allied health services designed with your goals in mind, we’re here for you. 

Managing your NDIS budget can be tricky – especially when all your funding arrives at once. That’s why the NDIS is introducing funding periods from 19 May 2025 to help you better manage your supports across the life of your plan. So what’s changing? And how will it affect you? Let’s break it down. What are funding periods? Funding periods are a new way of releasing your NDIS funding in smaller chunks (usually every 3 months). This gives you more flexibility while helping you make sure your funding lasts for your whole plan. You’ll still receive the same total amount of funding – the only change is when you can access it. Why is this happening? The goal is to: make sure supports are available when you need them reduce the chance of running out of funds too early It also helps people track their spending more easily using the my NDIS app or participant portal. What do I need to do? Nothing will change until your next new or reassessed plan. When that happens, you’ll have a chance to talk to the NDIA about your circumstances and get support to understand the changes. Once funding periods apply, you’ll be able to see: how much funding you have how much you’ve spent when your next funds will be released Any unused funding within a funding period will roll over to the next one – but it won’t carry over into a brand new plan. So budgeting well is still really important. What can I spend NDIS funds on? It’s also important to remember the NDIS has clear rules about what it can and can’t fund. These rules were updated last year and split into two lists: supports the NDIS can fund supports the NDIS cannot fund Before you spend your funding, check that the support is part of your plan and aligns with these rules. If you claim something that isn’t approved, you might need to pay it back. You can read the full lists at What does the NDIS fund? What if my situation changes? You can always request a change to your plan if your needs change – and your current plan will stay the same until it’s reassessed. Need more info? You can find all the details about funding periods, what you can claim, and how to manage your plan at the official NDIS website .  Or check out their FAQs on legislation and sign up to the NDIS newsletter to stay in the loop.