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Wellbeing Matters: A Note to Our Incredible Caregivers

What is Developmental Coordination Disorder—and Why Does It Matter?

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 By Tharon Neurodivergent Consultant at helpz

Hi, I’m Siobhain, and I’ve been working in the disability and behaviour support space for over 11 years, with the last two years at Helpz. What keeps me passionate about this work? It’s simple, I love being part of an organisation where kindness, compassion, and inclusion aren’t just words, they’re the foundation of everything we do. Every day, I get to work alongside colleagues who truly embrace individuality. We support each other, share ideas, and create an environment that encourages growth and learning. That sense of teamwork means I can focus on what matters most- helping participants build independence, resilience, and confidence so they can achieve their goals and live life on their terms. Why I Love What I Do For me, the most rewarding part of my job is making a real difference. Whether it’s supporting someone to develop daily living skills or helping them navigate complex challenges, I thrive on seeing progress, big or small. Those moments remind me why I chose this career. I have a strong interest in mental health, particularly areas like PTSD, palliative care, drug and alcohol support, and working with young people who haven’t been able to live in their family home. These experiences have shaped my approach and deepened my commitment to providing compassionate, person-centred support. A Little About Me  Outside of work, life is busy and full of love. I share my home with six cats and a cheeky golden retriever named Walter. When I’m not caring for animals or supporting participants, you’ll find me learning the piano, it’s my way of challenging myself and finding calm. At Helpz, we believe in creating opportunities for growth, not just for participants, but for our team too. I’m proud to be part of an organisation that values people, celebrates individuality, and works every day to make a positive impact.

How CHAP Tools Are Transforming Health Outcomes in Supported Independent Living

Editor’s note: This article was updated in January 2026 to reflect the continued growth and evolution of the helpz Behaviour Support Development Program. Original blog title " Our Behaviour Support Development Program: Supporting Practitioners, Strengthening Services. " At helpz, we know that high-quality behaviour support begins with confident, capable practitioners. That belief is what led us to create the Behaviour Support Development Program (BSDP) , a structured training and mentorship pathway designed to support new and early-career practitioners as they build the skills needed to deliver meaningful, ethical behaviour support. Since launching in 2022, the BSDP has supported more than 100 practitioners to step into the behaviour support space with practical knowledge, real-world experience, and growing confidence. As the sector continues to evolve, so too does our commitment to strengthening the workforce that supports people with disability. How the program works The BSDP is delivered entirely online and begins with a series of seven interactive webinars. These sessions provide a strong foundation across key areas of behaviour support practice, supporting practitioners to build both knowledge and confidence at their own pace. Following the webinar series, participants can opt into an eight-week mentorship program. During this phase, practitioners work closely with experienced helpz clinicians, applying their learning to real-world scenarios and developing practical skills in a supported environment. Throughout the program, practitioners are guided to: write and refine behaviour support plans develop meaningful and effective data collection strategies complete assessments with confidence prepare training and implementation programs, including those involving restrictive practices The program is designed to be supportive, practical, and responsive to the realities of behaviour support work, recognising that confidence develops through both learning and experience. At the end of the self-paced journey, each practitioner undertakes a comprehensive review of their self-assessment and prior experience. Based on this review, practitioners may be endorsed as Core or Developing Core, supporting a confident transition into their first or expanding caseload. What practitioners tell us Feedback from participants continues to shape how the BSDP is delivered and refined. Courtney Pettingill , a BSDP graduate, shared: “I was initially anxious about completing the BSDP, but the activities made learning easy. My nerves quickly faded thanks to the incredible support from the helpz team and my clinical supervisor. I now feel confident delivering behaviour support services.” Stories like this reinforce the importance of structured support, supervision, and connection, especially in the early stages of a practitioner’s journey. Looking ahead As we move into the year ahead, helpz remains focused on developing confident practitioners and strengthening behaviour support services across our communities. The BSDP continues to evolve in response to practitioner feedback, sector expectations, and the growing complexity of behaviour support practice. If you are looking to build confidence, capability, and practical experience in behaviour support, the Behaviour Support Development Program may be the right next step. We would love to welcome you to helpz and support you on your professional journey. Find out more about the Behaviour Support Development Program .

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