Umbrella Support

Umbrella Support (US*) was born in the midst of the 2020 global pandemic.  Remember that?  We don’t want to either but we are now grateful for that time as it was in the middle of the “storm” when a decision that was made by our Founder and Director Cindy Warren with precision and a goal to look for the rainbow. To start an organisation assisting people living with a disability to work towards and reach their goals in a way different to the larger companies. Don’t get us wrong, the larger companies can do a great job, but we wanted to really work with our clients and their families to assist in a way that was more personalised, but most importantly, in the time that each individual requires to navigate new adventures with confidence and independence.

We refer to our participants as our ‘team” It’s vitally important to US* that our team feel valued, respected and connected. Belonging to a team is important and gives us purpose. It can, in time even make us stand taller and hold our head higher.  We may often be overheard saying “We have the best team ever”!  

Prior to starting US* Cindy had been managing a program in the NDIS SLES employment skills and preparation space for 5 years and also worked in Disability Employment Services for 12 years.  Our philosophy is that everyone climbs the mountain at different paces and learns the technique in their own way. We’re here to be your safety net! That’s why we focus on a tailored approach with importance around encouragement and celebrating the small wins! Every step forward deserves a high five and we’re experts in the high five department! Communication, team work, confidence building and stepping out of your comfort zone can open up the entire world, and what an exciting world we have to explore! ​

WHAT WE DO: Employment and work placement. We currently have a large percentage of our team who have been successful in gaining paid employment positions. We pride ourselves on partnering with organisations who share our view that people living with a disability receive full award wages. Our team are dedicated and hard working and to say we are proud is a huge understatement. Our partners Amstel Club and Rosebud RSL provide both work placement and paid employment opportunities in kitchen, café, and bistro. Our team work with pride and are gaining so many valuable skills.

As you step into the Rosebud RSL Bistro on a Wednesday afternoon, you’ll be greeted by the dedicated team of Leila, and Thomas, who work tirelessly from 1.30 am to 2.30 pm to ensure that every meal is served with utmost care and efficiency. With their friendly smiles and warm personalities, they create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The team not only serves meals but also takes care of the cleaning and resetting of tables, ensuring that everything is in order for the dinner service. Their commitment to their work is truly commendable, and they are an integral part of the Rosebud RSL team. On the 4th Of September 2024 we welcomed Jai to the Rosebud RSL team.

Social and Community Participation We love to party! Each month at Silks in Cranbourne we host our “Dinner with Friends” and have a fabulous time. We order delicious meals, sit with our friends and are treated to singing and dancing performances buy those who would like to increase their confidence.

Assistance with daily and independent living skills We offer one to one support for travel training, cooking (with our qualified cook), transport and support to and from appointments, home organisation, shopping, banking and budgeting and so much more.  Radio and broadcasting We have our own radio show!  “Disability Matters” is a unique weekly program which airs Thursday nights at 6.00pm on Melbourne’s home of classic hits – The Buzzz. Our talented radio hosts chat with Cindy about their employment, social groups, activities and what is happening in their busy lives. We are proud to partner with the RadioVoice program who assist us to make the magic happen.  

Hand Made By US* Whilst building friendships and busying ourselves in craft, lunches and art activities we incorporate the ‘GEM Principles’ which include Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness sessions to ensure we are all looking after our mental health and learning about the importance. With the last few years being so tough we have noticed a need to be kinder to ourselves and others. 

Gratitude journaling incorporating a group discussion Craft activities Social and community participation Meditation Focus sessions. Topics such as: Safe Social media, Avoiding scams, How to use open ended communication, group kindness activities. Health and Wellbeing session – Topics such as: Health eating, how to make good choices when eating out, group participation around general mental health. We also go on a group walk or play some games inside if the rain keeps us indoors.

We have a blogging group! “JUST WRITE” will assist with teamwork, computer skills, research of information, spelling and grammar as well as exploration of endless topics which together we format and publish each week. This is an initiative that no other disability service is currently offering.