Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the REACH programme?

  

  REACH is a new support service for people who are registered with Work and Income as job seekers and also manage a health issue or disability.

• Who do I talk to about REACH?

  

  You can talk with your Work and Income Case Manager about whether REACH is right for you. You can also use the ‘Contact’ tab on this website to put through an enquiry.

• Why do people sign up to the REACH programme?

  

  People join REACH because they want to make a change for the better in their lives. We, the REACH team, help people to do that. We are nice people and we genuinely care. People join because they would like some help to achieve their goals.

• How long is REACH?

  

  Normally it’s a 12-week personalised programme, but this can be extended depending on your specific needs.

• Will REACH help me... get a job, build confidence, lose weight?

  

  If these are your goals, then YES! The REACH team takes time to understand you and will help you set the big or small goals that you want to achieve. We can’t do it for you, but we do everything we can to help you achieve your goals.

• If my Case Manager suggests REACH, do I have to do it? And can I quit even after I’ve signed up?

  

  You don’t have to do REACH, it is completely voluntary. It’s your choice and it won’t affect your benefit. We don’t want you to quit, because we know how great REACH is, but it’s entirely up to you.

• If I decide to do the REACH programme, what should I expect?

  

  You're expected to attend meetings with members of the REACH team. It all starts by talking with a Key Worker who will help you identify your goals and needs. Once your goals are identified, you will then meet with a Living Well Coach who will be a bit like your own personal support person and mentor. You'll need to attend regular meetings with the Key Worker and Living Well Coach. Depending on your needs, you may meet 2-3 times a week with your Living Well Coach and once a week with your Key Worker. They may also text or call you at other times to see if you are alright and to help you along the way.

• What is a Key Worker and what do they do?

  

  A Key Worker is a Registered Health Professional who will contact you when you first sign up for REACH. They will talk with you to help you understand and figure out what your needs and goals are. They'll also provide you with the knowledge, skills and tools to manage your health and wellbeing.

  Your Key Worker will work alongside you to plan your journey towards meeting your needs and achieving your goals, no matter how big or small the goal may be.

  They will also help you navigate your way around the health and social services system. They will even attend doctor and specialist visits with you, and can help you find any other services that you may need.

• What is a Living Well Coach and what do they do?

  

  A Living Well Coach is like your own personal support person and mentor. They work alongside your Key Worker to help you meet the needs and achieve the goals you identify and set.

  They walk with you to break your goals down and take the steps towards your needs, goals, and ultimately - your success. Your Living Well Coach will provide positive reinforcement, encouragement and help you discover the skills and knowledge you need to walk in the direction you set for yourself.

• How many people are in the REACH team?

  

  There are about nine people in the REACH team at the moment, but our team is currently growing.

• What do the REACH team bring to the table?

  

  What’s really great about the REACH team is the wide range of skills and experience they bring. The REACH team has a Physiotherapist, Nurses, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and Personal Trainer. They also have staff who are experienced in person-centred planning (PCP), which assists people to plan their life. The REACH team has worked with newborn babies, children, young adults, older adults, and people with learning disabilities - we've worked with people from all walks of life and different cultures. We focus on what’s best for our client and we're passionate about working with people who want to improve the quality of their lives. When you join REACH, you will get your very own Key Worker & Living Well Coach who will tap into all of the skills and resources that the rest of the REACH team brings.