Individualised Funding gives disabled people a way of directly managing their disability supports.
Individualised Funding (IF) is a type of disability support that gives you greater choice and control over how, when and by whom your support is provided.
With IF, you can choose the support you need, and who provides it. This flexibility allows you to tailor your support to your needs and preferences, while maintaining your independence, dignity and control.
An experienced IF Host, such as Visionwest, can support you to manage your funding and make the most of your budget.
If you, or someone you love, has a disability and would like more choice and control over how and when support is provided, Individualised Funding could be right for you.
Angela has kindly shared her story about her experience with Visionwest Individualised Funding.
What are the benefits of Individualised Funding?
With IF you can…
- Choose your support – select family members or support workers that suit you.
- Choose when and how you’re supported – fit support around your life and routines.
- Get personalised support and guidance – to help you manage your funding.
Where is Visionwest Individualised Funding available?
Access IF here…
- Northland.
- Auckland.
- Waikato.
- Bay of Plenty.
- Rotorua & Taupō.
- Gisborne.
- Taranaki.
What can Individualised Funding be used for?
Support could include…
- Personal Care: Showering, dressing, grooming and toileting
- Home Help: Meal preparation, shopping and laundry.
- Respite Care: Give your usual carer time to rest.
- Staying Active: Support to get out and about in the community.
How Visionwest can help
At Visionwest, you’re not just another client – you’ll have your own dedicated Individualised Funding Coach to support you every step of the way.
Your coach will take the time to get to know you, understand what matters to you, and help you make the most of your funding. We’ll work alongside you and your family/whānau to create a plan that reflects your goals, help manage payments and paperwork, and provide ongoing guidance whenever you need it.
Our aim is to make Individualised Funding simple, flexible and easy to use, so you can focus on living the life you choose.
How do I get Individualised Funding?
- Refer: Ask your GP, specialist, or NASC for a referral, or you can self-refer.
- Assess: Complete a Needs Assessment with your local NASC.
- Choose: Choose Visionwest as your Individualised Funding Host.
- Notify: NASC will send the referral and funding information to your chosen Host.
- Connect with Visionwest: A dedicated Visionwest Individualised Funding Coach will contact you to help you get started.
Why choose Visionwest?
Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest not-for-profit, community-based charitable trusts.
Our services are part of a wider network of support that includes housing, food support, counselling, youth development, financial mentoring, early childhood care and more.
Every year, we support thousands of people and whānau facing challenges such as isolation, poverty and homelessness, with compassion and manaakitanga.
Visionwest, experienced Individualised Funding Hosts
With more than 30 years of experience supporting individuals, families and communities, Visionwest is an approved Individualised Funding Host organisation. We understand how IF works and are trusted to support you to manage your funding in a way that works for you.
Our experienced IF Coaches will take the time to understand what is important to you, discuss your needs and expectations, and help you make the most of your funding. Talk to our team today!
Can you use your IF budget to access other Visionwest services?
Yes! You can use your Individualised Funding budget to engage other Visionwest services such as in-home personal care, home help, medication oversight, respite care for your regular caregivers, or ways to stay active in your community.
Our Support Workers are fully trained and are chosen for their caring approach, kindness, and compassion. They will visit you in your home, working with your whānau and our Care Coordinators to ensure your support needs are being met. We also have Care Managers and Registered Nurses on hand to provide an extra layer of support as required.
They understand what you need and help you get there. Some give up their jobs to care for loved ones because they don’t know there’s help available. That’s why I tell people about Visionwest.
I want my son to do things on his own, to have as much independence as possible. Visionwest gave me hope, gave my son opportunities, and changed our lives for the best.
Don’t be discouraged when someone says no. Visionwest will help fight for you. Keep pushing and keep asking questions. Go to Visionwest. They’re like a big family who I’m grateful to have in my life.