Aaron Pitcher is a 27-year-old budding surfer and when there is a promise of waves to be ridden, he wakes early, has breakfast, checks the weather radar and surf report on his iPad and then heads to the beach.
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This highly anticipated activity is made possible because Aaron is an NDIS participant which means Anglicare Tasmania support worker Shane Rayner can take him to Clifton Beach.
“When the summer hits the water is warm,” Aaron said.
“I have a wetsuit for when it’s cold.
Surfing with Shane is very good – I open my eyes under the water.
Aaron loves to spend hours at the beach, and is supported by Shane who has life-saving experience and a 40-year passion for surfing.
“It’s great exercise for Aaron and there’s a real sense of freedom with it too,” Shane said.
“I always check out the surf before we go. If it’s too big or there’s a rip we’ll give it a miss, or go somewhere else like Seven Mile Beach where the waves are generally small.”
As they surf the waves, the pair enjoy Tasmania’s coastal scenery.
“I like the cliffs and the sand-dunes. Once I saw dolphins,” Aaron said. Surfing is only one of the activities Aaron regularly chooses to take part in. He’s a keen soccer player, basketballer and a skilled member of the Special Olympics bowling team.
“Next year we are going over to Western Australia to bowl,” Aaron said.
“Last year we went to Melbourne.”
“Aaron consistently gets high scores in the bowling,” Shane said.
“I watched him one day get four or five strikes in a row.”
Anglicare has been a trusted not-for-profit provider of support to Tasmanians for more than 30 years.
Anglicare’s large team across Tasmania has the skills to provide quality support to NDIS participants.
It looks for opportunities to match NDIS participants with support workers they can relate to and support people to live the life they choose.
Anglicare can help people find out if they are eligible to be an NDIS participant and can reliably deliver a wide range of NDIS supports including: assistance with household tasks, daily living activities and self-care, social and community activities, skill development, support coordination and flexible respite.
Anglicare’s team also has the skills and experience to provide professional support for NDIS participants seeking to manage mental health challenges.
Anglicare also offers a range of shared and supported living options state-wide and can work with NDIS participants to facilitate design of accommodation to suit participants’ needs and budget.