A new platform that is said to make it easier for NDIS participants to find a support worker has been launched in Queensland.

The Kynd mobile app and website allows participants or their families to connect and directly book support workers.

Kynd founder Michael Metcalfe discovered the need for a new approach to the problem in the disability care space after difficulties finding short term support for his mother. “Getting a support worker can take months, partly due to the deficit in available support staff,” he said. “They offer all types of services including social support, therapy assistance, personal care and help with goals like finding a job.”

People can browse, compare and request support workers, post jobs, send messages and book support on the site. Support workers are verified, choose their services, set rates, search and apply for jobs and manage their bookings.

More than 3000 have already signed up to use the service, Metcalfe said.

A national rollout of the platform is scheduled for early 2022.

The Federal Government recently announced that an extra 90,000 workers are needed in the sector to meet growing demand.