National online platform MyCareSpace has experienced a significant surge in demand for its services and resources during the coronavirus pandemic. According to the organisation this highlights a dire need among people with disabilities, their families and carers to access supports, guidance and up-to-date information from the NDIS.

Key statistics from MyCareSpace include:

  • A 144 per cent increase in requests for connections year-on-year between April to August
  • Over 50 per cent of the total number of referrals for 2020 have occurred in the last three months, when the pandemic has been at its peak
  • Double the number of phone calls to MyCareSpace support line year-on-year during the pandemic
  • A 30 per cent increase in website traffic since the pandemic and lockdowns in March 2020

The increased demand has been driven by a greater need for a range of services and supports, including those for shopping, personal care and staying connected with the community. There has also been an increase in demand for recovery coaches, which is one of the most positive changes the NDIS recently introduced for people with psychosocial disabilities.

During the pandemic, MyCareSpace has also seen an increased need among smaller disability service providers to market online. With in-person networking and events opportunities no longer available, many providers are struggling to let their communities know they are still open for business.

 A recent survey by Every Australian Counts, found that of people living with a disability:

  • 32 per cent said their costs had gone through the roof
  • 20 per cent said they couldn’t find anyone to provide services
  • 17 per cent said their services had stopped altogether

According to MyCareSpace CEO, Nicole Gamerov it’s not surprising when you hear those kinds of statistics and how Covid-19 has accelerated the growth of its business as more people need help finding disability providers and support for understanding information released by the NDIS.

“We’ve seen significant growth in providers wanting to partner with MyCareSpace and use our platform to market themselves online. We have 9,000 listed providers, and a community of people with disabilities, families, carers, support coordinators and LACs in the thousands and our team are making hundreds of referrals each month, and these numbers are growing every day. We are looking to recruit to help us keep up with the demand,” she said.

Image: MyCare Space chief operating officer, Bianca Shapiro with CEO Nicole Gamerov