“It’s Like a Family”: Emma and Tash’s Story of Friendship, Independence and Finding Their Place

For Emma and Natasha (Tash), Lumia Care is more than just support. 

It is a place where they can laugh, learn, and spend time with people who genuinely matter to them. 

They have both been attending a NDIS Day Program for around three years, and during that time, a lot has changed. Not just in how they spend their days, but in how they feel about themselves and their lives. 

They feel more confident, more connected, and more independent. And somewhere along the way, they became best friends. 

The little things that make a big difference 

When asked what they enjoy most about the Day Program, their answer is simple. 

“The activities and the people.” 

Some days involve swimming or bowling, while others include shopping trips, barbecues, or heading out into the community. Wednesdays are a favourite, as they often get to explore new places and try something different. 

However, what stands out most is not just the variety of activities. 

It is the feeling of being part of something. 

“It’s kind of like a family,” they say. 

That is what a great NDIS Day Program should offer. It should not just be somewhere you go during the day, but somewhere you feel that you truly belong. 

Building confidence, one step at a time 

Not every milestone is big or obvious. 

For Emma, one of the most meaningful changes has been building friendships. 

“Probably building the friendships with everyone,” she says. 

Through consistent and supportive disability support services, both Emma and Tash have had the opportunity to grow their confidence, connect with others, and feel more comfortable in themselves. 

These small, everyday moments are often the ones that matter most. 

A home that feels like theirs 

Outside of the Day Program, Emma and Tash live together in Supported Independent Living (SIL). 

This is not just accommodation. It is their home. 

They each have their own rooms, filled with personal items, memories, and things that reflect who they are. 

“That’s my place,” Tash says. 

This is what NDIS SIL housing is designed to provide — a space where people feel safe, comfortable, and in control of their own environment. 

Learning independence, with the right support 

Living in Supported Independent Living (SIL) means having the opportunity to build independence, while still having support available when it is needed. 

Like any shared home, there are challenges from time to time. There are moments of frustration and times when things do not go as planned. 

However, with the support of caring and experienced staff, Emma and Tash are learning how to manage those moments. They are learning how to communicate, how to give each other space, and how to come back together afterwards. 

That balance between independence and support is what makes independent living support so important. 

More than housemates 

Emma and Tash do not just live together. They support each other. 

They spend time watching movies, playing games, going to festivals, and enjoying outings in the community. 

“We have our moments… but we always come back together.” 

Their relationship feels more like sisters than housemates, and it plays a big role in making their SIL experience feel meaningful and secure. 

Getting out, trying new things, and living life 

From local outings to bigger experiences like Luna Park, Emma and Tash are actively involved in their community. 

These experiences are part of NDIS social and community participation, but to them, it simply feels like living life. 

They are trying new things, building confidence, and creating memories along the way. 

This is where Lumia Care makes a real difference — supporting people to live life on their own terms, with the right mix of care, independence, and connection.  

Why it all matters 

Emma and Tash’s story shows how the right support can shape everyday life in a meaningful way. 

A NDIS Day Program provides connection, structure, and a sense of purpose. 

Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides stability, independence, and a place to call home. 

Together, they create something more than just support. 

They create the foundation for a life that feels full, connected, and truly their own. 

Thinking about SIL or a Day Program? 

If you are considering Supported Independent Living or joining a NDIS Day Program, Emma and Tash have a simple message: 

Give it a go. 

Because sometimes, the biggest change is not just what you do each day. 

It is how you feel, and the people you get to share it with.