Recovery Coaching,
Support Coordination
& Peer Mentoring

Transformative Support Services
Experience personalised coaching and support tailored to your unique recovery journey.

Yes, I can help with that!

Hi, I'm Colleen

It's going to be okay.

ABOUT UNIQUELY US

Uniquely Us was created as a response to an observed need. As a queer autistic, navigating NDIS for myself and my child was overwhelming, confusing, and frustrating. Contradictory information, multiple people from different services, never-ending terminology, and constant misgendering were just some of the issues I encountered. Above all, I often felt that the person on the other end did not know what it’s like to be Neurodivergent.

Uniquely Us differs from other service providers in that I am the sole person providing Recovery Coaching. I come with my own Lived Experience around mental health, disability, queerness and navigating systems. I am also a mum to three amazing ND humans, so I understand what it’s like to be an ND parent to ND kids. Mutuality, compassion, and safety are at the core of my being. Together, we will work to implement coping strategies, connect you with safe services, and build connections in the community … on your terms.

All pricing is as per NDIS* Pricing Arrangements. Please note that for face-to-face appointments, travel will also be billed as per NDIS pricing.

*NDIS

“The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability to gain more time with family and friends, greater independence, access to new skills, jobs, or volunteering in their community, and an improved quality of life.”

LEARN MORE HERE:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/what-ndis

RECOVERY COACHING

A recovery coach is like a support coordinator, but there is a peer mentoring aspect as well. So while I can help connect you with services, I will also spend time with you to make sure the services I’m connecting you with are a good fit. Our support sessions will be a chance for you to share your thoughts, concerns and hopes for utilising your NDIS funding, as well as what’s going on in your life.

The NDIS describes a recovery coach as someone with mental health knowledge who will:
  • Spend time with you and people important to you, to get to know you and understand your needs
  • Help you to find out about different services and supports, and how these can help you
  • Help you get support from mental health services
  • Help you better understand the NDIS and support you with the NDIS

5

important questions to consider when choosing COLLEEN aS A recovery coach:

1

Q: Is Colleen someone I can get along with and easy to talk to? Are they good at listening to me?

A: This is something only you can answer, but you will hopefully get a sense that I’m an active listener, non-judgmental and compassionate.

2

Q: Does Colleen have a lived experience of mental illness and recovery?

A: Yes. Recovery to me is ongoing and not linear. It is not a medical model that looks for a lack of symptoms to indicate recovery. Instead, my goal for myself and others is to strengthen healthy coping strategies so that when the bad days hit, they’re not insurmountable.

3

Q: What is Colleen’s level of qualifications, experience, and ongoing training?

A: I gained my Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work in 2022 and have been working in the NGO sector since completing my certificate. Before doing my Cert IV, I was a high school teacher for 10 years. I have my B.Ed. and my Hons. BA (English, History & Psychology).

I’m also a mum to three ND awesome humans, have Lived Experience with multiple hidden disabilities and am a fierce advocate for ND accessibility.

4

Q: Is Colleen registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission?

A: No. This is required if you’re going to work with NDIS-approved supports only. I am aware of all safety legislation and operate an ethical and transparent organisation.

5

Q: Is Colleen available to support me at times and locations that are suitable to my situation?

A: Again, this is one you will have to decide when we look at schedules. I continue to work in an NGO two days a week, but on other days, I offer face-to-face or Zoom sessions.

ABOUT ME

Uniquely Us began as a response to an observed need. As a queer autistic person navigating the NDIS for myself and my child, I found it overwhelming, confusing and frustrating: contradictory information, never-ending terminology, constant misgendering, and often a sense that the person on the other end didn’t know what it’s like to be Neurodivergent.

I’m the sole person providing Recovery Coaching here, and I bring my own Lived Experience of mental health, disability, queerness and navigating systems. I’m also a mum to three amazing ND humans, so I understand what it’s like to be an ND parent to ND kids. Mutuality, compassion and safety are at the core of my being. Together we’ll build coping strategies, connect you with safe services and grow connections in your community… on your terms.

Every time you see Colleen, you'll never be sure of what their hair colour will be.
Andie, Unique Unicorn
Andie, Unique Unicorn
Colleen has 3 accents all at once.
Andie, Unique Unicorn
Andie, Unique Unicorn
Colleen has a thing for hummus. She really does.
Andie, Unique Unicorn
Andie, Unique Unicorn

FEES

Cancellation Policy:

Life and illness happen, which is why I also offer Zoom support in case you’re not well enough to meet face-to-face.

For less than 24 hours’ notice, the full fee will be charged, as per NDIS pricing arrangements.

Get in touch

Let’s talk about what support could look like for you. Send a message and I’ll get back to you.

Name
How would you like to meet?

Colleen Nicholls

Recovery Coaching, Support Coordination & Peer Mentoring

Face-to-face and Zoom sessions

Email: info@uniquelyus.au
Phone: 0434 969 088