Amicus and Lifely are working together on a planned transfer of services that is intended to see Lifely become the provider of services currently delivered by Amicus.

The purpose of the transfer is to help strengthen local disability services for the future, while continuing to provide quality supports for participants across our communities.

We understand that many participants, family members and employees have built strong relationships over many years. Protecting those relationships and supporting people through the change is an important consideration in our planning.

The disability sector continues to change and evolve.

Both organisations share a long-standing commitment to maintaining strong, local, not-for-profit disability services. By bringing services together, Lifely and Amicus believe they can create a larger and more sustainable organisation that is better positioned for the future.

Importantly, this decision is not about reducing the importance of participants, employees or local communities. It is about ensuring disability supports remain available and sustainable into the future.

No.

Amicus continues to operate and provide services, and there are no immediate changes to participant supports or employee arrangements. Planning is still underway and services continue as normal.

There are no immediate changes to your supports.

The priority for both organisations is continuity of service and participant wellbeing throughout the transition. Any future changes that may affect you will be discussed well in advance and supported appropriately.

We understand this is one of the most important questions for many participants and families.

At this stage, no decisions have been made that would result in participants losing the support workers they know and trust.

Both organisations recognise that trusted relationships are a critical part of good support. Maintaining continuity of support and preserving participant relationships is one of the key considerations for the transition process.

Employees play an important role in providing continuity of support for participants, and both Amicus and Lifely are committed to retaining as many employees as possible through the transfer.

Planning is still underway, and decisions about the future workforce have not yet been made. The number of employees who may transfer will depend on the future service and workforce requirements, as well as individual employee choices.

We recognise there may be some impacts for employees. Amicus and Lifely are committed to minimising these wherever possible and to communicating openly and directly with employees as more information becomes available.

Yes.

Both organisations are committed to regular and transparent communication with employees throughout the project. Staff are receiving information through forums, team meetings, supervision, project updates, FAQs and other communication channels.

Employees are also being encouraged to ask questions, provide feedback and raise concerns throughout the transition process.

No.

Participants will continue to have choice and control over who provides their supports.

If the transfer proceeds, participants will be provided with information about their options and supported to make informed decisions.

That choice will be respected.

Participants remain in control of who provides their supports and can choose another provider if they wish.

If you are considering your options, support and information will be available to help you make an informed decision.

The aim is for any participant transition to be carefully planned and supported.

Both organisations will work together to provide information, answer questions and minimise disruption. Wherever possible, efforts will be made to maintain continuity and ensure participants know what to expect throughout the process.

The services currently proposed for transfer include:

• 1:1 Direct Support
• Supported Independent Living (SIL)
• Support Coordination
• Specialist Support Coordination
• Targeted Care Packages (TCP)

The final scope is still being confirmed.

We know that people prefer to receive information in different ways.

Information may be provided through:

• letters and participant communications
• information sessions and forums
• Support Coordinators
• Support Workers and Team Leaders
• family, guardian and nominee communications
• accessible information formats including Easy Read and plain English materials.

Yes.

Both organisations recognise that participants have different communication needs and will provide information in accessible formats where required, including plain English, Easy Read and other communication supports.

What if my family member is worried about the future?

Participants, family members and employees may all have questions and concerns about what the future might look like. The organisations are committed to providing information as decisions are made and ensuring people have opportunities to ask questions and seek support.

That is okay.

As planning continues, there will be times when some decisions have not yet been finalised. Support workers will share the information available to them and help connect participants with someone who can provide further information when needed.

The best place to access up to date information on the Amicus transfer to Lifely, is from each organisation’s website:

Amicus: https://amicus.org.au/ 

Lifely: https://lifely.org.au/

If you can’t find the information you need from these sources, please send an email to future@amicus.org.au or you can submit a question or feedback anonymously using this QR Code.

The transfer will be undertaken as a collaborative and considered process between Amicus and Lifely across several phases.

Right now we are in Phase 1.

Note: Timelines will be updated into each phase, once Phase 1 is completed.

The Amicus and Lifely have entered a Deed of Transfer, which is an Agreement to actively plan for the proposed transfer. However, some of planning activities, conditions and approvals still need to be completed before the transfer occurs.

Right now:

• services continue as normal
• no participant decisions are required today
• participants will retain choice and control
• continuity of support is a key priority
• many employees are expected to continue supporting services through the transition process
• questions and feedback are welcome at any time.