The Journey with Jim Cairns: Lived Experience & Human-Centred Support

My Supports was founded in 2015 with a bold vision: to create community-based disability services driven by lived experience. Today, as a leading NDIS provider, the organisation has grown significantly, but the core values of human-centred support remain the same. In a recent interview, we sat down with Jim Cairns, one of the three co-founders, to hear his thoughts on the journey, the achievements, and what makes My Supports such a unique organisation.

The Early Days of My Supports: Foundation and Growth

When My Supports began in late 2014, it was part of the NDIS trial site in Western Australia. Jim recalls the early days fondly: “We were not yet registered as a full NDIS provider, but we could support self-managed and plan-managed clients. At the time, we knew every staff member and every client personally. There was a genuine belief in full choice and control for our clients.”

Jim goes on to explain that while the early days were intimate, they were full of purpose: “We were a small team with big ideas, and we wanted to make sure our support was genuine, personal, and tailored to the individual. It was a time where we could be very hands-on, which was both a blessing and a challenge.”

However, as the company grew, Jim knew they needed to adapt: “As we expanded nationally, we realised that we couldn’t know every single client or staff member anymore”

“We remained committed to our vision of providing responsive and person-centred support. We’ll never be a faceless service – we want to ensure that every community we serve feels connected.”

Pride in Achievements: Staff and Impact

When asked about the achievements he’s most proud of, Jim reflects on My Supports’ ability to scale while staying true to its core values: “One of the things I’m most proud of is the fact that nearly 70% of our staff have lived experience of disability. This has been instrumental in shaping our culture and the way we approach support. The fact that we have clients who’ve become employees, using their lived experiences to support others, is a big factor for us.”

For Jim, it’s about building a people-first culture: “Our business is about people – both internally and externally. From the start, we focused on creating an environment where staff feel valued, heard, and supported. It’s the people we employ who make My Supports the organisation it is today.”

Creating a Great Workplace: The Importance of Leadership

As My Supports grew, the need for professional leadership became clear. Jim explains how the decision to employ their current CEO, Andrew Young, was pivotal: “We were growing fast, and we needed someone with a people-focused leadership style to maintain the personal connections that are so important to us. Andrew has been incredible at ensuring everyone feels involved, from grassroots staff to senior management. He listens, makes sure people are heard, and works tirelessly to make employees’ jobs easier within the framework of NDIS quality standards.”

Jim’s confidence in the leadership at My Supports is palpable: “We are a people business, and both the board and the CEO prioritise creating the best possible environment for our employees. That’s what makes us unique.”

Jim’s Core Beliefs: Five Service Accomplishments

A key moment in the interview comes when Jim discusses John O’Brien’s Five Service Accomplishments. This framework, which Jim has followed throughout his career, forms the bedrock of My Supports’ human-centred approach to disability services:

• Sharing Ordinary Places: Engaging people with disabilities in mainstream community spaces.
• Making Your Own Choices: Empowering people to make informed decisions about their lives.
• Developing Skills: Providing opportunities for personal growth and contribution.
• Being Respected: Improving personal status and social reputation.
• Belonging: Nurturing relationships and social connections.

Jim says, “I’ve always used these five outcomes when planning events or activities. If we can help our clients achieve these things, we’re on the right track. It’s not just about providing services – it’s about creating an environment where people with disabilities are truly accepted and included in everyday life.”

Looking Forward: The Future of My Supports

So, what’s next for My Supports? Jim remains optimistic about the future, noting, “We’ve made great progress, but the goal has always been to continue growing and improving. We want to be the leading national provider that empowers people with disabilities and creates connected communities.”

Jim’s message is clear: My Supports is a people-focused organisation that’s driven by lived experience. It’s about more than just providing services – it’s about creating community, empowerment, and connection for everyone, regardless of where they are on their journey with disability.

Jim Cairns’ Legacy at My Supports

Reflecting on the past decade, Jim’s pride in My Supports is evident, “It’s been a long journey, and we’re only getting started. Seeing our clients thrive, our staff grow, and our vision realised is the most rewarding part of what we do.”

As Jim looks toward the future, one thing remains certain, that My Supports will continue to be a community-led, person-centred provider, driven by the experiences of those who know it best. For Jim, the heart of My Supports will always be the people it serves – both internally and externally.

If you want to learn more about My Supports, their disability services, or if you’re interested in becoming a part of our passionate team, get in touch with us today.