Jessica Frapiccini

Jessica Frapiccini

A little about me.

What inspired you to become a Support Coordinator?

I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can help people make sense of complex systems. Becoming a Support Coordinator felt like a natural fit because it allows me to combine empathy with practical problem-solving to help people achieve their goals.

How long have you been working in this space, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I’ve been working in the psychosocial space for about seven years, supporting individuals with complex mental health needs across different stages of their recovery. Over that time, I’ve built a solid understanding of person-centred practice, trauma-informed care, and the importance of consistent, reliable support.

What I enjoy most about this work is the opportunity to build genuine, trusting relationships and see the progress people make over time. Whether it’s helping someone gain confidence, connect back into their community, or achieve goals that once felt out of reach, those moments are really rewarding.

I also enjoy the problem-solving and advocacy side of the role—helping participants navigate systems, access the right supports, and feel more in control of their lives. For me, it’s the combination of meaningful connection and making a real difference that’s kept me passionate about working in this space.

What types of support services do you specialise in or have experience with?

I’ve developed experience across a broad range of psychosocial support services over the past seven years. My work has mainly focused on supporting individuals with complex mental health needs in a person-centred and recovery-oriented way.

I’ve provided day-to-day support with capacity building, including helping participants develop independent living skills, improve social and community participation, and build confidence in managing their mental health. I’ve also supported people with care planning, goal setting, and working towards outcomes aligned with their individual needs and NDIS plans.

In addition, I have experience coordinating and linking participants with a range of services such as allied health providers, housing supports, and community programs. A big part of my role has involved advocacy—ensuring participants’ voices are heard and they’re connected to the right supports, especially when navigating complex systems.

I’ve also worked within a trauma-informed framework and supported individuals experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, and other psychosocial disabilities, always focusing on stability, trust, and long-term progress.

Can you tell me about a particularly rewarding or memorable experience you've had while assisting someone?

One experience that really stands out to me was supporting a participant who had been socially isolated for a long time due to severe anxiety and low confidence. When I first started working with them, they were barely engaging with services and found it extremely difficult to leave their home.

We started small by building rapport and establishing trust, then gradually worked on achievable goals like short outings and linking in with the right supports. I collaborated with other providers and focused on creating a consistent, safe approach that suited their pace.

Over time, I saw a significant shift—they began attending community activities, engaging more confidently with services, and even started setting their own goals. One of the biggest milestones was when they were able to independently attend an appointment, which had previously felt impossible for them.

What made this experience so rewarding was seeing that growth in confidence and independence. It reinforced for me how important patience, consistency, and person-centred support are in this space. Being part of that journey and seeing someone regain a sense of control over their life is something that’s always stayed with me.

What do you believe are the most important qualities for a Support Coordinator to have?

I believe the most important qualities for a Support Coordinator are empathy, strong communication, and the ability to problem-solve within complex systems.

Empathy is essential, especially in the psychosocial space, because building trust and understanding a participant’s individual experience is the foundation of effective support.

Strong communication is also critical—not just with participants, but with families, providers, and other stakeholders. Being able to clearly explain options, listen actively, and advocate effectively ensures participants are informed and confident in their choices.

Problem-solving and organisation are equally important, as Support Coordinators often need to navigate complex systems, manage multiple services, and respond to challenges as they arise.

Finally, I think a strong commitment to a recovery-oriented and person-centred approach is key—supporting people to build independence, make their own decisions, and work towards meaningful goals.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies or interests you'd like to share?

Outside of work, I like to keep a good balance between staying active and unwinding. I enjoy going for walks, spending time outdoors, and catching up with friends and family.

I also enjoy activities that help me switch off and recharge, whether that’s watching a good series, listening to music, or simply having some quiet downtime. Working in the psychosocial space has taught me the importance of maintaining my own wellbeing.

Tell us something we don’t know, but need to know?

Something you need to know is that I am not afraid of the challenging or dark times in people’s lives, as my own life experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of hardship. I believe that true understanding and effective support for individuals dealing with trauma comes from lived experience, which I consider to be the best teacher.

This perspective allows me to approach others with genuine compassion and empathy. I choose not to be judgmental when working with people, as I firmly believe that kindness is free and can have a profound and lasting impact on someone’s recovery and overall wellbeing.