Coined Chapters & Tea, representing the different stages/relationships/challenges in people’s lives and sharing these ‘chapters’ over a good old cuppa, our ethos is very much about advocating differences for our participants. We thrive in sharing their stories, getting to know them and their teams, and fighting for what is needed to improve their overall quality of life. This level of service is not just a profession for us but a way of life advocating for our own children, family and friends to improve their own wellbeing, understanding the trials and tribulations of being unsupported and unheard, and going above and beyond to fight for what is necessary
NDIS Registered Provider: After a long journey of paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork, it’s official, Chapters & Tea is now a registered NDIS provider with the certificate to prove it. That piece of paper might have taken a couple of months to land in our hands, but it represents something much bigger: a huge milestone for our little team and the people we support. We’ve always been about real connection, honest advocacy, and walking alongside our participants and their families. Now, with our NDIS registration, we can continue doing exactly that, with a little more recognition and a lot more reach.
So, what does it mean? Being a registered provider means we’ve gone through the audits, checks, and all the paperwork to prove we meet the highest standards set by the NDIS. It means we’re trusted to deliver safe, quality, and person-centred supports, working with NDIA-managed participants as well as those who are plan-managed or self-managed.
We’ll always stay true to who we are, a team that gets it because we live it, advocate for it, and have built our service around lived experience and heart. Thank you to everyone who’s walked this journey with us, especially Jen and Katrina at Mindful Innovative Action who kept us sane and supported the whole way through. We’re beyond excited for what’s ahead, and we can’t wait to keep doing what we do best, fighting for better, together.
A note from one of the Directors…
Chapters & Tea stands by three words – We got you.
In a nutshell, Chapters & Tea was born from a passion to advocate for those in need. As two 40+ wives, with four children and four cats, we have over 40 years’ experience building relationships, managing teams, and writing for a cause across a plethora of industries. You could even go so far to say we are multi-talented!
We are massive advocates for learning and development, having gained a certificate and qualification or two over the years. We have over 2000 books at home, so knowledge to us, is not only about fuelling professional growth but personal progression too. We also understand the power knowledge can have on every aspect of your life, and in particular, the amazing effect it can have on people’s lives.
Emma Gillies
Bio blurb: Now although I’m slightly more of an Excel expert (cue frowns from the wife), I’m your front of house Practitioner, lover of writing and relationship building, and generally the one who will be chatting with you directly.
Experience: British born, I have an eclectic work portfolio covering a variety of industries including support and youth work, mental health advocacy, secretarial, marketing, internal communications, and even cabaret dancing! I have a Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) in English Literature and American Studies, and a Masters in Applied Psychology (Conversion) I also have a certificate or two in therapeutic crisis intervention, mental health, trauma and attachment and even forensic psychology (understanding the why behind criminal activity).
Fun fact: I have both killed and died in front of an audience…that’s right, in my former life I was a Murder Mystery Actress!
Carolyn Gillies
Bio blurb: Creative and chatty, Carolyn is the rock of the team, your go-to for all things numbers (she loves a good excel spreadsheet!), HR and administration; and her knowledge and finesse truly makes her the backbone of the company.
Experience: Carolyn has an extensive history working with children having run a childcare centre in the UK with over 30 staff and then facilitating and coordinating training materials for a global leading provider of education services and software. She not only has a Bachelor of Primary Education, but has five thousand subsequent certificates in childcare and management!
Fun fact: Carolyn used to be a blocker in a roller derby team – let’s just say you wouldn’t want to be hip checked by her!