Humans of Avivo – Kristen Duncombe 

Support work often attracts those with deep empathy and big hearts. Avivo Support Worker Kristen embodies both beautifully, so it made sense that her life would steer her in the direction of supporting others to live big, meaningful lives. 

Safe place

After helping care for an uncle who’s living with schizophrenia, Kristen realised she had an instinct to both care for and encourage others, so support work was a natural progression. 

Kristen has been a Support Worker with Avivo now for over three years, and that whole time she’s worked alongside her customer, Kirsten – an NDIS participant, navigating mental health challenges. Kirsten’s background led her to a place with persistent self-doubt and anxiety that can make even stepping outside feel overwhelming.  

On paper, Kristen is Kirsten’s Support Worker, but in reality, she’s more than that. She’s her safe place, helping Kirsten through the ups and downs of life. Sometimes, the world feels challenging for Kirsten, but she knows Kristen always has her back – sometimes firmly, but always lovingly guiding her in the right direction.  

Kirsten can confide in Kristen with a level of trust that’s life changing.  

Having just one person who truly sees you, who listens without judgement, and who gently nudges you forward without pushing you over the edge can mean the difference between isolation and engagement, and between living a full and expansive life or potentially missing out on wonderful new experiences. 

Recently, Kristen helped Kirsten secure a volunteer role at a local animal welfare sanctuary. Together, they care for rescued animals, tend to bilby enclosures, and spend time outdoors doing meaningful work for both the wildlife and for Kirsten.  

Connection beyond words 

Another of Kristen’s customers is Annie* – a mostly non-verbal woman who she’s worked with since November 2025. Through inclusive dance classes and shared car-ride playlists, their connection has blossomed. 

When Kristen started working with Annie, she wouldn’t partner with anyone in her dance classes, but through mutual respect, she’ll now grab Kristen to dance with her. Together, they laugh, have fun, and have found music fills the gaps in understanding when the words aren’t there.  

Annie has even started speaking a few words. She recently even spelled her name out loud, which is a huge milestone. 

That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because someone showed up consistently, bringing playfulness, patience, understanding, and a desire to connect.  

Respect and belief 

Kristen knows when she needs to lead her customers, when to follow their lead and when to simply work alongside them, quietly supporting them through her presence. 

Her ability to read people is one of her superpowers.  

Working largely in the mental health space, she often meets people at their lowest points, and Kristen is so in-tune with her customers, she can see when they’ve hit their limit and will step in to help them reset. 

Both at work and at home, Kristen lives by the same philosophy – meet people where they are, treat them with respect, and believe in what they are capable of. 

Finding balance 

Support work can be emotionally draining, and as a self-confessed empath, Kristen tends to take on the troubles of others, so she has learned to set clear boundaries to protect her own mental health.  

With the right approach, Kristen believes you can enjoy the many good parts of the Support Worker role, while learning from the challenges.  

She also understands the importance of balance for both her customers and for herself. 

While she pours so much of herself into others, she recognises the importance of knowing when to protect her own energy, which is why she’s transforming her garden into a slice of tranquility to retreat to and fill up her own cup!  

A keen and competent handywoman and gardener, Kristen is single-handedly taking charge of her own peace – both mentally and through her physical surroundings.  

The small moments 

This ‘can-do’ attitude is reflected in the ways Kristen works with her customers. She’s upbeat, positive, funny, and approachable, yet resilient and fiercely protective of the people she works with.  

She knows the power of the right Support Worker isn’t unlocked through grand gestures. It’s about the small moments – the regular support, the car rides, and the coffee chats. 

It’s about having someone who believes in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself. 

It’s about being a bubble of calm in an often-chaotic world. 

And for those who have Kristen on their side, she’s proof that the right human connection can change lives. 

*Name has been changed.