FAQ

Respite care (Short term respite) provides a safe, supportive place for children and adults with disability to stay for a short period of time. It gives families and carers a chance to rest, recharge, or manage other commitments while knowing their loved one is happy, engaged, and well cared for.  

If you’re an NDIS participant, funding for Short term respite may be available under your Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life budget. This can cover the stay, support from qualified staff, activities, and meals depending on your plan. 

Respite stays are flexible and can range from a few hours to overnight, weekends, or up to two weeks – whatever suits your family’s needs. 

Short term respite at HoneyGem House in Birkdale is designed for children and adults with a wide range of disabilities, including Autism (ASD), Intellectual Disability, Mental Health conditions, Physical Disability, and Complex Needs. 

HoneyGem House is a warm, inclusive environment where each guest’s individual needs, interests, and preferences are supported. Our team is experienced in providing tailored care for people with diverse support requirements — from high physical support needs to sensory, behavioural, or communication challenges. 

Whether your loved one needs a comfortable place to relax, opportunities to build independence, or a fun and engaging environment while you take a break, HoneyGem House offers a safe, welcoming space for a variety of ages and abilities. 

Yes, we offer a range of services for children and young people with disabilities. 

Our Short term respite home, HoneyGem House in Birkdale, provides a safe, fun, and supportive environment where children with disability can play, learn, and grow. Staffed 24/7 by an experienced and friendly team, HoneyGem House is designed to cater to a wide variety of needs — including Autism (ASD), Intellectual Disability, Mental Health conditions, Physical Disability, and Complex Needs. Stays can range from a few hours to overnight, weekends, or up to two weeks. 

We also run Blue Tongue Squad, our disability school holiday program for young teens aged 13–16. This program offers engaging, age-appropriate activities that build confidence, independence, and social connection in a supportive setting. 

If your child requires additional care or in-home support, our team can tailor a personalised program to suit your family’s needs. 

At Tea-cup Cottage, we’re dedicated to providing children and teens with meaningful, enjoyable experiences — and giving families the support and peace of mind they deserve. 

Yes. All Tea-cup Cottage staff are highly trained, qualified, and experienced in providing personalised disability support. Our team can assist with daily routines, help organise meaningful activities, and support you in building new skills. 

We pride ourselves on being attentive listeners who tailor every aspect of your support to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable, and engaging stay. 

With a team of over 300 staff — including clinical professionals, physiotherapists, psychology-trained staff, and experienced disability support workers — we’re able to carefully match you with the right people to meet your individual needs. 

Short term respite can be funded through Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life. If you’re unsure, our team is happy to help you understand your plan and what can be covered. 

Yes. We regularly assist families, participants, and support coordinators in navigating NDIS funding to ensure supports are used effectively. 

Yes. We accept all types of NDIS plan management.

You may be eligible if you: 

• Are under 65 years old 

• Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa 

• Have a permanent or significant disability that affects your daily living 

If you’re unsure, head to the official NDIS website. 

Yes. Through our sister organisation, Disability Plan Services, you can access experienced NDIS Plan Managers and Support Coordinators who can help you understand your funding, manage your budget, and get the most out of your NDIS plan. 

Their team specialises in making the process simple and stress-free, ensuring you’re confident in how your supports are used. 

To learn more, visit disabilityplanservices.com.au. 

Short term respite can be funded through Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life. If you’re unsure, our team is happy to help you understand your plan and what can be covered. 

Yes. We regularly assist families, participants, and support coordinators in navigating NDIS funding to ensure supports are used effectively. 

Yes. We accept all types of NDIS plan management. 

You may be eligible if you: 

• Are under 65 years old 

• Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa 

• Have a permanent or significant disability that affects your daily living 

If you’re unsure, head to the official NDIS website.

Yes. Through our sister organisation, Disability Plan Services, you can access experienced NDIS Plan Managers and Support Coordinators who can help you understand your funding, manage your budget, and get the most out of your NDIS plan. 

Their team specialises in making the process simple and stress-free, ensuring you’re confident in how your supports are used. 

To learn more, visit disabilityplanservices.com.au. 

Our Blue Tongue Adventure day programs provide a place for young adults (17-30) to make friends, try new things, and always have a blast!

Blue Tongue Adventure is created by young people, for young people, and our “Blue Tongue Crew” has a say in what we do each day.

Programs include cooking, art, woodwork, health and wellness, urban adventures, and days where we get out to explore the community. It could be the local indoor trampoline centre, games arcade, bowling, the movies – whatever the Crew wants to do!

Find out more at bluetongue-adventure.com.au or call 1800 949 249.

We also offer Blue Tongue Squad, our popular school holiday program for teens aged 13–16. This program is designed to create fun, social, and memorable holiday experiences through activities such as: 

• Group outings and adventure days 

• Arts, craft, and creative workshops 

• Sports, games, and outdoor play 

• Team-building and social skill activities 

• Cooking, movie days, and themed events 

Each program is run by experienced, energetic support workers who make sure every day is safe, enjoyable, and tailored to the young people attending. Learn more here. 

Yes! Tea-cup Events runs supported Saturday Social events and weekends away. 

We’re always trying something new and different, from indoor go-karting to escape rooms, mini golf or a day at the beach! We also love heading to night markets like Eat Street, drive-in movies, teppanyaki dinners and much more. 

Join our mailing list to find out what’s happening – email events@tea-cupcottage.com.au Or stay up to date via our events calendar here.