Social and Community Participation Support Melbourne

Getting back out, at a pace that works

When mental health has been difficult for a while, the world outside the front door gets smaller. Not because you stopped wanting to be part of it, but because each step back into it costs more than it used to.

Social and community participation support exists for exactly that. Not to push you, and not to plan a social life on your behalf, but to go with you while the first few times are hard.

What this looks like in practice

Going somewhere together the first time, until it is manageable alone
Getting back to an activity, class or group you used to do
Finding something new that suits where you are now
Public transport, appointments, shops and errands
Rebuilding contact with people you have lost touch with
Being somewhere without a goal attached, which is often the point

Why the pace matters

Most people have been told to get out more. Being told is not the difficult part.

Our peer workers have their own experience of a world that shrank and then had to be rebuilt. That means they understand why the small step is not small, and they will not treat a hard day as a setback or a lack of effort.

We move at your pace. Sometimes that means a coffee down the road. Sometimes it means sitting in the car outside for twenty minutes and going home. Both count.

Three smiling friends posing together, one with hands under chin, one wearing a furry hat with ears, and one making a heart gesture with fingers. — Our lived experience peer support worker, Tia (pictured in the middle).

Frequently asked questions

Does the NDIS fund social and community participation?

For many participants, yes. It is a common inclusion in plans where psychosocial disability affects daily life. Check your plan or ask your plan manager what yours includes.

What if I cancel a lot?

That is expected and it is not held against you. Consistency from us matters more than consistency from you. To avoid having to pay for the shift, we ask for 48 hours' notice of a cancellation, not a week, because we know that plans can change.

Do I have to have a goal in mind?

No. Some people know exactly what they want to get back to. Others just want to leave the house more often. Both are worth supporting.

Hearts of Gold Traits

Our Lived Experience Workers

"A friend is somebody who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."

Human

In an increasingly technological world, our support workers provide a down-to-earth human experience. A full human experience, in all its imperfections, vulnerability, joy and depth.

We meet you where you are at

Somebody that can meet you where you are at on any given day. It doesn't matter if it's a good day, or a bad day. We will be there regardless.

Champions agency

Somebody who can encourage your choice and control, despite what a support worker may think.

Authentic

Somebody who says what they mean, and means what they say. Somebody that is comfortable in their nature, and encourages you to be yourself.

Empathetic

Somebody who can relate to and understand what you might be feeling, but not assume they know exactly what you are going through.

Lived experience

Somebody who has had a profound lived experience in their own darkness and their own journey with mental illness.

No judgement

Somebody who radically accepts others, and does not make any judgements about people, their decisions, or information shared in confidence.

Respectful

Somebody who is respectful towards others, and does not step on other people’s toes. Somebody who respects your confidentiality and privacy.

Reliability

Somebody who can be depended on to be consistent, and on time, all the time.

Active listening

Somebody who can create space, and attentively listen, without being distracted.

Training

Builds upon their experience with training. They are also curious about new approaches and research into new areas when needed.

Patience

Somebody who can take their time and can calmly accept delays, problems and difficulties.

Guides & Stories

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Social and Community Participation

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