Group and centre-based activities

Supports delivered in a group or at a centre, such as day programs and shared activities.

What it means

Group and centre-based activities are supports that are delivered to more than one person at a time, or at a shared location, rather than one-to-one. This includes things like day programs, social groups and shared activities where people take part together. Instead of a support worker helping just one person, the support is shaped around a group setting.

These activities can serve a few purposes at once. They can help people build practical and social skills, take part in their community and connect with others who share similar interests. Being part of a group can also make the day more enjoyable and reduce isolation. Another practical benefit is cost: because the support is shared across the group, it can be more affordable within a person's budget than the same amount of one-to-one support would be.

In practice

A group or centre-based activity might be a weekly art class, a cooking group, a community outing or a day program that mixes skill-building with social time. The activities are usually chosen so people can join in at their own level and get support from workers and, often, from each other.

When thinking about whether these supports suit you, it helps to consider your goals, what you enjoy and how you feel in group settings. Some people love the social side, while others prefer a mix of group and one-to-one support. Talking with your planner or support coordinator can help you find activities that match your interests and make good use of your budget, so you get both the connection and the value that group supports can offer.

A real example

For example, Aisha joins a weekly cooking group run at a local centre, where she prepares a meal alongside a small group with support from a worker. She has built up her kitchen skills, made a couple of friends and now looks forward to the sessions. Because the support is shared across the group, it also stretches her budget further than one-to-one help would.

Group and centre-based activities — FAQs

What are group and centre-based activities?
They are supports delivered to several people at once, or at a shared location, rather than one-to-one. Examples include day programs, social groups and shared activities like art or cooking classes. People take part together with support from workers, and often from each other, which makes these activities more social than individual support.
Why can group activities be more affordable?
Because the support is shared across the group rather than given one-to-one, the cost per person can be lower. This means the same funding may stretch further than it would for individual support. For some people, group activities are a good way to get value from their budget while still enjoying regular support and connection with others.
What are the benefits of joining a group activity?
Group activities can help you build practical and social skills, take part in your community and connect with others who share your interests. They can make the week more enjoyable and reduce isolation. On top of that, the shared setting can be more affordable, so you get both social and practical value from the support.
Are group activities right for everyone?
Not necessarily. Some people love the social side of group settings, while others prefer one-to-one support or a mix of both. It depends on your goals, what you enjoy and how you feel in a group. Talking with your planner or support coordinator can help you decide what suits you and find activities that fit your interests.
How do I find group activities that suit me?
Start by thinking about your goals and what you enjoy, then talk with your planner or support coordinator about options in your area. They can help you find activities that match your interests and make good use of your budget. Trying a session before committing can also help you see whether the group feels like a good fit.

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