Being part of the community is an important part of everyday life.
For people with disability, the right Community Participation support can provide opportunities to meet new people, experience new activities, develop practical skills and become more confident navigating everyday environments.
Community participation should always be centred around the participant’s interests, preferences and personal goals.
Here are five ways it can support greater confidence and independence.
1. Building Social Connections
Participating in community activities can create opportunities to meet people and develop meaningful social connections.
Activities may include:
- Community groups
- Sporting activities
- Local events
- Creative programs
- Social outings
- Recreational activities
Social connection can reduce isolation and create a greater sense of belonging.
The right activities will be different for every participant, which is why individual choice is so important.
2. Developing Everyday Life Skills
Community participation can also provide opportunities to practise practical skills in real life situations.
This may include activities such as:
- Shopping
- Using public transport
- Ordering food
- Attending appointments
- Managing small purchases
- Planning an outing
- Navigating community spaces
Practising these activities with appropriate support can gradually build confidence and independence.
3. Trying New Experiences
New environments and activities can sometimes feel challenging.
Having a trusted support worker alongside you can make it easier to explore something new at a comfortable pace.
This might mean attending a new class, visiting a community event, trying a recreational activity or exploring a different part of Melbourne.
Over time, positive experiences can help build confidence and encourage participants to explore additional opportunities.
4. Supporting Personal Goals
Community participation should not simply be about keeping busy.
Activities should connect with goals that are meaningful to the participant.
For example, one person’s goal may be to make new friends.
Another participant may want to become more confident using public transport.
Someone else may want to participate in sport, improve communication skills or become more comfortable visiting local shops independently.
A person centred approach ensures that community support has a meaningful purpose.
5. Increasing Choice and Independence
One of the most valuable aspects of community participation is having greater opportunity to make your own choices.
Participants should have a say in:
- Where they go
- What activities they participate in
- Who supports them
- What skills they want to develop
- What goals they want to work towards
Support should encourage independence rather than unnecessarily taking control.
At St Martine’s Care, we aim to provide the right level of assistance while encouraging participants to build confidence and make their own decisions wherever possible.
Community Participation With St Martine’s Care
Our Community Participation support is designed around your individual interests, goals and preferences.
Whether you would like to build social connections, explore Melbourne, develop everyday skills or simply become more confident participating in activities you enjoy, our team is here to support you.
We believe community participation should be meaningful, enjoyable and focused on helping you live life in the way that feels right for you.