NDIS group centre activities are supports where you take part in activities with other people, with trained support workers there to help. They’re a great way to meet people, build social skills and try new things in a safe and welcoming setting. At Serene Disability Support, we’re a registered NDIS provider supporting participants across NSW to join group activities that match their interests and NDIS goals.
Whether you want to make new friends, learn a skill or just get out of the house more often, group activities can make a real difference to your week.
What are NDIS group activities?
Group and centre activities are listed in the NDIS as Group and Centre Based Activities. They’re part of how the National Disability Insurance Scheme supports community participation.
In a group activity, a small number of participants take part in something together, with support workers there to help each person join in. Activities can happen in different places, depending on what the group is doing:
- A community venue, like a hall, library or community centre
- A centre-based setting, where an activity is run indoors
- Out in the community, like a park, beach, café or the local shops
The focus is on social connection, recreation and building skills, all at a pace that suits the group.
Types of group activities
Group activities cover a wide range of activities. What’s on offer depends on the people in the group, their interests and what’s available locally. Some examples of the types of activities participants enjoy include:
- Social and recreational activities, like games, movies, music or a meal out together
- Creative activities, like art, craft, photography or gardening
- Sport and fitness, like walking groups, swimming or watching the footy
- Skill-building activities, like cooking, shopping, budgeting or using technology
- Group outings, like visits to markets, museums or local events
- Wellbeing activities, like relaxation, yoga or time outdoors
We’ll talk with you about what you’d like to try, then help you find and join activities that suit your interests and goals.
Benefits of NDIS group activities
Group activities aren’t just about filling in time. They can support your NDIS goals in lots of ways.
Social connection
Loneliness can affect your health and mental health. Group settings give you a regular chance to meet people with shared interests, and many friendships start this way.
Social skills and confidence
Being part of a social group helps you practise communication and social skills, like starting a conversation, taking turns and working as a team. As those skills grow, so does your confidence.
Skill development
Many group activities include practical skill development. Cooking a meal together, planning an outing or handling money at the shops are all skills that carry over into everyday life. If you’d like to focus on building skills one-on-one, see our daily living and life skills support.
Health and wellbeing
Getting out, moving your body and having fun are good for your physical health and your well-being. A regular activity can also add structure to your week.
Community participation
Group activities can be a stepping stone into wider community life. Some people go on to join a local club, start volunteering or explore employment support once they feel more confident.
How group activities are funded
Group and centre activities are usually funded from the core supports budget in your NDIS plan, under assistance with social, economic and community participation. The NDIA needs to agree the support is reasonable and necessary and linked to your goals.
A few things to know about NDIS funding for group activities:
- The NDIS funds the support. That’s the cost of support workers running and supporting the activity.
- Some activity costs are yours. Entry fees, tickets, food or materials are usually paid by the participant.
- Group support is shared. In a group, support workers are shared between participants, so the cost per hour is usually lower than one-on-one support.
- You have choice and control. You can choose your provider and which activities you join.
If group activities aren’t in your plan yet, raise it with your support coordinator or at your next plan review. If you’re plan managed, our plan management team can help you see what funding you have.
How our group activities support works
Here’s what to expect when you join group activities with Serene:
- We get to know you. We talk about your interests, your goals, your support needs and anything that helps you feel comfortable.
- We find the right fit. We help you choose activities that suit your interests, energy levels and the kind of group you’d enjoy.
- You give it a go. A support worker is there to help you settle in, join in and take a break when you need one.
- We check in. We ask how it’s going and adjust things if something isn’t working.
Because our team is nurse-led, we take health and safety seriously. If you have medical needs, our registered nurse can help make sure your support plan covers them while you’re out.
Who can join group activities?
Group activities are open to NDIS participants with group and centre activities funding in their plan. They can suit people of different ages and with different types of disability, including intellectual disability, autism, physical disability and psychosocial disability.
Group activities can be a good fit if you:
- Want to make friends and feel less isolated
- Enjoy being around other people and trying new things
- Want to build social skills or practical skills in a relaxed setting
- Are working towards bigger goals, like joining a club, study or work
Why choose Serene for group activities
- Registered NDIS provider working to the NDIS Practice Standards and the Quality and Safeguards Commission’s rules
- Nurse-led team, with a registered nurse overseeing the clinical side of supports
- Dedicated support workers who get to know you and how you like to join in
- CALD-inclusive team, with multilingual staff and interpreters, so you and your family can talk with us in any language
- An accessible van to help with getting to and from activities, where it’s available
- Joined-up support, with other services like supported independent living and community participation
Getting started with group activities
If you’d like to try group activities, or you’re a support coordinator looking for options for a participant, give us a call or request a callback. We’ll get back to you within one business day to talk about your interests, your NDIS plan and how we can help you get started.