Help has been supporting people with disability for over 55 years and we’re constantly evolving to always provide the best experience for our participants and their families. As part of our commitment, we’re thrilled to announce a new suite of Hub programs which evolves our disability care and prioritise participant empowerment and community engagement.

The purpose of the change is to consolidate our existing sessions into six flexible and purposeful core programs, supported through collaborations with other organisations. That not only introduces more facilitator-led sessions but aims to support participants in feeling more engaged with the wider community.

Tom Hegarty, Business Manager at Hubs and Community at Help explains that the new programs bring people with all abilities together and Hub participants feel more connected. “We have had a few trial sessions outside of the Hub and it was incredible to see how our participants engaged and felt afterwards,” he said. “Hub participants were thrilled to meet different people and to feel connected with the wider community,” added Tom.

Six new programs

The new suite of Hub programs reflects Help’s commitment to our participants and the disability care we provide, and it was designed through consultation with Hub families and participants. It offers the benefits of community participation inside and outside of the Hubs for further skills development.

The six new programs offer something for everyone, focusing on areas like health & wellbeing, work and social skills and experiences, and artistic expression. Participants can explore their interests and achieve their specific NDIS goals while building stronger connections.

“We want our participants to develop and reach their goals, and for their goals to change over time, too. With the new programs, they will be able to track the sessions they are participating in as well as their progress so they can set further goals and keep achieving them!” said Tom.

Successful trial sessions

Darcey is a participant of our Mitchelton Hub who was part of the group who trialled the new Work Connect Program. In partnership with The Brook Community Garden, Hub participants provided shredded paper for the garden compost and, in return, utilised their garden spaces. They participated in a facilitated session about worm farming.

Darcey’s mother, Carla, is delighted with the results. “This program offers an increased opportunity for my child to expand on her social skills and skills relevant to her employment goals. It’s fantastic that she can learn from the wider community and can gain a true sense of purpose,” said Carla.

“The new community-based activities link with Darcey’s long-term goal of gaining employment. It is enriching to see her building on her employability and confidence by working on specific skills at her own pace while giving her exposure to all other types of members of society.” added Carla.

Community at the core

The new Hub programs involve active engagement with the community. Local groups and expert partners like RecLink Australia, Dancing with Ali, Brisbane City Council, Brisbane Tool Library, Sunnybank Men’s Shed, Sustainable Gardening Australia, and others will contribute to program delivery. These collaborations foster shared learning experiences, both within the Hubs and beyond, ultimately enriching the lives of participants.

Nate Dunne, Head of Disability at Help, also explains: “When Hub participants engage with the community they are exposed to other social values and interactions.” Additionally, when the activities are focused, there are fewer distractions and participants can concentrate more. “We want to give our participants the best disability care with opportunity to progress their goals while also creating meaningful social relationships,” said Nate.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Help Hubs a participant must have NDIS funding as follows:

• 04 – Assistance with Social and Community Participation/ Group Activities, under Core support category.
• 01 – Assistance with Daily Life / Assistance with Self-Care, under Core support category, and/or 
• 09 – Increased Social and Community Participation / Skills Development and Training, under Capacity Building support category.
• Also required is a relevant NDIS plan goal surrounding accessing the community, developing social skills, gaining independence, and preventing social isolation.

Choose your own adventure, make new friends, and learn new skills at our Hubs today!