Empowering NDIS Participants Through Community Engagement
We at Hilda Care think that everyone should be able to meet with others, get involved, and do well in their relevant community. Active community participation boosts your confidence and builds friendships.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) helps people get to events that improve their quality of life and help them become more independent. Our personalised support services help people try new things and reach their full potential, whether it’s joining a local sports team, going to cultural events, or learning new skills.
Increased Social and Community Participation NDIS Examples
If you are wondering about social and community participation but still cannot get the hang of it, here is what you need to know:
People take part in social, cultural, educational, and community-based events that make them more engaged, independent, and healthy in general. This is called “social and community participation.” It is important to help people make friends, learn important skills for life, and feel like they are part of society. This can mean going to social events, joining clubs, doing charity work, or going to classes that help you improve your skills.
Here are some examples of how the NDIS has led to increased social and community participation:
- Recreational and Sports Activities: To improve physical health, NDIS funding for gym access, swimming lessons, and adaptable sports.
- Community Events and Programmes: Help with going to fairs, cultural events, or group activities based on personal interests and hobbies.
- Education and Skill Development Programmes: These programmes give people access to training, workshops, and classes that help them communicate better, get along with others, and get hired.
- Travel and Transportation Help: NDIS funding covers transport costs (e.g., taxis to Footscray events) that will help people get to therapy meetings, events, or social groups.
- Peer support and mentorship: These are activities that bring people together or one-on-one guidance programmes that help people build their confidence and social skills.
People with disabilities gain confidence, feel like they belong, and gain power through social and community involvement. This lets them live content lives and make a difference in their communities. The NDIS helps people get to and enjoy these events by making sure they have the resources and support they need.
Benefits of Social and Community Participation NDIS
There are many benefits of social and community participation in NDIS; a few of them are listed below:
- Better mental and emotional health: Spending time with other people makes you feel less lonely and more emotionally stable. Having conversations with other people can help you think more clearly, feel like you belong, and feel less anxious and depressed.
- Participating in group events: Getting involved in group activities helps you get better at talking to others, working as a team, and other important life skills. Learning a new skill, playing a team sport, or joining a debate club are all things that can help you grow as a person and boost your confidence.
- Increased Independence: It helps people feel more comfortable in understanding their local areas. Participating in events in the community helps people become more independent, feel more at ease in many social situations, and improve their ability to make decisions.
- Stronger Social Networks: It gives you the chance to make friends and find the right support. By getting involved in their community and social life, people can make important connections that can turn into long-lasting friendships, mentorships, and a reliable support system.
- Physical benefits: Moving around is a major part of many social activities, like sports, dance, and going on trips outside. Participating in educational classes, games, or group discussions can also help improve memory, cognitive processes, and the ability to think critically.
Assistance with Social and Community Participation NDIS Code
Assistance with social and community participation through the NDIS Code helps disabled people take part in social events, community activities, and skill-building programmes. This kind of help can come in the form of group activities, programmes for personal growth, rides to events, and assistance from a support worker in social situations.
This money can help participants become more independent, make important connections, and learn useful skills for everyday life. Support like this lets people get involved in their communities in ways that fit their goals and hobbies, whether that’s by going to social events, joining a club, or doing fun things.
Participants must include social and community participation in their NDIS plan and pick a service provider that meets their needs to get this money. People who get this kind of help are free to try out different things that are good for their mental and social health.
How to Access Social and Community Participation Funding
Getting NDIS funds for community and social activity is a simple process. To begin, follow these steps:
Figure Out Your Needs
Figure out the activities that will help you reach your personal goals. These could be social events, programmes that help you improve your skills, or fun things to do.
Add it to your NDIS plan
Make sure that the NDIS manager or support assistant includes funds for social and community activities.
Pick a Credible Service Provider
Choose an approved NDIS provider that offers services that fit your needs, whether they are group events, personal growth, or assistance with socialising.
Use the money you have
Take part in approved events, make new friends, and learn new skills to improve your health and freedom.
3 Mistakes to Avoid When Using NDIS Social Participation Funding
Navigating NDIS funding can be complex, and even small errors can delay your progress or lead to rejected claims. Based on our experience supporting participants in Footscray, Dandenong, and Melbourne, here are the top mistakes to avoid:
1. Not Linking Activities to Your NDIS Goals
Many participants assume any social activity qualifies for funding. However, the NDIS requires activities to directly align with the goals in your plan (e.g., “building social connections” or “improving independence”).
The Fix:
Always connect activities to specific NDIS goals in your plan.
Pro Tip:
Work with your NDIS planner or support coordinator to pre-approve activities under codes like group-based community participation.
2. Choosing Unregistered or Non-Compliant Providers
The NDIS only covers services from registered providers. Participants often waste funds on unregistered providers (e.g., casual event organizers) or misunderstand “informal supports” rules.
What Happens:
- Claims are rejected, leaving you out of pocket.
- Poorly trained staff may mishandle documentation, risking compliance issues.
The Fix:
- Verify provider registration on the NDIS Provider Finder Tool.
- For local activities, ask: “Are your Footscray cooking classes NDIS-registered?”
Hilda Care’s Solution:
We partner with 20+ NDIS-registered activity providers in Dandenong and Footscray, from art studios to adaptive sports clubs, so you never risk non-compliance.
3. Underutilizing Transport Funding
Many participants don’t realise transport costs (e.g., Uber, taxis, support worker travel) are claimable under Core Supports. Others forget to track trips, leading to lost funds.
Real-Life Impact:
42% of participants underclaim transport funds (NDIS Quarterly Report, Q3 2023)., limiting their ability to attend events.
The Fix:
Track every trip (use apps like MyCareSpace).
Claim costs for:
- Travel to/from events (e.g., Dandenong Market social group).
- Support worker transport time (if specified in your plan).
Pro Tip:
If you’re attending a Melbourne CBD event from Footscray, you can claim both mileage and support worker hours during travel.
Challenges in Social and Community Participation for People with Disabilities
People with disabilities need to be involved in their communities and social groups to improve their health and freedom. However, many Australians have problems that make it hard to socialise. Studies show that 27% of Australians with disabilities (aged 5 and over) don’t leave their homes as often as they’d like to. This shows how hard it is for them to get around in their towns.
Another big issue is social isolation. Between 15 and 64 years old, 19% of people with disabilities experience social isolation, while only 9.5% of people without disabilities do.
Another sign of the effects of not having many social interactions is that 29% of Australians with disabilities (aged 15–64) often feel lonely, which is a much higher number than the 17% of people without disabilities who feel the same way. Statistics like these show how important it is for the NDIS to fund social and community involvement programmes. These programmes help people make connections, learn new skills, and become more involved in society.
NDIS Social Participation: Your Top 10 FAQs Answered
Can I Switch Providers If I’m Unhappy? How?
Follow these 3 steps to switch providers:
- Notify your current provider in writing.
- Contact us at 1300 440 777 for transition support.
- Update your NDIS portal with our help.
We offer free NDIS assistance for Melbourne/Footscray/Dandenong participants!
Does NDIS Cover Travel Companions for Events?
Yes, but only if the companion is a registered support worker. Family members/friends aren’t covered unless they’re hired as paid carers through an NDIS-registered provider.
What If My Interests Change Mid-Plan?
Notify your NDIS plan manager or support coordinator immediately. You can:
- Reallocate unused funds to new activities (e.g., switch from sports to art).
- Request a plan review if you need additional funding.
Did You Know? We offer mid-plan goal adjustments for participants in Melbourne’s West.
Can I Use NDIS Funding for Holidays or Travel?
Only if the trip directly relates to your goals (e.g., a disability-friendly camp to build social skills). Leisure travel isn’t covered.
Example: A Footscray participant used funding for a social skills retreat linked to their “confidence building” goal.
How Do I Prove an Activity Is “Reasonable and Necessary”?
Provide:
- A letter from your doctor/therapist explaining health benefits.
- Quotes from registered providers.
- A statement linking the activity to your NDIS goals.
What Happens If I Don’t Use All My Funding?
Unused Core Support funds can be carried over, but Capacity Building funds expire. Always plan activities before your plan review date.
Can I Hire a Personal Trainer or Music Teacher?
Only if they’re NDIS-registered and the service aligns with your goals. We partner with registered trainers/teachers in Melbourne and other areas.
What If My Provider Cancels an Activity Last Minute?
You’re entitled to a replacement activity or refund. Report recurring issues to the NDIS Commission.
Can I Use Funding for Equipment (e.g., Art Supplies)?
Only if the equipment is directly related to the activity and approved in your plan. Example: Adaptive paintbrushes for arthritis patients.
How Often Can I Change Activities?
As often as needed! Just ensure changes:
- Align with your current goals.
- Use registered providers.
- Stay within your budget.
Start Your NDIS Social Participation Journey in Melbourne
Join 500+ locals who’ve transformed their lives through:
- Plan Reviews: Optimize your funding with our registered NDIS experts.
- Local Activities: Cooking classes at Footscray Community Centre, adaptive sports at Dandenong Oval.
- 24/7 Support: Call our Dandenong team at 1300 440 777.
Limited 2025 Funding Available – Book Your Spot Today!
We partner with Footscray Community Arts Centre and Dandenong United FC for NDIS-friendly activities.