Community Participation: Beyond Just Outings
At Jane’s Care, we believe community participation is more than taking participants out for coffee or to a weekly activity. While these outings are enjoyable, meaningful inclusion is about fostering belonging, confidence, independence and wellbeing. We are committed to providing opportunities that go beyond keeping busy, and support workers are central to making this happen.
Why It Matters
Research shows that social inclusion has a measurable impact on wellbeing. Feeling connected to others reduces isolation, boosts confidence and supports emotional resilience (Australian Disability Strategy, 2024). For people living with disabilities, meaningful participation is linked to greater life satisfaction, autonomy, and self-belief (National Disability Insurance Scheme [NDIS, N.D).
We implement activities and programs that align with these principles. We offer weekly club activities that keep our participants engaged in meaningful experiences. To make this vision a reality, support workers must play an active and collaborative role.
The Role of Support Workers
Support workers are more than companions; they are enablers of choice, independence, and skill development. We encourage support workers to:
Collaborate with participants to identify interests and goals.
Plan meaningful activities that align with personal preferences, not just what is available.
Support independence by building skills such as public transport navigation, social interaction, and task management.
Facilitate reflection and feedback, helping participants recognise their achievements and set new goals.
These strategies help participants develop life skills, confidence, and a sense of agency, transforming everyday outings into purposeful engagement.
By embedding these practices into our daily support, JC ensures participants experience genuine inclusion and not just attendance. Our support workers are empowered to deliver support that makes a measurable difference.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 outcomes framework: Social inclusion and participation. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-disability-strategy/australias-disability-strategy-outcomes-framework
National Disability Insurance Scheme. (n.d.). Social inclusion and community access research. https://dataresearch.ndis.gov.au/research-and-evaluation/improving-outcomes-participants/social-inclusion-and-community-access-research