Social and community participation activities are NDIS supports that help people with disability engage with friends, family, work, study or leisure in their local area. They can be group or one‑to‑one and are designed to improve confidence, independence and quality of life.
What are social and community participation activities?
These activities include club meetings, sports, cultural events, community outings, volunteer work and other social events. They are tailored to a participant’s goals and may involve travel, transport, assistance with communication or support in a group setting.
Eligibility and access rules
Who can benefit?
Any NDIS participant who needs help to participate in social or community activities can request this support. It is especially useful for people whose disability limits mobility, communication, sensory processing or social interaction.
How to determine eligibility?
During a plan review or when creating a new plan, the planner or support coordinator will discuss the participant’s goals. If the goal is to increase social participation, the planner can add this support under the “Participation and Social Inclusion” category. The participant must be a registered NDIS participant and the activity must be a reasonable and necessary part of the plan.
What’s included and what’s not included
Included supports may cover:
- Assistance with travel to and from events
- Help with communication or interpreting services during activities
- Facilitation of group participation (e.g. a buddy system)
- Support to prepare for and attend events (e.g. dressing, meal planning)
- Access to community facilities such as libraries, parks or sports clubs
What is not included:
- Purely recreational or leisure services that are not linked to a specific participation goal
- Costs for meals, accommodation or unrelated travel expenses unless they are part of the activity plan
- Any service that is not approved by the NDIS or falls outside the participant’s approved budget
Funding and planning considerations
Social and community participation is funded under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. The support is billed per hour or per activity, and the cost must not exceed the approved price limit. The participant can use a planner or a plan manager to calculate the budget, ensuring that the total does not exceed the overall plan budget.
When budgeting, consider:
- Hourly rates for support workers or volunteers
- Transport costs if the participant is travelling to a community event
- Any additional fees for facility access (e.g. a community centre entrance fee)
All costs must be documented and receipts retained for audit purposes.
How to request or activate the support
- Identify the goal. Write a clear statement such as “I want to attend a weekly community choir in Wyndham.”
- Speak to your planner. Discuss how the activity supports your overall goals and confirm it is a reasonable and necessary support.
- Add the support to your plan. The planner will enter the activity under the participation category and set a budget.
- Select a service provider. Look for local providers who specialise in community participation. For example, NDIS home care supports in Wyndham often offer community outing assistance.
- Confirm the arrangement. Ensure the provider understands the activity details, frequency and budget limits.
- Start the activity. Keep a record of each session, including time, location and any assistance used.
Local context: Wyndham and nearby areas
Point Cook
Point Cook offers a range of community clubs, sports leagues and cultural festivals. Participants can join local dance classes, community garden groups or the Point Cook Library’s reading club. Transport to these venues is often available through local bus routes or community shuttle services.
Tarneit
Tarneit has active community centres that host workshops, art classes and senior social groups. The Tarneit Community Hub provides free access to a gym and a pool, making it an ideal location for participants looking to combine socialising with physical activity.
Werribee
Werribee’s historic precinct and waterfront parks host regular markets, music nights and family events. Local volunteers and support workers can assist participants in attending the Werribee Arts Festival or the Werribee Lake picnic days.
For more information about home care supports that can help with community participation in Wyndham, visit NDIS home care supports in Wyndham or NDIS home care supports in Wyndham.
FAQs
What is the difference between community participation and recreational activities?
Community participation is goal‑oriented and linked to a participant’s plan. Recreational activities are leisure only and usually not covered by the NDIS unless they support a broader participation goal.
Can I use my own transport for community activities?
If you have a reliable vehicle and can travel safely, you may use it. However, the cost of travel must be documented and approved under the plan budget.
Do I need a support worker to attend a community event?
No, but a support worker can help if the event involves complex tasks, communication barriers or if you need assistance with mobility.
How often can I request community participation support?
The frequency is determined by your planner based on your goals. There is no fixed limit, but the total hours must fit within your budget.
What if I want to attend an event outside Wyndham?
Activities outside Wyndham are still eligible if they support your participation goals and the cost is within the plan budget. Ensure you keep receipts and travel logs.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only. Check your plan and speak with your planner or support coordinator.