‘Community for Everyone’ fosters meaningful connections and genuine participation in community

People with intellectual disability are often excluded from community life. Many people are socially isolated and have no access to any unpaid supporters or relationships. Their personal networks are often made up of paid staff, other people with intellectual disability, and family members.

This project introduces a new role called a volunteer social connector to help bridge this gap. Volunteers form close relationships with people, supporting them to expand their social circles and get involved in community activities like art, sports, music and cultural events. By regularly meeting and socialising together, we aim to make it easier for people with disability to connect with community life.

Research shows that having someone dedicated to building social networks is really helpful, but it requires ongoing support. We’re launching in Ryde and Parramatta with Side By Side Advocacy, and in the Hunter region with Hunter Circles. These areas were chosen because people have transitioned from large institutions to group homes, and we know there’s a strong need for community engagement to prevent people from being further excluded.

People do better when they experience, like all other citizens, the good things in life. The potential impacts are huge, for people and for communities:

· friendship

· collaboration

· purpose

· meaning

· everyday citizenship

By addressing social isolation and loneliness and promoting inclusive participation, this project will demonstrate how to establish social networks for people who are profoundly socially isolated.

Side By Side Advocacy is the lead organisation running the project. Side By Side Advocacy is a not-for-profit advocacy organisation based in Parramatta. We started more than 30 years ago and specialise in advocacy for people with intellectual disability. Our vision is for a world where all people are equal and valued. We are running the project in Parramatta and Ryde. Check out the rest of our website to learn more about our work.

Hunter Circles is our project partner. Hunter Circles is a not-for-profit organisation that was established in 2021 to support people with disability to take their rightful place at the heart of community. It does this by building Circles of Support around each individual to harness the warmth, creativity, energy, resources and networks of local support networks, who are facilitated to build real connections, community, belonging and social inclusion. Hunter Circles has experience supporting people move from an experience of isolation and loneliness to genuine community inclusion. They are running the project in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.

The project is funded via an Information, Linkages and Capacity Building grant (ILC) from the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Go to www.dss.gov.au for more information.

ILC provides funding to organisations to deliver projects in the community that benefit all Australians with disability, their families, and allies.

These projects create connections between people with disability and the communities they live in. Projects aim to build the knowledge, skills and confidence of people with disability, and improve their access to community and mainstream services.

A social connector is a voluntary role for a person committed to inclusive communities where everyone is valued.

· You will be matched with a person with disability in your community who is currently socially isolated.

· You will get to know the person and their current interests and connections.

· You will strive to support the person to be better connected to others with shared interests.

· You will receive ongoing training and support with these efforts.

· You will participate in social connector meet ups to share ideas and learnings.

· You will participate in an evaluation of the project led by people with intellectual disability.

Yes. There is an induction session and ongoing guidance and support. Topics covered will include:

· Why the project is needed

· The life experience of many people with intellectual disability

· Helping a person with intellectual disability map current connections

· How to assist a person with intellectual disability explore interests and foster connections

· Establishing community networks

· Active support and communication

· Advocacy.

There are regular Meet Ups. Social connectors, and others involved in the project, come together to share ideas, discuss experiences and develop strategies to facilitate inclusion. 

There is also the chance to discuss issues with the Community for Everyone team including peer leaders, Jeff and Shu Hua.

•  Time: 2 – 4 PM
•  Location: 34 Charles Street, Parramatta
•  Dates: April 10 | May 8 | June 12 | July 10 | August 14 | September 11 | October 9 | November 13 | December 11

There is no payment to become a social connector. It is a voluntary role.

You will receive training and support.

You will be part of a pioneering project that aims to bring about meaningful social change.

Yes! Side By Side Advocacy is always seeking people with skills and interest that can contribute to the work of the organisation.

If you would like a long term connection with a person with intellectual disability you could consider our Citizen Advocacy Program. Here is a link to read more about Citizen Advocacy.

Apart from contributing your time, we are always grateful for financial contributions. There is never enough funding to reach all of the people who would benefit from advocacy support. Your financial contribution can assist us to reach more people. You can donate via our website or contact us. Here is the link to donate via the website. Donate to Side By Side Advocacy via Give Now.

If you would like to get involved, we are keen to hear from you.

Contact us by phone or email. We can be reached by phone on 9808 5500. We can be reached by email via Evelyn@sidebysideadvocacy.org.au