Connect With Your Community, Explore New Interests, and Build Real Friendships
Meaningful, one-on-one support to help you get out and about across the Illawarra region with total confidence.
Genuine Belonging
Join local social clubs, hobby groups, or community events where you feel welcomed, valued, and included.
Your Interests First
Whether you enjoy catching a match, visiting the beach, or taking art classes, every outing reflects what you love doing.
Confidence in Public Spaces
Learn to navigate public transport, visit busy venues, and manage community interactions at a pace that feels comfortable.
Why Getting Out Into the Community Matters
True well-being is about more than staying safe at home—it is about staying connected to the world around you. When you have the right support by your side, stepping out into your neighborhood opens doors to new friendships, fresh experiences, and personal growth.
At Awake and Arise Care Services, we help eliminate the hesitation, anxiety, or logistical hurdles that can make getting involved feel overwhelming. Our friendly support workers are here to champion your social goals, walk alongside you, and make sure every outing is enjoyable, stress-free, and empowering.
What We Can Do Together in the Illawarra
Exploring Hobbies & Creative Pursuits
Attend local art workshops, music classes, library sessions, or craft circles.
Health, Fitness & Active Recreation
Head to local gyms, swimming pools, walking tracks along the coast, or community sports clubs.
Social Gatherings & Dining Out
Visit your favorite cafes, meet friends for lunch, or check out local weekend markets.
Attending Events & Entertainment
Enjoy live theater, community festivals, cinema trips, or local sporting matches.
Volunteering & Civic Activities
Get involved in local environmental groups, animal shelters, or community initiatives.
Everyday Neighborhood Errand Support
Combine social outings with practical trips like personal shopping, banking, or visiting the post office.
Building Social Confidence and Independence Every Step of the Way
Community participation is not just about being accompanied on a trip—it is about learning the skills to feel secure and capable wherever you go. Our team actively supports you in developing practical social skills, including:
- Navigating Local Transport: Gaining confidence with bus routes, train travel, and reading transit schedules across the Illawarra.
- Communication & Social Interactions: Ordering food, buying tickets, speaking with venue staff, and striking up conversations with peers.
- Money Handling in Public: Managing personal budgets, using EFTPOS terminals, and handling cash safely during your outings.
Ready to Explore the Illawarra on Your Own Terms?
Connect with our dedicated support team to plan social outings and activities tailored to your passions.
Why Choose Awake and Arise Care Services?
Matched by Personality and Interests
We pair you with workers who share your enthusiasm for the things you love doing.
Flexible Around Your Life
From weekend festivals to evening club meetings, we adapt our schedules to fit your social calendar.
Zero Rushing, Complete Respect
We follow your rhythm, taking breaks whenever you need and staying patient throughout the day.
Deep Local Knowledge
Being based in the Illawarra means our workers know the most accessible, welcoming, and vibrant local spots.
Understanding Your NDIS Funding
Community Participation is funded under both Core Supports and Capacity Building categories in your plan:
- Core Supports: Assistance with Social, Economic, and Community Participation (for everyday outings, social assistance, and activities)
- Capacity Building: Increased Social and Community Participation (for skill-building programs and capacity development)
- Plan Flexibility: Welcoming Plan-Managed, Self-Managed, and NDIA-Managed participants
If you need clarity on how your community budget is structured, our team can help you and your support coordinator make the most of your allocated hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Your worker can assist with booking sessions, transport you to the venue, and stay by your side to support your participation throughout the activity.
Absolutely. We encourage joint activities and can coordinate outings so you can hang out with friends in shared public spaces.
We always plan outings around your personal comfort levels. If a venue feels too noisy or overwhelming, your worker will smoothly adjust the plan, find quiet spaces, or head somewhere relaxing.
Yes. Most social events happen outside standard business hours, which is why our team is available evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
Step Out and Connect With the Community Today
Your goals, your passions, your schedule. Contact our local Illawarra team to begin planning your next outing.