Community access support in Newcastle & the Hunter
Community access support can help you get out, take part in activities, attend appointments, complete everyday errands and stay connected with the people and places that matter to you. Altitude provides one-to-one community access support across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock and Raymond Terrace.
What community access support can include
- Appointments and everyday errands
- Shopping and community-based tasks
- Social and recreational activities
- Exercise, outdoor activities and local outings
- Exploring hobbies and personal interests
- Building confidence using local services and community spaces
- Support to plan and participate in outings
- Practising everyday skills such as decision-making, communication and money handling
Support built around your interests and goals
The point of community access is not simply to “go somewhere”. Good support should reflect what the participant enjoys, what they want to achieve and how much assistance they want along the way.
For one person that might mean getting to an appointment and completing the weekly shop. For someone else it could mean going to the beach, trying a new activity, attending a social event, visiting a favourite venue or becoming more confident using community facilities independently.
Building independence through everyday experiences
Community-based support can create practical opportunities to build capacity. A support worker can provide prompts, encouragement or hands-on assistance while the participant practises planning an outing, making purchases, communicating with other people, navigating familiar places or taking a more active role in decisions.
The level of assistance can change as confidence grows. We aim to support the participant to do as much for themselves as they want and are able to do.
Community access support near you
We provide community access support across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and the Lower Hunter, Cessnock and the Hunter Valley, and Raymond Terrace, subject to current worker capacity and the agreed support arrangement.
Getting started
Tell us your suburb, the days or times you are looking for support, the activities or goals you want help with and any preferences that are important to you. We can then discuss whether we have a suitable worker and what the support arrangement could look like.
Funding
Self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants are welcome. If you are unsure whether a community access activity can be funded from your individual plan, your plan manager, support coordinator or the NDIS can help confirm how your funding may be used.
Frequently asked questions
Can community access support include appointments?
Yes. Community access can include practical support to attend appointments where this forms part of the agreed support.
Can activities be based on my interests?
Yes. We aim to plan support around the participant’s interests, preferences and goals rather than using a one-size-fits-all program.
Can community access include shopping and errands?
Yes. Shopping, errands and other everyday community tasks can form part of community access support where they are included in the agreed arrangement.
Can a family member or support coordinator enquire?
Yes. Participants, families, carers and support coordinators are welcome to contact us. The participant’s preferences and consent remain central to the discussion.
You may also be interested in in-home support, skill development and social and community participation.