Social & community participation support in Newcastle & the Hunter

Social and community participation support can help people stay connected, build confidence, pursue interests, try new activities and take part in everyday community life. Altitude provides personalised support across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock and Raymond Terrace.

Self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants are welcome.

Participation should be meaningful

The activity should fit the person. Support can be shaped around existing interests, new goals, preferred environments, sensory or communication preferences and the level of assistance the participant wants.

Examples of social and community support

• Sport, recreation and local all-abilities activities
• Art, craft, music and creative classes
• Hobbies, clubs, events and local community groups
• Social outings, cafés, beaches, parks and community venues
• Trying new interests and building confidence in unfamiliar settings
• Day and social programs designed around connection and enjoyment

For more structured activities, see our day and social programs. For one-to-one outings and everyday participation, see community access support.

Building independence and connection

Social participation can be about much more than filling time. The right support can help someone practise decision-making, organise an outing, use local facilities, develop confidence, build friendships and participate more independently over time.

Local community participation support

We support participants across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock and the Hunter Valley, and Raymond Terrace.

Frequently asked questions

Can support be one-to-one?

Yes. Social and community participation can be provided one-to-one where that suits the participant and the agreed support arrangement.

Can activities be based around my interests?

Yes. We encourage participants to tell us what they already enjoy and what they would like to try, so support can be planned around genuine interests and goals.

Can transport be part of the activity?

Where transport forms part of the agreed support arrangement, it can be planned together with the activity. See our transport and community activities page for more information.