Engaging Activities with Your Social Support Worker

Having a social support worker can open up a world of possibilities, helping you stay connected, active, and engaged in your community.

At Like Family, we believe in fostering meaningful connections and empowering you to live life to the fullest. While your NDIS-approved support worker is there to assist with various aspects of daily living, the time you spend together can be enriching and enjoyable.

This post will explore a range of activities you can enjoy with your social support worker, while also highlighting how they provide crucial support for your day-to-day needs.

Exploring your community: Stepping out and staying connected

Your social support worker can be your partner in exploring and engaging with your local community. This not only provides enjoyment but also helps you maintain social connections and a sense of belonging.

Visiting local parks and gardens

Enjoy the tranquility of nature, have a picnic, or simply soak up the fresh air. It can be a great opportunity to relax, connect with nature, and get to know your social support worker better in an informal setting. The natural environment can also help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels.

Your support worker can assist with transportation to and from these locations, ensuring a safe and comfortable outing. They can also help with packing any necessary items and ensuring accessibility.

Going to cafes or restaurants

Socialising in a cafe or restaurant offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and enjoy a change of scenery. Whether it's a casual coffee catch-up or a more formal meal, these outings can be a highlight of the week.

For individuals with mobility challenges, your support worker can assist with navigating entrances, finding suitable seating, and ordering food.

Attending local events

Immerse yourself in the community spirit by going to markets, festivals, fairs, and performances. Attending a disability-friendly sporting event with your social support worker is a great way to get out and have fun. You can meet other people with similar interests and cheer for your favourite team.

Your support worker can help you find out about local events, arrange transportation, and provide any necessary personal assistance during the event.

Visiting libraries and museums

Expand your knowledge, explore different cultures, and enjoy quiet reflection. You can explore the rich cultural heritage of your area and take in some amazing works of art. Whether it’s artwork from a particular era or artefacts from different civilisations, there’s always something new to discover.

Support workers can assist with navigating these spaces, accessing resources, and engaging with exhibits.

Going to the movies or theatre

Enjoy entertainment outside of the home and share a cultural experience. Together you'll get to enjoy a night out and explore the world of cinema or theatre. You'll have someone to talk with about what you liked or didn't like, as well as get their advice on movies and shows they think you might enjoy.

They can help with booking tickets, transportation, and ensuring you are comfortable throughout the outing.

Simply going for a walk

Gentle exercise and fresh air can do wonders for your physical and mental well-being. It's a chance to get some fresh air and unwind after a long day while having someone to talk to and share your thoughts with.

Your support worker can provide physical support if needed, ensuring a safe and enjoyable walk at your pace.

Staying active and healthy: Moving your body, boosting your mood

Maintaining an active lifestyle is important for both physical and mental health. Your social support worker can encourage and assist you in incorporating movement into your routine.

Gentle exercises at home or in a park

Tailored to your abilities, this can help maintain mobility, strength, and balance. Regular gentle movement can improve your overall well-being, boost energy levels, and enhance your ability to perform daily tasks.

Your support worker can assist with setting up exercises, providing encouragement, and ensuring you are performing them safely.

Swimming or hydrotherapy

Enjoy a low-impact way to exercise (if accessible and appropriate). The buoyancy of water makes these activities gentle on the joints while still providing a great cardiovascular workout and improving muscle strength.

They can assist with getting to and from the pool, changing, and providing support in the water if needed.

Attending accessible exercise classes

Connect with others while staying active in a supportive environment. These classes are specifically designed to cater to a range of abilities, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably and safely while enjoying the benefits of exercise and social interaction.

Your support worker can help you find suitable classes, arrange transportation, and provide any necessary personal assistance.

Nurturing your interests and hobbies: Engaging your mind and creativity

Pursuing your passions and hobbies can bring joy and a sense of accomplishment. Your social support worker can provide the support you need to continue enjoying your favourite activities or even discover new ones.

Gardening

Enjoy the outdoors and the satisfaction of nurturing plants. Whether you have a sprawling garden or just a few pots on a balcony, tending to plants can be a therapeutic and rewarding activity. Some suburbs have community gardens where neighbours can come together and grow all sorts of different plants.

Your support worker can assist with tasks like planting, watering, weeding, and bringing tools.

Arts and crafts

Unleash your creativity through painting, knitting, drawing, or other crafts. Engaging in artistic pursuits can be a wonderful way to express yourself, relax, and learn new skills.

Support workers can help with setting up materials, providing assistance with fine motor skills if needed, and tidying up afterwards.

Playing board games or card games

Enjoy some friendly competition and social interaction. These activities can be a fantastic way to stimulate your mind, improve strategic thinking, and enjoy some lighthearted fun with your support worker.

Your support worker can participate in games with you, explain rules, and create a fun and engaging environment.

Listening to music or podcasts

Share your favourite tunes or discover new ones. Music and podcasts can evoke memories, spark conversations, and provide a relaxing or stimulating backdrop to your day.

A Like Family social carer can assist with operating devices, finding new content, and enjoying a shared listening experience.

Reading and discussing books

Engage your mind and connect over shared literary interests. Exploring different genres and authors can broaden your horizons and provide stimulating topics for conversation.

Your support worker can read aloud if needed, help you find books, and engage in discussions about the content.

Pursuing online hobbies

Explore virtual worlds, learn new skills, or connect with online communities. The internet offers a vast array of opportunities for learning, creativity, and social interaction from the comfort of your home.

Support workers can assist with using technology, navigating the internet, and staying safe online.

Connecting with others: Maintaining social bonds

Social interaction is vital for well-being. Your social support worker can help you maintain existing relationships and build new ones.

Visiting friends or family

Maintain important relationships and enjoy quality time with loved ones. These connections are vital for emotional well-being and can provide a strong sense of belonging and support.

Your support worker can provide transportation, assist with communication if needed, and ensure a comfortable visit.

Attending social groups or clubs

Meet people with similar interests and build new friendships. Joining groups centred around hobbies, interests, or shared experiences can combat loneliness and create a strong sense of community.

Your social carer can help you find suitable groups, arrange transportation, and provide support in social situations.

Volunteering

Give back to the community and feel a sense of purpose. Contributing your time and skills to a cause you care about can be incredibly rewarding and foster a strong sense of connection to your community.

Your support worker can help you find volunteer opportunities, arrange transportation, and provide any necessary support during your volunteer work.

The Essential Foundation: How Your Support Worker Helps with Day-to-Day Living

Underpinning your ability to engage in these activities is the crucial support your Like Family social carer provides with the essential aspects of daily life. This support ensures your comfort, safety, and independence.

• Household tasks: Support with light housework, meal preparation, laundry, and grocery shopping, contributing to a clean, organised, and healthy living environment.
• Mobility and transportation: Providing safe and reliable transportation to appointments, social outings, and activities, ensuring you can participate in the community without barriers. They can also assist with navigating public transport.
• Emotional support and companionship: Offering a listening ear, providing encouragement, and reducing feelings of isolation through genuine connection and understanding.
• Connecting with services and appointments: Assisting with scheduling and attending medical appointments, therapy sessions, and other important engagements, ensuring you receive the necessary care and support.
• Skill development: Supporting you in learning new skills to increase your independence in areas such as cooking, budgeting, using technology, and navigating daily tasks.
• Advocacy and communication: Helping you communicate your needs, preferences, and concerns to family, healthcare professionals, and other relevant parties, ensuring your voice is heard.

Find a Social Support Worker with Like Family

Like Family is an NDIS registered provider that specialises in social and community support. We help people with disability to improve their independence, build lasting relationships and learn new skills.

Our social support workers (who we call Social Carers) can help you with the activities listed above, and much more!

We’ll help match you with a social support worker with similar interests and support experience, so they can build rapport with you and help you work towards your goals.

If you live in NSW, Queensland or Victoria and are interested in hiring a social support worker, join our community today!