Some of the best bookings on Like Family start with a simple thought: I'd love to do this with someone.
It might be a games night, a coastal walk, a new exhibition or a trip to see the local footy team play. When you create an Activity, that idea becomes an invitation for Members to join you, and something for them to look forward to.
This guide covers Social Carer activity ideas, how to create an Activity in a few simple steps, and how one good idea can grow into a group booking that brings more people together.
Why Activities matter: putting companionship at the heart of Social Care
Help with groceries, appointments and everyday tasks makes a real difference, and it will always be an important part of what Social Carers do.
But the moments Members remember most are often the ones in between: sharing a laugh over a board game, trying something new for the first time, or feeling part of their community because someone was there to enjoy it with them.
That is what Like Family was built for. Companionship, connection and the confidence that comes from doing things you love with someone who gets you.
Activities make room for more of those moments. Instead of waiting for the perfect booking, you share an idea you would enjoy, and Members who feel the same can put their hand up. Practical support still happens. It simply sits alongside more chances to have fun, meet people and look forward to what's next.
When you create an Activity, you are not just filling a booking. You are giving a Member something to say yes to.
What is a Social Carer Activity?
An Activity is an idea for an experience you'd enjoy supporting a Member to take part in. It's less like a job listing and more like an invitation:
- Join me for a games night
- Explore a weekend market and stop for lunch
- Try an outdoor photography walk
- Spend an afternoon painting or making pottery
- Catch a movie, live show or sporting match
- Learn a recipe and cook a meal together
Why your idea could be exactly what a Member needs
"What would you like to do?" can be a hard question to answer. Many Members want to get out more, meet people or try something new but don't know where to start. A clear Activity takes that pressure off: rather than facing a blank page, they can say yes to an idea that already sounds fun and doable.
Your Activity can help a Member:
- discover something they might not have thought of on their own
- meet a Social Carer who shares their interests
- practice social and communication skills in a natural setting
- build confidence out in the community
- work towards greater independence while having fun
- find more reasons to look forward to their support
Social Carer activity ideas to get you started
The best ideas usually come from something you already know or enjoy. You don't need to plan an elaborate event. If you're stuck, start with one of these.
Share an interest
What could you happily talk about or do for hours? Gaming, gardening, live music, cooking, sport, books, animals and art can all make a great Activity.
Teach a skill
What could you help someone learn in a relaxed, encouraging way? A favourite recipe, photography basics, painting, chess, or planning a day trip on public transport.
Explore somewhere local
What's happening nearby that a Member might enjoy with the right support? Markets, museums, bushwalks, beaches, festivals, sporting events or a favourite neighbourhood café.
Create an easy social experience
Some Members just want more chances to connect. A movie outing, board game afternoon, casual lunch or picnic makes conversation easier because there's already something to enjoy together.
One Activity, more connection: how group bookings work
An Activity can also open the door to a group booking, where one Social Carer supports two Members through a shared experience.
When two Members are interested in the same idea and the arrangement suits everyone, a group booking makes the experience more social. Members can bring someone they know or meet someone new. You help things run smoothly and make sure each person feels included and supported.
Why Social Carers enjoy group bookings:
- Purpose: you help Members make friends and build confidence, not just get through a to-do list
- Pay: a higher hourly rate of $56 on weekdays or $79 on weekends
- Variety: more activity-led, social support that uses your interests and people skills
- Momentum: a shared interest can grow into regular bookings
Group bookings aren't right for every Member or every type of support, and they're always a choice. When the fit is right, though, connection happens naturally.
Activity ideas in action: what we've seen Social Carers host
Need some inspiration? Here are a few experiences Social Carers in the Like Family community have made happen.
From nervous to best friends: Social Carer Jared
Jared runs his own sailing tour business and works as a Social Carer part-time. He joined Like Family to give back to his community and help people with disability live more independent, carefree lives.
He had already supported two Members, Daniel and Ryan, individually. Because he knew their personalities well, he had a feeling they'd get along, so he introduced them through a group booking.
"Initially they were a little bit nervous, a little bit shy when they were together. But now they're not shy at all. They're like best friends, and it's really nice to see."
The first outing wasn't easy. One Member was so nervous he didn't want to get out of the car, and Jared had to be the encouragement for both of them. Over time, his role shifted from being the link between them to giving them room to bond on their own.
Jared's tips for group bookings:
- Start with Members you know: If you support two Members who might click, ask them directly, or check with their family, whether they'd be interested.
- Let them connect with each other: "Since my Members' goals are to be more social, I want them to bond, just the two of them, and not me being the conduit for everything."
- Combine goals in one Activity: "You can go out hiking, and at the same time the Members are practising social skills, getting exercise in and achieving that goal as well."
For Jared, the impact goes both ways. One of the Members he supports has become a real friend:
"The connection that we have is a really good, high-quality one. It's something I'm proud of, and I'm proud to say it's my job to be a Social Carer."
How to create an Activity in 5 steps
- Log in to your Like Family account through the dashboard or mobile app.
- Go to Activities to see existing Activities and start your own.
- Select Create an Activity and follow the prompts.
- Bring your idea to life with a clear title, an inviting description and the practical details Members need. If you're open to supporting two Members, say so in the title or description.
- Publish once you've checked the details, so Members can discover your Activity and express interest.
Tips for writing an Activity Members will want to join
Make the title specific and inviting
Members should understand the experience at a glance.
- Instead of Community outing, try Saturday morning coastal walk and café catch-up
- Instead of Games, try Beginner-friendly Dungeons & Dragons night
- Open to a group booking? Try Movie and lunch: bring a friend or meet another Member
Help Members picture it
Describe what you'll do, what makes it fun and how you'll support everyone. For example:
Join me for a relaxed afternoon exploring the local markets before stopping for lunch. We'll browse at our own pace, practise making purchases and get to know each other along the way. Open to one Member, or two as a group booking.
Include the practical details
- date and time (and whether they're flexible)
- location or meeting point
- expected duration
- extra costs such as tickets, transport or meals
- anything to bring
- accessibility, mobility or sensory information
- whether it's open to a group booking
Say who it might suit
Focus on interests and preferences, and don't make assumptions about who can take part. For example: "This may suit Members who enjoy creative projects, want to build confidence meeting new people or prefer a relaxed, small-group setting." You can also mention if it's beginner-friendly, low sensory, active or quiet.
Make the group option feel welcoming
Go further than "group booking available". Explain why sharing makes it better: "You're welcome to bring someone you know or join another Member who shares your interests. I'll make sure everyone feels comfortable and included." Members always keep choice and control over the person, Activity and arrangement.
Let your personality shine
Members are choosing the Activity and the person they'll do it with. Share why you love the idea and what kind of atmosphere you want to create. Write like you're personally inviting someone.
Quick checklist before you publish
- Is it immediately clear what the Activity is?
- Can a Member picture themselves there?
- Have I explained how I'll support them?
- Are the practical details easy to find?
- Have I mentioned the group booking option, if relevant?
- Does it sound fun and welcoming?
Frequently asked questions
Can Social Carers create Activities on Like Family? Yes. Social Carers can create Activities to share ideas with Members, who can then express interest and book.
What makes a good Activity idea? Something you enjoy that's safe, suitable and easy to picture, like a market visit, games night, bushwalk, cooking session or live event.
What is a group booking? A group booking is when one Social Carer supports two Members during a shared Activity. It's always optional and only goes ahead when it suits everyone.
How much do Social Carers earn for group bookings? Group bookings pay a higher hourly rate of $56 on weekdays and $79 on weekends.
Ready to share your idea?
You don't need a perfect plan. Start with something you'd enjoy, make it easy to understand and invite Members to picture themselves there.
Your next Activity could help someone try something new, make a friend or feel more at home in their community. It might also remind you why you became a Social Carer in the first place.
Need help? Contact our Customer Care team at hello@likefamily.com.au or call 1800 545 332.