NDIS Social Support Visits in Australia

Structured Social Support to Build Connection and Independence

Social support visits are NDIS-funded supports designed to help people with disability in Australia build social skills, maintain community connections, and work towards independence goals. Unlike general companionship services (which focus on building a one-on-one friendship through shared interests), social support visits are goal-oriented, structured, and tied directly to your NDIS plan objectives.

If your NDIS plan includes funding for Assistance with Social and Community Participation, social support visits are one of the most practical ways to use that funding.

What Are Social Support Visits?

Social support visits combine social connection with purposeful skill development. During a social support visit, a trained support worker helps you:

• Practice Social Skills: Building confidence in conversation, reading social cues, and managing interactions in different settings.
• Access Community Activities: Attending group programs, community events, and recreational activities in Australia with support as needed.
• Develop Independence Skills: Working on goals like ordering at a cafe, using public transport, or managing money during outings.
• Maintain Existing Relationships: Support to keep in touch with friends, attend family events, and sustain your social network.
• Explore New Interests: Trying new activities and hobbies in a supported environment to discover what you enjoy.

How Social Support Visits Differ from Companionship Services

It is important to understand the distinction between these two services, as they serve different purposes:

	Social Support Visits	Companionship Services
Primary Focus	Goal-oriented skill building and community participation	Building a personal friendship through shared interests
Funding Source	NDIS Core Supports (Social and Community Participation)	Home Care Packages, NDIS, CHSP
Structure	Structured around NDIS plan goals with progress tracking	Informal, relationship-focused
Activities	Community outings, group programs, skill development	Conversation, hobbies, shared meals, outings
Who Benefits	NDIS participants working on social and independence goals	Older Australians or people with disability experiencing loneliness
Reporting	Progress notes linked to NDIS goals	General service notes

Both services address isolation, but if you are an NDIS participant with specific social and community participation goals in your plan, social support visits are the structured pathway to achieving them.

Types of Social Support Available in Australia

Individual Social Support

One-on-one sessions with a support worker focused on your specific goals. Individual support is ideal for:

• Working on specific social skills at your own pace
• Attending appointments or events where you need dedicated support
• Practising new skills like using public transport or shopping independently
• Building confidence before joining group activities

Group Social Support

Structured group programs where you participate alongside others. Group activities in Australia can include:

• Community outings to markets, galleries, parks, and cafes
• Recreational programs like sport, art, music, and cooking
• Social skills groups facilitated by trained support workers
• Peer support sessions with others who share similar experiences

Group social support is typically funded at a lower hourly rate than individual support, which means your NDIS funding goes further.

Centre-Based Social Support

Some providers in Australia offer centre-based programs in dedicated facilities. These programs provide a regular schedule of activities in a safe, supported environment. Centre-based support can be a good option for people who benefit from routine and structure.

How Social Support Visits Work with Your NDIS Plan

Social support visits are funded under NDIS Core Supports, Assistance with Social and Community Participation. Your plan may include a specific budget for this support category, or it may be part of a flexible Core Supports budget that you can allocate as needed.

Setting Goals for Social Support

Effective social support visits are built around clear NDIS goals. Examples include:

• “I will attend two community activities per week independently within six months.”
• “I will develop the skills to catch public transport to my regular activities.”
• “I will join and maintain membership of a local club or group in Australia.”
• “I will practise my communication skills in group settings each week.”

Your provider will work with you to set goals that are meaningful to you and track your progress over time. This progress tracking is important for your NDIS plan reviews, as it demonstrates how you are using your funding and what outcomes you are achieving.

Support Worker Matching

Quality providers take the time to match you with a support worker who understands your goals and communication style. The right match makes a real difference. Your support worker should be someone you feel comfortable with, who encourages you without pushing too hard, and who genuinely wants to see you succeed.

The Benefits of Regular Social Support

Research consistently shows that regular social connection improves outcomes for people with disability across many areas:

• Reduced Isolation: Regular social support breaks the cycle of loneliness and withdrawal that many people with disability experience.
• Improved Mental Health: Consistent social engagement is linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety.
• Skill Development: Practising social and independence skills in real-world settings builds lasting capacity.
• Community Belonging: Regular participation in community activities creates a sense of belonging and purpose.
• Increased Confidence: Each successful social interaction builds confidence for the next one.

Getting Started with Social Support in Australia

Starting social support visits is straightforward:

1. Check Your NDIS Plan: Look for funding under Core Supports, Assistance with Social and Community Participation.
2. Connect with a Provider: Through MD Home Care, find providers in Australia who offer social support visits.
3. Initial Meeting: Your provider will discuss your goals, interests, and preferences.
4. Support Worker Matching: You will be matched with a support worker who suits your personality and goals.
5. Start Your Program: Begin with activities that match your current confidence level, gradually building towards your goals.

Your Support Coordinator can also help you find the right provider and ensure your social support visits align with your overall NDIS plan.

“I have autism and social situations used to make me really anxious. My support worker started by going to a quiet cafe in Australia with me once a week. We practised ordering and making small talk. After a few months, she helped me join a board game group. I now go to the group every Saturday without my support worker. It took time, but I have friends there now and that means everything to me.” - James R., Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

How are social support visits different from community access?

Social support visits focus on the social and relational aspects of community engagement, such as building friendships, practising conversation, and maintaining social connections. Community access is broader and includes learning practical skills like using public transport, navigating shops, and attending appointments. In practice, there is overlap, and many providers combine elements of both. Both are funded under NDIS Core Supports.

Can I use social support visits to attend events or activities I already enjoy?

Yes. Social support is not limited to new activities. If you already attend a sports club, art class, or community group in Australia but need support to participate fully, social support visits can provide that assistance. The goal is to support your participation, whether that is maintaining existing activities or exploring new ones.

How many social support visits can I have per week?

This depends on your NDIS plan and funding allocation. Some participants have social support visits two to three times per week, while others may have more or fewer. Your provider will help you plan a schedule that makes the best use of your funding while working towards your goals.

What qualifications do social support workers need?

Social support workers in the MD Home Care network hold a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or equivalent as a minimum. They also hold current NDIS Worker Screening Checks and National Police Checks. Many have additional training in areas like positive behaviour support, mental health first aid, and communication strategies. Providers select support workers based on their interpersonal skills and ability to build genuine rapport.

Can social support visits be combined with other NDIS services?

Yes. Social support visits work well alongside other services such as therapy, support coordination, transport services, and life skills development. Many people in Australia use a combination of services to build a comprehensive support package that addresses multiple goals.

You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone.

Find providers through MD Home Care who can help you build a social support program that matches your goals, your interests, and your pace.