Using your NDIS plan for social and community participation: Examples and ideas
Published at 01-04-2025 13:15:00
Using your NDIS plan for social and community participation: Examples and ideas
NDIS funding isn’t just about medical or personal care—it also supports you to live a full, connected, and engaged life. One of the most flexible and exciting parts of an NDIS plan is the funding for social and community participation, which is all about helping you get involved, try new things, and feel part of your local community.
Whether your goals include building confidence, making friends, learning a new hobby, or simply getting out more—this part of your plan can help make it happen.
What is social and community participation?
Social and community participation refers to activities that help you develop independence, improve life skills, and build meaningful relationships in the community. It’s about doing things that matter to you—whether it’s recreational, educational, cultural, or even spiritual.
This support is usually funded under Category 4: Assistance with Social and Community Participation (Core Supports) or Category 9: Increased Social and Community Participation (Capacity Building), depending on the activity and goal.
Examples of activities that may be funded
Here are some real examples of what your plan might fund under this category:
🎨 Creative hobbies
- Art or music classes
- Dance or drama workshops
- Craft or photography clubs
🧠 Educational workshops
- Cooking classes
- Tech or computer literacy programs
- Literacy and numeracy support
💪 Physical and wellbeing activities
- Gym memberships with support
- Swimming lessons
- Martial arts or yoga with assistance
👥 Social groups
- Peer support groups
- Disability-inclusive youth clubs
- Board game nights or book clubs
🚗 Outings and excursions
- Day trips with a support worker
- Attending community festivals or events
- Museum or gallery visits
💼 Work readiness and volunteering
- Supported volunteering
- Interview skills workshops
- Disability-friendly networking events
✈️ Travel and independence
- Learning to use public transport
- Transport to and from social events
- Support to attend camps or retreats
Remember, these supports need to be linked to your goals and may need to be included in your plan during your planning meeting or review.
What can’t be funded?
The NDIS doesn’t cover:
- General leisure costs (e.g. entry tickets, meals, accommodation)
- Memberships or lessons that are unrelated to your goals
- Activities already covered by another government program (like school fees)
However, the support required to participate in these activities—such as transport or a support worker’s time—can be funded.
Tips for making the most of your funding
- Be clear about your goals Include goals in your plan like “building social skills” or “increasing confidence in the community”—this opens the door to a wide range of support options.
- Talk to your support coordinator or provider They can help you explore suitable options and connect with community organisations or groups near you.
- Use your plan manager At Just Plan Managers, we help you track your spending and ensure you’re making full use of your funding. Our online portal allows participants, carers, and support coordinators to view budgets in real time and receive monthly budget reports.
- Try new things Don’t be afraid to explore something different—these activities are about your personal growth and enjoyment.
Get in touch
Want to make the most of your NDIS plan? Whether you need help with budgeting, understanding what’s funded, or choosing the right provider, we’re here to support you. Call us on 1300 217 037 or email us at info@justplanmanagers.com.au
Let’s work together to help you participate, connect, and thrive.