When you first get your NDIS plan, it is very easy to focus only on health tasks. You might spend a lot of time looking for a therapist. You might look for someone to help fix your house. However, one of the most common questions we hear from local families is simple. They ask: "Can I use my NDIS money to go out for fun, or is it only for doctor visits?"
The answer is a big yes. In fact, the NDIS believes that having fun is a very important part of your health. It helps you stay independent. It helps you feel like part of the world.
Getting "beyond the house" is about more than just seeing a new place. It is about building a life that feels full. It is about doing things that make you happy. In this guide, we will explain how social and community participation works. We will look at what you can do in the Goulburn Valley. We will also show you how the right support worker can change your daily life.
What is Social and Community Participation?
In the NDIS, this service helps you join in everyday activities. This can be almost anything you do outside your home. It might be meeting a friend for a cup of coffee. It might be joining a local sports team. It could even be going to a festival.
The main goal is to help you overcome things that stop you from going out. Some people have physical barriers. They might need help using a wheelchair in a crowd. Other people have social barriers. They might feel nervous about going to a busy place alone. A support worker stays by your side. They make sure you have the same chances as everyone else to enjoy Shepparton.
Understanding Your Budget
To get the most out of your plan, you need to know where the money comes from. Most social support fits into two groups:
Core Supports (Assistance with Social and Community Participation): This is for your daily life right now. It pays for a support worker to go with you to an activity. If you want to see a movie this weekend, you use this budget.
Capacity Building (Increased Social and Community Participation): This is for your future. It pays for things like classes or coaching. It might help you learn to use the bus by yourself. The goal is to give you skills so you can go out on your own one day.
Choosing Between One-on-One or Group Support
Everyone likes to socialize in their own way. Some people like a quiet day at the park. Other people like to be in a big, loud crowd at a footy game. GV Complete Care offers different ways to get involved:
Individual Support (One-on-One)
This support is just for you. One worker helps only you. This is a great choice if you have a special goal. You might want to:
Go to a specific art class.
Visit a family member in Mooroopna or Tatura.
Practice skills like grocery shopping or using a bank.
Activities and Leisure Groups
If you want to make new friends, our activities and leisure groups are perfect. Doing things in a group is a lot of fun. You get to meet people who like the same things you do. We host group BBQs and trips to the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM). We also go bowling. These groups help turn strangers into a supportive family.
5 Fun Things to Do in Shepparton
There are so many great spots in the Goulburn Valley. Here are five ways you can use your NDIS support to stay active:
Visit Aquamoves: Your worker can help you go for a swim. You can also join a fun fitness class.
Explore the Art Museum (SAM): You can look at the art and then have a snack. The view of Victoria Park Lake is beautiful.
Join a Sports Club: We can help you get to practice. Whether you like bowls, cricket, or footy, you can be part of the team.
Go to the Markets: The Emerald Bank markets are a great place to chat with locals. You can find fresh food and cool crafts.
Start a New Hobby: You might want to learn how to paint or use a computer. We can help you attend local classes.
A quick tip about costs: The NDIS pays for the support worker’s time. However, you usually have to pay for your own "extras." This means you pay for your own movie ticket, your lunch, or your club fees.
Why a Good Match is Important
Our team operates with a social work heart. We do not just see a "job" or a "client." We see two people who need to get along. We believe that if you love a certain footy team, your worker should love footy too. If you like quiet gardening, you should not be with a worker who wants to go to loud concerts.
We listen to what makes you happy. We match you with workers who share your interests. When you like your worker, going out does not feel like a service. It feels like a normal part of your day. This builds your confidence. It helps you feel brave enough to try new things.
The Big Benefits of Going Out
Science shows that spending time with others is great for your brain. It stops you from feeling lonely. It makes you feel better about yourself. It can even make your body feel stronger. When you go out, you are also learning how to:
Talk to others: You practice chatting with people in shops.
Solve problems: You learn how to move through busy places.
Plan your time: You learn how to get ready and be on time.
Are You Ready for an Adventure?
If you have been staying inside too much, we can help. Maybe you are not sure how to use your plan. We have over 30 years of experience helping people in Victoria. We want to help you find something you love to do in Shepparton.
How to start:
Contact Us Today for a friendly chat.
Let’s get beyond the house. There is so much to see in the Goulburn Valley!
Questions About Community Support in Shepparton
Can I use my plan to go to events in Shepparton?
Yes. You can use your funding to attend local events like the Fryers Street Food Festival. Your support worker can go with you to help you enjoy the day safely.
Will the NDIS pay for my gym or pool entry?
No. The NDIS pays for the worker to help you at the pool or gym. You must pay for your own entry fee at places like Aquamoves.
Can a worker help me visit my family?
Yes. If your family lives in nearby towns like Mooroopna or Tatura, a worker can help you get there. This helps you stay close to the people you love.
What if I am nervous about being in big crowds?
That is okay. Your worker can stay right by your side. They will help you feel safe and calm while you are out in busy places.
Do I have to go out in a group?
No. You can choose one-on-one support. This means it is just you and your worker. You get to decide exactly where you go and what you do.
How does GV Complete Care find a worker I will like?
We match you with someone who has the same hobbies as you. If you like quiet walks or loud sports, we find a worker who likes those things too.