Hobbies and Hangouts Brunswick

Hobbies and Hangouts is based on a neuro-affirming Youth Development Framework which supports the individual to further develop their interests and strengths to improve wellbeing. The focus is on positive engagement and positive interactions over shared interests. Hobbies and Hangouts draws on a multidisciplinary framework and strategies and is supervised by a Clinical Social Worker. The program is facilitated by our Therapy Assistants with a focus on engaging in activities and building skills that support improved peer relationships. Social skills, along with a sense of community and resilience are nurtured through leadership opportunities, role-modelling and positive peer interactions (Scales et al., 2000). Outcomes include improved self-esteem and reduce social anxiety.

Maybe you like Harry Potter and you want to join us for a Harry Potter trivia night. Maybe you’ve never played Mini Golf before, but you're happy to try so you sign up and come along, meeting others too. Perhaps you like painting well join us for our ‘Canvas and Chat’ session. Our calendar of events will change every month. Check it out below, and give it a go!

Nope! Hobbies and Hangouts doesn’t replace or replicate our Social Skills Groups. Those programs are run by our clinicians, with a specific learning intention. Hobbies and Hangouts are offered by our Therapy Assistants in pairs, providing a social event for you to join, with their support in the background, passive, but available to you while you hang out with others. We have found that these sessions support skills learnt in therapy whilst mingling with other like-minded individuals and incidentally boosts self esteem!

All Social Learning Studio clients are eligible to take part in our Hobbies and Hangout sessions. Talk to one of your clinicians to find if this would suit you. If you are a new client please give us to call to find out how to join our groups. You will have a session with a clinician to see if they could be a good fit for you. Siblings are welcome too!

It’s likely that no one will know anyone when they first join. Each event might have new people to meet and some familiar faces from previous groups. That’s ok. Our Therapy Assistants Maria, Malamati, Neil, Christine and Ethan will be there for make everyone feel relaxed and comfortable. Let’s make sure you get a chance to meet them first, so you definitely know at least two people when you turn up!

The cost of each event is based on the cost of two therapy assistants as determined by the NDIS and NDIS recommended fee structure (session rate $86.79 per 60 min, per person) divided by the number of participants involved, plus the cost of any materials/resources.

For example:

Groups are maximum six people. The cost for 4 people would be $65.10 each and $43.39 each for 6 people attending. We won’t know the exact cost till the day before, when our numbers are finalized and confirmed. This event is capped at 6 participants. Additional costs for resources and supplies will be added to NDIS. See posters or events for more info.