At Interchange, we believe you should live life your way, enjoying the activities you love with people who share your passion. We’re here to help you access your community and focus on your goals and unique interests. As an active and engaged member of your local community, you can develop valuable relationships, skills and a sense of belonging. Your Interchange Support Team will follow your lead, interests and goals to help you to connect with your community.
At Interchange, we know that people with disabilities often feel lonely and find it hard to make new friends or join activities they enjoy. That’s why one of our core values is Belonging.
Everyone wants to feel like they belong—to their friends, family, and community. When we feel a sense of belonging, we are happier and more connected. We want to help you build the connections you need to feel like you belong and live a good
I have made so many new friends through swimming and I love being part of this community. They accept me for who I am. It is important to remember that we are all different but what lies inside, is what truly matters and how we should be treated. – Carys
What is Community Access?
Go out and connect with your local community. Enjoy your favourite hobby or try something new. Catch up with friends or make new ones. Join a community group and make a difference or try a new sporting activity, we will help you get involved in whatever you enjoy. We’re here to support you as much as you need, making every outing enjoyable and memorable.
Local people, Individual support
Our local support team is right where you need us. We get to know you and understand your needs, and your local community. We provide tailored services to help you achieve your goals. We empower you to live the life you want, with skilled locally-based teams who share your passions and interests with the same level of enthusiasm and excitement.
Be part of your community
Being part of your community is essential for feeling connected and included. It helps you make friends, build confidence, and learn important skills for independence.
Try New Activities
Find joy in exploring your hidden talents and skills by trying out new activities. Our friendly and supporting team will help you try new things and discover new passions. We are here adapt your supports to your changing interests and needs.
Connect with Local Groups
We’ll connect you with local organisations and clubs that match your interests. Providing the support you need to make each outing safe and enjoyable, every step of your way.
Build your Independence
At Interchange, we help you develop skills for independence and safety in your community. Participating in activities not only brings joy but will also help you gain valuable skills for volunteering and work.
I really enjoy participating in the Fremantle Men’s Shed because I meet new people, get out and about and get to do woodwork. My pieces are now so good that I can put them up for sale in the shop. – Regan
Go out and connect with your local community. Enjoy your favourite hobby or try something new. Catch up with friends or make new ones. Join a community group and make a difference or try a new sporting activity, we will help you get involved in whatever you enjoy. We’re here to support you as much as you need, making every outing enjoyable and memorable.
The possibilities are endless:
- Catch up with friends or join social activities
- Take part in what you enjoy, from going to the cinema to local music and sporting events
- Get fit and active, walk in nature, swim in the sea or join a gym.
- Keep healthy by staying up to date with your medical and therapy appointments
- Talk to us about your interests, and we’ll create a plan tailored to you!
Let Interchange support you with the activities you love and discover new ones with us!
We’re here, right where you need us.
Belonging starts with being heard. Tell us what matters to you, and let’s make it happen together.
How is Social and Community Participation funded?
Social and Community Participation services are funded under one of the following in your NDIS plan:
Core – Assistance with Social & Community Participation (Support Category 4)
Capacity Building – Increased Social & Community Participation (Support Category 9)
Customised Lifestyle Support
Are you looking for creative and flexible support to help you reach your goals? Interchange’s Customised Lifestyle Support offers personalised options tailored to your unique needs and interests.
We can assist you with everything from organizing one-time or regular social outings in the evenings and on weekends to booking overnight trips away. Whether you want to catch up with friends, explore new places, or simply enjoy your favourite activities, we’re here to help you make it happen!
- Organising social, fun and challenging activities
- Booking trips and making reservations
- Attending sporting and music events
- Planning and attending social night outs
- Arranging weekend excursions
- Organising get-togethers and parties
- Being your companion to events, places or trips
- & much more.
If you’re keen to live the life you choose and seek flexibility when working towards achieving your goals, reach out to us today!
I then joined a proper chess club at the South Perth Library. Gail accompanies me every week. We browse the library for some great new reads, and I get to play chess – wonderful! I met many other Chess players, and gradually, with Gails support, I started to come out of my shell and made many new friends.
Meet Frances – The 66-year-old, from our Myaree Neighbourhood, told us she has been struggling with Schizophrenia since the age of 12 and never expected anything to change. Distressing thoughts, erratic behaviour and several suicide attempts lead Fran down a very dark path.
After years of isolation Fran joined Interchange 18 months ago with two major goals – living a happier and healthier life and to become part of her local community. The road to belonging was rocky for Fran. Her Support Worker Gail however isn’t one to give up easily and over time the pair have built a relationship of trust and understanding. Fran has always wanted to learn to cook and Gail, a passionate cook herself, was keen to teach her. Fran has gone from being too scared to use an oven to having a huge list of recipes in her repertoire. The hobby chef now enjoys cooking for her friends and family, who love Fran’s newfound confidence as well as her yummy treats.
Fran is now comfortably leaving the safety of her home and actively seeks fun things to do out in the community. One thing she always wanted to learn in life was chess and Gail now accompanies her to a local chess club every week. Her opponent Albert is quite the expert and even though Fran calls the rook a castle she feels like she finally belongs, is accepted for who she is, made new friends with similar interests and truly enjoys her life to the fullest.
Find out more about Frances HERE
Find out more about how we can support you as an active member of your community, Contact Us. If you are interested in our services please fill out our Customer Form, send it to enquiry@interchangewa.org.au and we will be in touch shortly.