Community Participation Program

Hello

We are pleased to introduce our Community Participation Program for 2021.

You can choose activities in this booklet and attend as part of a group

You can choose activities in this booklet and attend with 1:1 support

Or you can choose something else that is not in this booklet if you have 1:1 support

The group activities will have number restrictions. You will need to select a second choice just in case you miss out on your first one. Check out more information by viewing our Community Participation Brochure

We are looking forward to welcoming some new clients in 2021 and helping them reach their goals.

Days and hours of operation

The Community Participation Program is held Monday to Friday 9:30am–3:30pm. Support times can be extended to meet your transport needs if required. Support staff don’t start work until 9:30am so it is important to remember that you shouldn’t arrive until this time. Afternoon pick up happens between 3:00–3:30pm.

What you need to bring:

Each day you come to Community Participation you need to bring:

Hat and sunscreen
Morning Tea, Lunch and water bottle
Cash for your activity
Medication/incontinence products (if required)
Communication diary (if required)
Change of clothes (if required)
Companion card, taxi vouchers etc.

Benefits of community participation

This link takes you to information published by the NDIS about why community participation is important Community participation | NDIS

Costs

Your NDIS plan will cover your support costs and are included in your CHSS Service Agreement. Some of our activities may include costs that aren’t included in your NDIS plan.

Any extra costs that you will need to pay for out of your own money for each activity. If you pick an activity that you need to pay for, you can pay in cash on the day of the activity. You will be given a receipt for these costs. Transport costs are invoiced fortnightly with two options to suit your transport needs.

Where it happens

Community Participation activities are held at the CHSS Hub at 14 Scarba Street as well as out in the community. The timetable of activities might change throughout the year based on which activities are popular with participants. You can talk to the Community Participation Team Leader at any time if you want to try a new activity.

Participations

Game on

Challenge yourself with our games group. Meet new friends, increase your literacy and numeracy skills all while having fun playing bingo, scrabble, UNO, puzzles and more.
Cost : Nil

Numeracy and Literacy

Be supported to develop your reading, writing and math skills in a relaxed 1:1 environment or as part of a small group. Sessions are tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Cost : Nil

Education and Life Skill Programs

In 2021 the Community Participation Program will hold some special courses and talks to increase your knowledge around your health and wellbeing and many other interesting topics. These will be run by professionals in that field and may be a one-off session or may run for several weeks. Keep your eye out for information coming soon.
Cost : Nil

Home and Community Safety Education

Learn about how to keep yourself safe at home and while out in the community. We will cover
everything from traffic safety, personal safety when out at night, cyber and financial safety. There will be the opportunities for fun role plays and we will invite guest speakers to this group.
Cost : Nil

Internet and Computer Skills

Be supported to learn more about using the computer or your iPad. Learn about cyber safety and
browsing the internet. Sessions are tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Cost : Nil

Money Skills and Budgeting

Increase your confidence in handling money. Practice in the centre and out in the community at
budgeting and planning your spending. We will use games and online learning to make it fun and easy to understand.
Cost : Nil

Gotcha Photography Group

Learn to take photos out and about in the Coffs Harbour community. Learn to edit your photographs and use different features on your camera or iPad.
Build a portfolio and exhibit your work. BYO camera or device and a storage device to save your photos. Finish the morning with a BYO picnic lunch.
Cost : $3

Handicraft Group

Fancy some sewing, knitting or cross stitch?
Join us to increase your skills in this relaxing and fun group. Who knows, next time you lose a button you may just sew it back on yourself!
Cost : $5

Baking Time

Participants will work as a team to create a different treat each week. Learn new baking skills and food and kitchen safety along the way.
Cost : $3

Men’s Maintenance Crew and Lunch

Each week you will practice new skills around CHSS work sites. You may work on the garden, paint or do some odd repair jobs. After all of the hard work you can enjoy a lunch with the guys at the Coffs Pub.
Cost : Nil

Community Projects Team

Work with other community-minded people such as schools, seniors and the Disability Advocacy team. Learn about self-advocacy from the professionals. Develop an all-inclusive event or lobby to council for a much needed service, the list is endless!
Cost : Nil

Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed

Work on a project individually or with your friends. Learn about different tools and machinery and enjoy a yarn with the members over morning tea.

Cost : Individuals must pre-plan projects and be willing to pay costs of materials purchased from men’s shed or other locations. Annual membership for yourself and 1 support staff.

Work Placement and Volunteer work

Learn valuable work skills and contribute to the community with 1:1 support or as part of a small group. You may find your own workplace, or we can assist you to explore new opportunities.
Cost : Nil

MicroBiz Program

BYO business idea or let us help you to discover your own unique idea. You will be supported to set up your micro business and learn skills such as business planning, how to get an ABN, invoicing and accounting. You will have the chance to work with a professional business mentor.

Participate in selling your items at the markets or elsewhere.
Check out the MicroBiz brochure for more
information

Women’s Health and Wellbeing Group

While pampering yourself with painting nails, mini facials and hairstyles you can talk about issues affecting women, with women. There will be guest speakers participating in this group.
Cost : $2

CHSS Mountain Bike Club

You don’t have to get out any lycra for this activity! Explore the Coffs Coast by bike. Pace yourself and increase your fitness as you go!
Cost : Nil

Personal Training

Increase your fitness and mobility through an individually tailored training session with a CHSS personal trainer. Participants must have a clearance from their doctor.
Cost : Memberships or weekly visit costs to be discussed with venue

Heart Movers Exercise

Heart Movers is a gentle to moderate intensity exercise class. It is designed to be safe and fun exercise to music and can be seated or standing. The class is held at the Coffs Harbour Scout Hall.
Cost : $8

Women’s Self Defence

Learn important self defence skills by a professional Judo teacher. Along the way you will improve your strength and stamina.
Cost : Nil

Coffs Coast Mini Golf and Lunch

Have a ball playing mini golf at this exciting new venue. Follow on with a meal from a local café or pub.
Cost: $12 for golf + lunch cost

Healthy Cooking Class (Beginner)

Let us introduce you to basic healthy cooking. Learn to make meals like scrambled eggs, wraps and toasted sandwiches. Learn all of the safety skills needed in the kitchen. Everyone will be involved and can eat their creation for lunch.
Cost: $5

Tennis Club and BBQ Lunch

Work on your tennis skills with a group lesson at the Westside Tennis Club. Build your fitness and coordination while having a laugh with your peers. A BBQ lunch will follow to relax after your lesson
Cost: $10 lesson + $5 for BBQ

Healthy Cooking Class (Intermediate)

Put on your chef's hat and cook up a storm with us. Learn how to prepare healthy meals for you and your friends. You will learn how to prepare stir fries, pasta dishes and different types of salads. Discover new techniques in food preparation and learn important information about food safety. Everyone will be involved and can eat their creation for lunch.
Cost: $5

Aquatics

Swim laps, play games or work on a BYO exercise plan. You can be supported 1:1 or as part of a small group.
Cost: $4.5

Walk and Picnic Group

Get your walking shoes on! We will visit many beautiful locations on the Coffs Coast and improve our fitness along the way. Wear a pedometer and count your steps. This group will walk for up to 1 hour and require moderate fitness levels. Finish with a BYO picnic lunch.
Cost: $4.5

BBQ and Recreation

Meet new people and enjoy the scenic Coffs Coast. Participants are involved in all of the decision making for the activity. Practice your money and shopping skills or prepare and cook the BBQ. There are many opportunities to get active in this recreation group including ball sports, walking, fishing, swimming and kayaking.
Cost : $5

The Lab

Fancy yourself a bit of a scientist? Join us for some fun and exploration in the CHSS science lab. Learn problem solving skills and experiment the morning away!
Cost : $2

CHSS Choir

Always dreamed of being a singer? Join us for a friendly and relaxed place to work on your singing voice. Our aim is to build our choir to participate in performances in the community.
Cost : Nil

CHSS Coffee Club

Join a friendly group on a Saturday afternoon to meet new people and chat about similar interests. Staff will support you to introduce yourself and find someone with similar interests. Participants may choose to continue the afternoon or evening independently with their peers if they choose.
Cost : Afternoon tea costs

Riding For The Disabled

Love horses? This one is for you. Participate in the Riding for the Disabled program at Valla and enjoy morning tea with friends while soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.
Cost : Prices and bookings are directed to RDA

Step In Time

Improve your movement and coordination while dancing the afternoon away with our professional dance teacher.
Cost : $5

CHSS Special Events

Throughout the year the Community Participation Program may invite you to attend special events such as concerts, theatre shows or big days out such as Treetops Adventure Park or the Big Banana. Keep your eye out for a flyer coming soon!
Cost : Nil

Film Making

Get creative and make your own movie or film clip. You will be supported to try new techniques and edit your film.

Ballroom Dancing

Head along to Pacific Dance Center to learn the art of Ballroom dancing. A fun way to meet new people.
Cost : $10

Bowling

Catch up with friends at Club 300 bowling alley
Cost : $10 per game.

Kegal Bowling

Try your hand at Kegal bowling at Moonee Beach. Bowling with a twist! Finish with a BYO picnic lunch.
Cost : $8

Crazy Crafters

Get creative with endless hours of crafting. You will discover the art of mosaics, beading, soap making, ceramics and much more.
Cost : $5

Saturday Social Nights

Build new relationships while enjoying a fun night out. Social nights may be at the centre or out in the community. You will get to enjoy a mix of dinner, dancing, karaoke and fancy dress nights.
Cost : To be announced

Drama

Build your confidence and learn new skills in the world of performance. You will learn skills such as improvisation, singing and acting.
Cost : $5

Create and Connect Art Group

Explore your creative side and work on an individual or group piece of art. Learn new skills from our professional art teacher in a relaxed and supportive session.
Cost : $5

Fishing

Drop a line and catch a big one to take home for dinner. Explore many of Coffs Harbour’s waterways and share your skills with like-minded fishermen.
Cost : $2

Karaoke

Sing along to your favourite tune while you catch up with friends.
Cost : Nil

Red Hots Band

Can you play an instrument? Join our rock band or start a band of your own.
Cost : To be announced

Gaming Group

Meet like-minded peers in our Gaming Group. BYO game or try one of ours. A chance to get to know others while doing something you enjoy.
Cost : $2

Ladies Scrapbooking and Lunch Club

Preserve your precious memories in a personalised scrapbook created by you. Learn new creative skills and meet friends in a fun and friendly environment. Afterwards you can continue to socialise over a café lunch. BYO photos.
Cost : $7 for materials + lunch cost.

Bingo and Lunch

Participate in a game of bingo at the Coffs Harbour Ex Services Club followed by a bistro lunch to catch up with friends.
Cost : Lunch cost + $6 for bingo book

Coffs Rocks

Follow the latest craze and join the fun. Get creative by decorating river stones with paints and pens. You will then hide your rocks and search for others at beautiful Coffs Harbour locations. Follow the Coffs Rocks Facebook page to check it out!
Cost : $2