There is no right way to be part of a community. The best activities are usually the ones you choose because you want to, not the ones on a list.
Start from interests, not from a list of activities
Instead of asking what is available, ask what you like. Think about what you enjoyed as a child, what you would watch or read for hours, what you would like to learn, and where you feel like yourself. Interests point to activities, and often to the people who share them.
Then think about what kind of company you would like: alone but around others, in a small group, or somewhere with lots going on. That can matter as much as the activity itself.
Try, review, adjust
You do not have to commit to something forever. Treating a new activity as a trial takes some of the pressure off, and it makes it easier to change your mind.
- 1Pick one thing to try
Choose something small enough to feel manageable.
- 2Decide what support you want
You might want someone with you at the start, for the whole time, or only for the journey.
- 3Try it once or twice
Give yourself a chance to settle, but know you can leave.
- 4Look back afterwards
What did you enjoy? What was hard? What would you change?
- 5Keep it, change it or drop it
All three are good outcomes. You have learned something either way.
Confidence grows at its own pace
It is normal to feel nervous about somewhere new. Going at the pace that suits you might mean visiting first, meeting the person running the activity, or starting with a shorter time. Progress is not always a straight line, and a quiet week does not undo what you have done.
Practical things to plan
| Practical detail | What it might involve | A question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Getting there and back | Transport, timing, accessibility of the route | How will I get there, and what is the plan if it falls through? |
| Cost | Fees, equipment, refreshments | What will this cost me, and what is it that I am paying for? |
| Support | Someone to go with you, or to be nearby | How much support do I want, and can it fade over time? |
| The place itself | Access, noise, crowds, facilities | Can I visit first, and is there somewhere quiet if I need it? |
Whether a particular activity or support can be paid for from a plan depends on the plan, so check before you commit.
Community participation should never feel like an obligation. If you would rather wait, or try something different, that is a legitimate choice, and it can be revisited whenever you like.
Talking about it with the people who support you
It helps to tell family, your coordinator or a provider what you would like to try, in your own words, and what would make it feel comfortable. Where a plan includes support for social or community activities, they can help with the practical side.
Where to start
You can read about community participation at WSS. If you are working out what to raise in a planning conversation, our checklist may help, and you are welcome to make an enquiry.
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About the author
WSS Resources Team
Western Sydney Services.
