Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[MoneyPenny123]

My son is 22 and is unable to work due to complex mental health issues. He is looking to make friends with others in a similar position.  He exercises in the morning and would like to do social activities from lunchtime onwards.

Does anyone know of any programs he could attend that are fun and social that he could join?

I hate seeing him so lonely and he really wants to hang out with other people.  Any suggestions welcome.

[tyme]

Hey there @MoneyPenny123 ,

Thanks for sharing 🙂

I'm glad your son is open to participating in events to socialise.

I'm wondering if your local council offers any activities?

I know in my local council here, there are many free activities and programs. These include walking groups, pickleball, walking football, craft groups, gardening, men's group, coffee and chat etc.

It's certainly worth logging onto your council website to have a look.

Unfortunately, people here may not be able to direct you to a particular place due to anonymity and potentially sharing your location. 

Let us know how you go 🙂

[MoneyPenny123]

thanks very much.  I am looking for programs that are suitable for like minded persons that may also be on NDIS and in a similar age bracket.

I will look into the council so thanks for making me look in my own hood.

[tyme]

When I wasn't working, I attended heaps of these groups. There were people there who had support workers with them to help them. It was great to see that my local council runs these groups. We also have a neighbourhood house program which has light kick boxing, body pump, etc. These are all free-of-charge, and as I said, support workers can go with them and participate.

I believe we also have monthly 'outings' where people book in to go on a bus trip, boat trip etc for the day. 

I think it's such a great initiative. Definitely worth checking out your council 🙂 @MoneyPenny123 

[tyme]

Ooo @MoneyPenny123 , I forgot to mention, another good place to ask is your local library. They usually know what activities are around. 

In Melb, there is a Libraries After Dark program which is funded and runs programs for people after hours including 3D printing, cricut introductory lessons, weaving, painting....

It's just about where you look!

[fluffylight]

Hi @MoneyPenny123

Sounds like you care a lot about your son, he is lucky to have you!

I found some Peer Support Groups around Australia both online and in person. There will be people with they own experience of mental health distress facilitating the groups - https://grow.org.au/find-a-group/ & https://grow.org.au/egrow/.

Hope this is useful 🙂
fluffylight