Social Groups
Social Groups
Helping Hands offers a range of social connection groups for clients of all ages. We aim to provide a supported environment for individuals to connect with like-minded peers over shared interests. Helping Hands social groups have a strong focus on celebrating diversity and respecting all neurodiverse social behaviour and preferences as equal. Our social groups are run by a multidisciplinary team to ensure a holistic approach.
Helping Hands Social Groups aim to:
- Support engagement in social activities and teamwork, in a way that feels comfortable for the individual
- Develop awareness of how other people’s behaviour impacts us and how our behaviour impacts others
- Teach self-advocacy skills that can be used to support participation and enjoyment in social settings
- Teach skills to overcome communication breakdowns and social conflict that may occur in school and community settings
- Respect each other’s differences and utilise each other’s strengths to work as a team
Kinder and School-Aged Social Groups
Helping Hands kinder and school-aged social groups occur in our centre or in the community, depending on the needs of the group. At the conclusion of each term, the leading team conducts a parent education night, to discuss what the group has done during the term, as well as providing evidence-based strategies for supporting social connection.
Adult Social Groups
Helping Hands adult social groups take place in a range of settings, offering clients the opportunity to participate in a diverse variety of community activities while connecting with peers. Participants are supported to engage with members of the community, develop their independence and problem-solving skills in various settings and to share new experiences with peers. Examples of activities include bowling, mini-golf, visiting local points of interest and catching public transport.
How we can help you
Social Awareness and Teamwork
Helping Hands social groups support individuals in developing social awareness and teamwork skills. Through engaging activities, participants learn how their actions impact others, fostering respect for differences and building on each other's strengths in a collaborative environment.
Self-Advocacy in Social Settings
Our social groups teach self-advocacy skills, empowering participants to express their needs and preferences in social situations. These skills help individuals feel confident and included in school, community, and group settings.
Conflict Resolution and Communication
Helping Hands social groups offer strategies for managing communication breakdowns and social conflicts. Participants practice resolving misunderstandings and navigating social challenges, promoting positive and respectful interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Helping Hands runs neuro-affirming social groups for children and adults. A social group is a supportive environment where individuals can connect with peers who share similar interests and experiences. These groups focus on working towards supporting participation and engagement in small and large activities and developing skills such as negotiation, play and compromise. Your child may learn about self-advocacy, individual differences and personal strengths.
The social group structure is dependent on the group and the client’s individual and group needs. The structure of the program also depends on the client’s age group, goals and group dynamics.