Social Support Groups
Our Social Support Groups connect people with their community. We encourage people to be independent and to stay active and connected through social activities.
Who we care for
Social Support Groups provide community-based opportunities for adults needing support to join social activities. Support may be related to age, capacity, isolation, or a specific condition such as dementia.
Staying connected helps people to remain living in the community at home for longer. Carers benefit from the respite opportunities and access to information, experience and knowledge about related support services in the region.
What you can expect
Participation in our Social Support Groups can be short-term or long-term. You should be able to manage in a group setting and be independently mobile. Specific needs and opportunities will be explored on referral.
Participants need to register to attend weekly sessions. Regular attendance allows you to:
- get to know our staff
- join activities and events at our centres, local venues, or on excursions.
We have Social Support Groups running across all our campuses. Activities are site-specific.
This service is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.
Ballarat Social Support Groups
Our Ballarat Social Support Groups are available for adults who may benefit from support to access social activities. We encourage you to get involved and offer a wide range of activities.
What’s on?
- Weekday centre-based activities
- Optional weekday community-based activities and excursions
- Shed program
- Eyre House weekend overnight cottage respite program
- Eyres House dementia-focused activities
Transport
We have limited availability for transport on small buses, for an additional fee. This is prioritised for people who have no other transport options available to them.
Cost
Our current fee schedule is available on request.
The daily fee covers attendance and a meal. Participants attending community-based activities will need to pay any entry fees on the day, if required (e.g. swimming pool entry).
An invoice will be sent at the end of each month.
Midlands Activity Centre
Location
701 Norman Street, Ballarat North VIC 3350
Phone: 03 5331 5978
Opening hours
Midlands Activity Centre is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 4.00pm
Eyres House Memory Support Activities
Location
810 Ligar Street, Soldiers Hill, VIC 3350
Phone: 03 5332 4720
Opening hours
Eyre House is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 4.00pm
Weekend overnight cottage respite is available each fortnight: 3.00pm Friday - 3.00pm Sunday
Edenhope Day Centre
Our Social Support Group at the Edenhope Day Centre provides an opportunity for individuals from Edenhope and surrounding areas to come together and participate in social and recreational activities.
What’s on?
- Chair-based activities
- Individual activities
- Group activities
- Bus outings
- Involvement in community events
Transport
Transport is available through the Day Centre bus, which is equipped for wheelchair access.
Opening hours
The Edenhope Day Centre is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm.
We have planned outings at least twice a week.
Location
Elsie Bennett Centre
Lake Street (behind the hospital)
Phone: 03 5381 9285
Fax: 03 5381 9170
Cost
A small fee applies for the day, covering transport and a meal. The coordinator will explain any costs during your first visit.
Stawell Day Centre
Our Stawell Support Group provides a social atmosphere where you feel at home and a part of a group.
What’s on?
- BBQs, bowls, bingo, bus trips
- cards, cooking, craft
- exercises including strength training
- fishing
- games, gardening
- guest speakers
- music
- pub meals, reading
- shopping, special events
- walks
The Stawell Day Centre is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm.
Transport
Transport is available through the Day Centre bus, which is equipped for wheelchair access.
Location
Benette Day Centre
41 Sloane Street, Stawell VIC 3380
Phone: 03 5358 8523
Email: SSG8@gh.org.au
Cost
A small fee applies for the day, covering transport and a meal. Fees are available on request.
Horsham Day Centre
Our Social Support Group at the Horsham Day Centre offers a homely, cheerful, stimulating supportive day centre and friendship for older people.
What’s on?
- Card games
- Music
- Outings
- Guest speakers
- Craft
- Cooking
- Board games and Bingo
- Quizzes
- Movies
A meal is provided as part of the activities each day.
Transport
Transport is available through the Day Centre bus, which is equipped for wheelchair access.
Help is available for those who require assistance with personal care and activities of daily living.
Opening hours
The Horsham Day Centre is open Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 3.00pm.
Cost
A small fee applies for the day, covering transport and a meal. Fees are available on request.
Location
Day Centre Building, Robinson St, Horsham VIC 3400
(car park and entry at rear - O'Briens Lane)
Phone: 03 5381 9285
Fax: 03 5381 9170
Email: daycentre-horsham@gh.org.au
Dimboola Day Centre
Our Social Support Group at the Dimboola Day Centre offers a homely, cheerful, stimulating supportive day centre and friendship for older people.
What’s on?
- Card games
- Music
- Outings
- Guest speakers
- Craft
- Cooking
- Board games and Bingo
- Quizzes
- Movies
A meal is provided as part of the activities each day.
Transport
Transport is available through the Day Centre bus, which is equipped for wheelchair access.
Help is available for those who require assistance with personal care and activities of daily living.
Opening hours
Our Dimboola Day Centre is open Tuesday and Thursday, 9.00am – 3.00pm.
Cost
A small fee applies for the day, covering transport and a meal. Fees are available on request.
Location
Allister Hinchley Wing
Dimboola Hospital & Nursing Home
Lloyd St, Dimboola VIC 3414
Phone: 03 5363 7136
Fax: 03 5389 1132
Email: daycentre-horsham@gh.org.au
Referrals and access
Referrals can come from individuals, families, health professionals, and regional services.
- Over 65 years - Referrals need to be submitted through the My Aged Care Portal
- Under 65 years - Referrals need to be submitted through the Central Intake Team
- NDIS or Home Care Package (HCP) clients - direct referrals to the Central Intake Team
About Social Support Groups
Our Social Support Groups are government-funded, so eligible participants pay a small fee. Some places are available at full fee for those with other government funding like NDIS or HCP.
Social Support Groups are not a registered NDIS provider. You will be invoiced directly or through your financial intermediary.