14th July 2020

The idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities, Circles of Support is an idea and practice that has been around for over 25 years. It is not a service or program but rather a group of people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future. Circles of Support can enable: more people in the life of each individual who are not paid to be there, an increase in the number of new and positive roles that people hold, reconnection with family members, expanded social and economic opportunities, an important safeguard for the future and a better life. 

26th May, 2nd and 9th June, 2020

These three webinars introduced participants to many of the main impacts of intellectual disability that, to some degree, are reflected in the lives of many people with an intellectual disability. This material is rarely addressed in formal training and gave participants greater insight into the daily challenges that people with intellectual disability may face.

12th May 2020

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

5th May 2020

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

23rd April 2020

Circles of Support

The idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities, Circles of Support are an idea and practice that has been around for over 25 years. It is not a service or program but rather a group of committed people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future.

13 February 2020

Self Direction

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

28 November 2019

Self Direction

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

28th November 2019

Circles of Support

The idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities, Circles of Support are an idea and practice that has been around for over 25 years. It is not a service or program but rather a group of committed people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future.

7 November 2019

Self Direction

What is this workshop about?

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

8 October 2019

Self Direction

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

6 September 2019

Friendships are one of the most important things in our lives. Research has shown that relationships make a big difference to our well-being, safety, learning and health. Although meaningful social connection is a problem for many people in society today, people who have a disability and/or other needs are at greater risk of isolation, loneliness and disconnection. Although we recognise the need for mutual friendship, we often struggle with how to assist people with disabilities or other needs to develop and maintain relationships, particularly with a range of community members.

23 August 2019

Life After School

Planning for life after school can seem daunting, especially when you have a disability. The options may seem slim and limited, however with vision, preparation and planning it’s possible for young people with a disability to thrive after school. This workshop aims to assist you to plan and prepare for life after school.

3 April 2019

The idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities, Circles of Support is an idea and practice that has been around for over 25 years. It is not a service or program but rather a group of people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future. Circles of Support can enable: more people in the life of each individual who are not paid to be there, an increase in the number of new and positive roles that people hold, reconnection with family members, expanded social and economic opportunities, an important safeguard for the future and a better life. This is a practical workshop and will use interactive exercises, reflection and discussion! 

8 August 2019

Self Direction

Self-managing NDIS funding and directing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control and work towards the good things in life. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process.

15 August 2019

Do you feel isolated and disconnected from you community? Do you know or support people who feel the same? Through the richness of story telling, Mariam Issa, Lauren G and Deb Rouget explore the importance of belonging and how we can take practical steps to create contribution and connections for ourselves and with others who might be marginalised or disconnected from their communities.

22 July 2019

There still exists considerable concern that although people with a disability are physically present in our communities, they’re still disconnected and living lonely lives of isolation and segregation (Shut Out Report, 2009). Although we may hold the goal for more inclusive lives for people with a disability, we’re often unsure how to go about it! This workshop is a learning event for those who are serious about exploring and discovering opportunities for welcome, contribution and connection that are abound within our communities for people with a disability.

30 April 2019

Often our conversations and planning with people who have a disability and others who have needs often focuses on what people can’t do or finding “services” to fill people’s lives. This workshop will enhance your ability to facilitate deeper conversations which assist individuals to develop real and sustainable connection in their neighbourhoods and communities.

Topics covered in this workshop include:

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13 & 14 March 2019

An exploration of the Social Role Valorisation framework with regard to people who are marginalised in society.

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This two day event reflected on the value of obtaining the good things in life and how we may support people who may have been marginalised or disadvantaged to have better lives and greater involvement in their communities. This event covered:

23 November 2018

Often our conversations and planning with people who have a disability and others who have needs often focuses on what people can’t do or finding “services” to fill people’s lives. This workshop will enhance your ability to facilitate deeper conversations which assist individuals to develop real and sustainable connection in their neighbourhoods and communities.

Topics covered in this workshop include:

22 November 2018

The idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities, Circles of Support is an idea and practice that has been around for over 25 years. It is not a service or program but rather a group of people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future. Circles of Support can enable: more people in the life of each individual who are not paid to be there, an increase in the number of new and positive roles that people hold, reconnection with family members, expanded social and economic opportunities, an important safeguard for the future and a better life. This is a practical workshop and will use interactive exercises, reflection and discussion! 

20 November 2018

The idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities, Circles of Support is an idea and practice that has been around for over 25 years. It is not a service or program but rather a group of people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future. Circles of Support can enable: more people in the life of each individual who are not paid to be there, an increase in the number of new and positive roles that people hold, reconnection with family members, expanded social and economic opportunities, an important safeguard for the future and a better life. This is a practical workshop and will use interactive exercises, reflection and discussion! 

15th October 2018

Belonging Matters was established fifteen years ago by people with a disability, families and their allies to challenge the systemic exclusion of people with a disability. This celebration event is held in honour of the leadership provided by people with a disability, their families and allies to drive change and foster communities in which all people are welcome!

22 & 23 August and 3 & 4 October, 2018

John Armstrong

This practicum helps participants to appreciate in greater depth the reality of issues involved in trying to support people to acquire socially valued roles in community life.

31st May 2018

Deb Rouget & Teresa Micaleff

Often our conversations and planning with people who have a disability and others who have needs focuses on what people can’t do or finding “services” for people rather than how a person could contribute to their community. This workshop assisted facilitators and planners to enhance their skills and engage in deeper conversations about assisting people to pursue valued roles in the community. Topics covered in this workshop included:

23 & 24 April 2018

John Armstrong & Justine Hall

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This two day event reflected on the value of obtaining the good things in life and how we may support people who may have been marginalised or disadvantaged to have better lives and greater involve- ment in their communities. This event covered:

• Understand social devaluation and its consequences,

• Learn about Social Role Valorisation as a means of addressing experiences of devaluation,

• Strengthen ones’ motivation to counteract devaluation,

• Clarify the qualities of the good things in life and how they might be facilitated,

• Understand the importance of valued social roles and how to develop roles that lead to authentic inclusion in one’s community.

   

7th March 2018

Deb Rouget & Teresa Micallef

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The idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities, Circles of Support is an idea and practice that has been around for over 25 years. It is not a service or program but rather a group of people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of achieving their goals and protecting their interests into the future. Circles of Support can enable: more people in the life of each individual who are not paid to be there, an increase in the number of new and positive roles that people hold, reconnection with family members, expanded social and economic opportunities, an important safeguard for the future and a better life. Topics covered in this workshop included:

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21st August 2017

Michael Callahan

The employment rates of people with a disability are staggeringly low and with the emergence of the new Disability Employment Framework, this event became all the more elevant Michael Callahan, a world renowned leader on Customised Employment provided a strategy that provides persons with disabilities, and indeed other people with significant barriers to employment, with an alternative to traditional, com- petitive job approaches. Customised Employment relies on a negotiated rather than competitive approach to employers. This approach to employment offers the promise of welcoming all persons with disabilities who wish to work into the open employment system and into a job that fits their needs and preferences. It also defines the critical roles required to support both the individual with a disability and the workplace to make employment a viable option for persons once thought to be unemployable.

27 April 2017

Jan Kruger

Self managing NDIS funding and employing one’s own supports is a very empowering way to have control. However, people may be discouraged thinking that self-management is a difficult process. This seminar offered the opportunity to hear from a parent about their NDIS journey and to find out how and why they self- manage NDIS supports. In this seminar, Jan Kruger from Canberra, covered the following topics:

• The importance of vision and strategies for creative planning,

• Ways you can manage your NDIS funding,

• What is self-management?

• Why self-manage - the pros and cons?

• How to self-manage? What’s involved and what you need to do?

• Hints for planning meetings with the NDIA,

• Employing workers – different ways,

• Do you have to do this all on your own?

29 & 30 March 2017

John Armstrong

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This 2 day event challenged participants to reflect on the value of obtaining a ‘good life’ and to consider how we may support people who may have been marginalised or disadvantaged to have better lives and greater involvement in their communities. This event covered:

• Understanding social devaluation and its consequences,

• Social Role Valorisation as a means of addressing experiences of devaluation,

• Strengthening ones motivation to counteract devaluation,

• Clarified the features of a good life and the essential means of obtaining that good life,

• The importance of valued social roles and how positive roles can be supported and developed as a means to becoming authentically included in one’s community.

19 & 20 October 2016

This two day course was an extended learning for people who are committed to the full inclusion of people with a disability in society but may be uncertain of how to enact such a vision. The course included presentation material, individual and group work, practical exercises and guided discussion. This workshop assisted partici- pants to design and pursue socially inclusive pathways. It included topics such as:

• Discovering and harnessing potential, gifts, interests and passions

• Designing socially inclusive pathways,

• Establishing and deepening valued roles,

• The Art of asking,

• Understanding and embedding people in culture and customs,

• Disclosure and disability,

• The role of mentors and support,

• Creating a context for relationship and friendship,

• Facing challenges,

• Stories about people who are enjoying lives well connected to the community

5 September, 2016

Anne Hughson & Bruce Uditsky

During this workshop Anne and Bruce discussed:

• The importance of employment in realising a full, meaningful and inclusive life,

• Developing an expansive and inclusive vision which is unique to each person,

• Acting individually and collectively to enable employment pathways,

• Key strategies to assist individuals with disabilities to find and maintain employment,

• The role of support,

• Removing obstacles,

• Nurturing relationships,

• Engaging community capacity and partnerships, and

• Stories of success.

Feedback & Highlights

Vision – make it happen. Very inspiring & informative. Enlightening. Insightful, inspiring. Affirming. Inclusive. Challenging ideas re work experience vision. Energising. Fabulous – thinking strategy. Deepen roles, experiences, relationships. Illuminating, inspiring, instructive. Academic. Big picture thinking - the change we need to really make for a systematic change in mindsets.   Diverse thinking for students with disabilities at school. Young people growing up and having ordinary lives. Changing thinking to make employment opportunities happen. Thinking about part time work for school aged people with intellectual disability. Seeing the real life examples of how individuals with disability can find meaningful employment. Peer supports. All great, discussion re: adult fee places in tertiary courses. What real inclusion actually looks like! Hearing success stories. To see the Alberta university model. How people are included in tertiary education. Responsibility to global mindset change. The mechanics of how they do what they do. Idea of approaching ROTARY. Start the thinking when people are young. Hearing that there is a ‘business case’ to make. Hope and choice.

22 August 2016

Janet KleesIn this seminar, Janet Klees, who has extensive knowledge and experience in building bridges to community discussed:

• The importance of community life, especially for people who are marginalised,

• Influences and practices that tend to isolate people,

• What it takes to hold a vision for community life,

• How to build bridges and pathways into community life,

• The art of asking,

• The role of support,

• Removing obstacles,

• Nurturing belonging,

• Creating a context for relationship and friendship to flourish, and

• Sustaining our efforts over time.

Feedback & HighlightsOne of the best day workshops I’ve been to and I’ve been to so many! Food for thought, time to change some beliefs and habits. A delightful speaker. Janet was easy to listen to and made today’s topic interesting. Thank you so much for the opportunity to come along – very worthwhile. Motivating & enthusiastic. True inclusion and connection. Expanding, moving. Inspiring people through stories – simple but so meaningful. Real contribution. The stories, so I was able to relate it back to my work & personal life. Building a context for relationships. Understanding difference between activities & real inclusion/ relationships. Thinking outside the square of current practices. Learning that it is more than just about activities; but more about roles & relationships in the long term. Thinking about the ‘role’ of a person. Art of Asking concepts. Learning about the importance of roles. I have lots of tips to help support my son have a more inclusive life once he is an adult. A valued role is important & being able to give back also helps foster a natural environment to belong to. The possibility for everyone to have a role and purpose. A lot – new to this field, so a fantastic grounding in basic principles. The need to deepen and expand on a continual basis – roles & relationships. Roles and deepening them not just stopping where you started as well as how to further a person’s role through the people. The value of community. Time and little things

3 June, 2016

Sheree Henley & Deb RougetIn this seminar, Sheree and Deb discussed insights from families in NDIS trial sites, with lived experience of disability and how they have utilised NDIS funding to move towards a good life for their son/daughter. Discussion included:

• An update on the NDIS,

• Preparing for the NDIS - when, where and how to start,

• Things to consider in your vision and plan and conveying this to the NDIS,

• Imagining beyond possibilities you know e.g. programs,

• Inclusion, trying new things and supported decision making,

• Putting plans into action,

• Ways of managing and self-direction,

• Finding your ideal match for support and assistance,

• Getting un-stuck, and

• Stories about people who are enjoying lives well connected to the community.

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17 April, 2016

Dr Michael Kendrick

In this seminar, Michael Kendrick, who has extensive knowledge in organisational and personal leadership discussed:

• Qualities of leadership that inspires change,

• The type of change necessary in the disability and other human service sectors,

• The urgency and fundamentals of change,

• Influences that effect change,

• The importance of values based leadership and vision,

• Discerning individual leadership niches,

• The role of collective or shared leadership,

• Removing obstacles,

• Bringing others alongside and empowering them to act on change,

• Communicating and implementing the vision,

• Anchoring the change in the culture,

• Why transformation fails and

• Celebrating the wins!

Feedback & Highlights

Renewal. Has generated questions to consider & also some new ideas. Inspiring. Without leadership nothing happens. Validating. Drawing inspiration from the leadership of others. Affirming. Grateful that I could come. Enlightening. Wow. Change. Didactic. Insightful. Values. Clarifications. Authentic. Engaging. Thought provoking. Good content. Inspiring. Hearing from participants exchanging views. Listening and watching the real life experiences of people & how leadership has impacted their lives. Strong, honest, leadership will lead change positively. Honouring the ‘personhood’. Importance of value based leadership. Looking at different styles of leadership & levels. How change can come above. Listening to the inspiring stories of people. Listening to learn how change is achievable and being a leader is more than a single person role. “Takes a village”. Networking with other participants. A realest point of view. Understanding values. A realistic view on leadership. Reinforcement of the role values play in leadership. Realistic appreciation of leadership and its capacity. Discussing possibilities.

21 March 2016

Sheree Henley & Kathy SpowartIn this seminar, people in NDIS trial sites, with lived experience of disability, will shared their learnings about the NDIS in moving towards a good life. The day covered:

• Preparing for the NDIS - when, where and how to start,

• Things to consider in your vision and plan and conveying this to the NDIS,

• Imagining beyond possibilities you know e.g. programs,

• Inclusion, trying new things and supported decision making,

• Putting plans into action,

• Ways of managing and self-direction,

• Finding your ideal match for support and assistance,

• Getting un-stuck, and

• Stories about people who are enjoying lives well connected to the community.

Feedback & Highlights

Informative. Visionary. Inspirational. Possibilities, useful. Worthwhile. Planning. Illuminating. Positive. Positive. Vision. Resourceful. Isaac’s smile. Aim higher, vision, actions. Looking outside the square. Hearing creative & innovative ways to manage NDIS funding. The language used. Importance of preplanning. Potential opportunities. Details. Personal experiences especially Kathy’s. Hearing how it is actually put into practice, personalised. Hearing from family members who have found ways of building what is necessary for a good life. Practical ideas take away to work on. Other family’s experiences. Isaac’s achievements. Presenters with practical experience in developing their plans. Meeting other people.

22 March, 2016

Sheree Henley & Rosie Read

This workshop covered the following topics relating to Circles of Support and Microboards:

• What are they and why have one?

• The driving values and principles.

• The role of a Circle of Support or Microboard?

• How to invite and ask people to join?

• What happens at a Circle of Support or Microboard meeting and the various roles?

• Examples of what can be achieved.

• Managing the work, problem solving and addressing things that can go wrong.

• Why people like to be part of a Circle of Support or Microboard.

11 November, 2015

Jacob Hughes, Linda Hughes, & Kathy Spowart

Jacob, Linda and Kathy shared their real life experiences as particiapents in NDIS trial sites. The day covered:

• Preparing for the NDIS - when, where and how to start,

• Things to consider in your vision and plan and conveying this to the NDIS,

• Imagining beyond possibilities you know e.g. programs,

• Inclusion, trying new things and supported decision making,

• Putting plans into action,

• Ways of managing and self-direction,

• Finding your ideal match for support and assistance,

• Getting un-stuck, and

• Stories about people who are enjoying lives well connected to the community.

15 May, 2015

Libby EllisThe idea of an active support network is really an old idea in our society. For people with disabilities it is an idea and practice that has been around for at least 25 years. It is not a service or program. Rather Circles are a group of people who are intentionally invited to come together in friendship and support of a person with disability, for the purpose of protecting their interests into the future. In this workshop Libby introduced people to a Circle of Support,  explored strategies for success, and common areas of challenge. Feedback & HighlightsGood mix of people, activities producing tangible ideas to take home, teamwork, frustration balanced with ideas, purpose! Learning, consolidating, educating, eye opening, contribution, over whelming, thought provoking, respectful of all, very good, informative, reinvigorated, networking, very helpful, Inspiring, potential, worthwhile, reflection/ consolidating ideas, the generosity of others, Libby’s life examples & sharing from others, meeting people who are in circle of support, other’s points of view, stories,, networking, spending a full day listening  & participating in this topic, meeting people with the same interests, visioning the future for Mark, sharing experiences - presenter to audience, the approach of ‘coaching’ rather than informing, participants feedback, excellent.

17 & 18 March 2015 - Geelong and 10 & 24 March 2015 - March Manningham City Council

Deb Rouget

This course covered topics such as:

• The importance of belonging and social inclusion.
• The dis-connectors and connectors!
• Building a context and vision for a fulfilling and inclusive life.
• Discovering and harnessing potential, gifts, interests and passions.
• The importance of typical pathways and valued roles.
• Making the most out of community.
• Practical strategies that enhance, enable and strengthen belonging, connec-tion and relationships.
• Facing struggles and challenges with creativity.
• Stories about people who have made the journey from segregated and isolated lives to enjoying lives well connected to the community.

11 September 2014

Dr Michael Kendrick
In this presentation Michael Kendrick highlighted the key elements that will eb required to shape the NDIS so that it improves the economic and social participation of Australians with a disability. Talks That Matter, our new dynamic on-line video strategy was launched (click here to view). The evening concluded with a brief Annual General Meeting, (rumoured to be the quickest AGM in the history of AGM's), facilitated by our president Delia Fisher and Roger Pallant!Feedback & HighlightsTo be updated.

11 & 12 September, 2014

Dr Michael Kendrick & Mary KealyThis two day workshop delivered a wealth of knowledge and numerous examples of how services can successfully transform their group based programs into individualised, person centric programs. Michael and Mary shared experiences, provided pathways, and illustrated the required planning, leadership, and mindsets that agencies can implement to ensure the future of their organisations and importantly their clients is one of success and harmony.Feedback & HighlightsTo be updated.

5 June 2014

Sally Richards
This brief summary cannot do justice to Sally's Workshop where she shared her 28 years of experience as mother of Jackson, a fine young man who, with Sally's guidance, lives in his own home and works five days a week. We will endeavour to post the workshop video in the Talks That Matter Lounge asap, but in the meantime you can learn more about the Jackson's amazing and inspiring story in this Ted Talk presented by Sally.Feedback & Highlights"The more you attend Belonging Matters' seminars, the more you learn and get inspired; Learned more about what is possible; What can be achieved with imagination and perseverance; Knowledgeable; Belonging; The few examples of how people are supported to find a job was amazing. It really made me to think outside the square; Attending the seminar made me realise that fact that everyone should be part of the society without exeptions; Informative and daunting; Interesting; The housing ideas that could be achieved; The humour; How it can be done with hard work; Sally's real life story; Hearing about the Benambra Intentional Community; Most useful talk about exclusion, parallel inclusion and how true inclusion is meant to be; Sally's positive attitude; It has given me a boost to keep thinking; I have always believed that the way people think about inclusion is that what we have at the moment is good enough or close enough or that people with a disability are lucky enough to be included. Jack's mum's talk and her journey has defiantly encouraged me to push for more and work harder in what is meant to be inclusive, like you and I are in our community; It was a perfect seminar with a lot of information and I can't think of anything that needs to be improved"

28 March, 2014

Martin Elks & Peter Symonds, Martin Elks and Peter Symonds both gave inspiring presentations on 28th of March at the Belonging Matters Adult Life: Beyond Programs event. Stretching our mindsets about people with disabilities attending university and getting real jobs! As Martin said “Our mindsets can imprison us or set us free”​Feedback: "Re-visioning, Insightful, challenging, thought provoking; Inspirational; Enlightening; Motivating; Emotional; Mindsets work; Realising I have mindsets I didn’t even realise I had!; Down to earth real examples; Brilliant; Hearing success stories. This inspires you to keep going; Great speakers; Refreshing; Evident passion and commitment; Following natural pathways is the way to go; Insight; Hope; Its possible; Work on my mindset in relation to my son; I have more confidence to encourage people to achieve their visions; Inclusion, Strength; Examples of people’s experiences like Mary’s; Be more conscious of everyone’s potential; More thinking about life for my daughter; Questioning of the “special” concept; Encourage my son to look for mainstream employment. Presented options I had not considered and opened up other pathways for the future."

14 November, 2013

Dr Michael Kendrick & Brenda Schumann

This event was presented by Michael Kendrick and Brenda Schurmann. It covered the key dimensions necessary to support meaningful and purposeful lifestyle development. It assisted those involved in supporting people with a disability to make plans and actions towards enabling individuals to realise their aspirations and goals. Brenda Schurmann described her vision for her daughter, who has complex needs as an “outrageous” one! But one that has become a reality and continues to evolve beyond all expectations. Brenda also spoke about how building informal networks has enriched he daughter’s life who now lives in her own home and enjoys many connections and relationships in her community..​Feedback: The possibilities are endless when you think outside the box; Deeper awareness of individuality and everyone’s uniqueness; Very, very inspiring- opened new doors; Nurturing life’s purpose; Community; Possibility; Feeling very inspired; Inspirational; Challenge of human needs and fulfilment; Motivational; Insightful; Uplifting; See beyond the disability and see the options; Thought provoking; Brenda’s presentation was very encouraging and supported Michael’s presentation; Reminder that there are always possibilities in all aspects of life; That inclusion is for EVERYONE.

30 & 31 August, 2013

Dr Michael Kendrick

This two day seminar was designed to enable participants to explore the key dimensions of supporting personal lifestyle development and community inclusion. Topics covered included include: Recognising, developing and mobilising informal “natural” resources ; Right relationships; Understanding and intentionally safeguarding the person’s vulnerabilities; Self- determination & empowerment ; Imagining better ; Understanding the person and their unique needs ; Identification of strengths and capabilities; Sustaining success in valued community roles; Effectively and repeatedly problem solving any challenges that may arise.​Feedback: Thought provoking, Stimulating & inspiring, Wow – What a great guy! Reinforcing, Possibilities, Natural, enlightening, Reflections on “real lives” and “a good life”, Personal stories of achievement – very moving and inspiring, Brenda’s life story was wonderful, Reignited the flame to push on and continue to question the current service system, The whole workshop, Hearing what can be done with open minds, Topics covered were all very relevant and meaningful to me.

27th February, 2013

Janet Klees & Alison Oullette

This seminar provided a range of inspiring speakers who have tackled the question of "accommodation" in more typical, creative, innovative,personalised and life giving ways while meeting some of the most complex  of needs.​Feedback: Great stories about great people/ Inclusive, Inspiring, Expressive, Joyous, Motivating, Eye-opening, Knowledge, Enlightening, A Light Bulb Moment, Encouraging, Engaging, Motivating to make change, Refreshing, Great – Very Informative, WOW! Believe, and put one foot in front of the other to achieve it! Stories about possibilities and what can be achieved by doing and thinking outside the ‘square’. Different things are possible with different thinking. Listening to stories of how people have moved into their own home. All presentation was informative and enlightening – unique insights. The amazing outcomes that have been achieved – Regular people achieving visions and dreams

10 August, 2010

Darcy Elks

Relationships are one of the most crucial factors in a human being’s life. Research has shown that relationships significantly contribute to a person’s well- being. For people who have a disability and other people who have been marginalised and devalued by society, developing relationships is a critical issue. Although recognising the need for mutually reciprocal relationships we often struggle with how we might assist people with a disability and other marginalised people to nature and sustain relationships particularly with other community members. This workshop assisted participants to: Think about how relationships start, develop and grow; The challenges that present themselves when facilitating contacts and relationships between people who are excluded and those who are part of mainstream society; How to use natural pathways that exist in our society for developing relationships for all people.

9 November, 2009

Neil Barringham

This was a learning event for all those serious about exploring and discovering opportunities for welcome, engagement and relationship that are abound within our communities. This seminar l explored: Understanding belonging; Strategies, models and frameworks that enhance and enable belonging and connectedness; Stories about people who have made the journey from institutionalisation and semi-homelessness to living connected lives in the community; Ways to overcome the challenges of living an isolated life.