Social Support Groups and Activities
Join our friendly and accessible groups and activities, and connect with people in your community.
Our Services
Social connection is an important part of good physical and emotional health and wellbeing. Our groups and activities offer a welcoming environment in which to make friends, have fun, learn a new skill and be entertained! We can also connect you with other social groups and activities in your area.
You can also join our Social Support Services Group on Facebook to connect with us and other group members, as well as get the latest updates on our activities.
Our services are also a valuable resource for caregivers to access some well-earned respite from their caring duties. Participants can choose to attend a single group or multiple groups.
Our activities include: We offer a diverse range of activities including:
- Cultural and activity-specific groups
- Crafts and games
- Outings and day trips
- Gentle exercise and movement to music
- Music, arts and crafts
- Guest speakers and presentations
- Entertainers
- Special events and activities
- Spiritual activities and reflection
- And many new activities and events added regularly.
How to join Groups meet weekly at our wulempuri barring and balit wurun health centres, and various community-based venues in Darebin and surrounding areas. They include transport, morning tea and lunch. You can join us as part of:
- Your My Aged Care package, submitting a referral directly via My Aged Care
- Your NDIS Package, where social and recreation support is included in your plan.
If you are an NDIS participant, please contact via email, ndis@yourch.org.au, or on 03 8470 1111. - If you are not an NDIS participant, please contact ssp.enquiries@yourch.org.au or 03 8470 1111.
Cost We aim to keep our fees as low as possible. Groups typically cost around $15 per session. Participants may incur additional costs during outings e.g. meals, admission fees. Meals and morning tea are not included within NDIS packages, but participants can pay $5 in out of pocket costs to enjoy them on the days they attend.
Please refer to our Fees page for NDIS and Home Care Package fees.
Social and Interest Groups
Join one or more of our friendly social groups for out-of-home cultural, exercise, crafting activities and more.
You will find a range of accessible groups to meet your interests and needs, and connect you with people in your community. Each group is suited to the specific social, wellbeing, intellectual and physical needs of the attendees. Please see below for a full list of our current groups.
Groups and activities are held at our East Reservoir and Preston health centres, as well as various community-based venues in Darebin and surrounding areas. Groups start at 9:30am and run until 2:30pm and include morning tea and lunch. They may also include transport, depending on the Group.
Groups operate Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
The Darebin Men’s Shed
The Darebin Men’s Shed is a fun and engaging way for men to come together to enjoy a range of activities, and share and develop new skills.
The Darebin Men’s Shed is a safe and supportive space for men of all ages to enjoy a cuppa and a yarn, explore hands-on activities and meet new people. Some of our popular activities include:
- Woodworking
- Bike building and repairs
- Gardening
- Pool, darts and bocce
- Learning computer skills and using the internet
- Quizzes, activities and much more.
Digital Learning Group – currently ON HOLD
Who can join: people interested in learning more about computers and the internet
When is it: 9:30am-12pm.
Where is it: wulempuri barring health centre – 125 Blake Street, East Reservoir. Transport can be provided to eligible participants
Cost: $5 per session
Feeling Through Colour
Learn how you can use art to explore and support your wellbeing.
Who can join: Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) funded participants.
When is it: Fridays 9.30am-11.30am
Where is it: balit wurun health centre – 300 Bell Street, Preston.
Cost: $5 per session, which includes morning tea.
Fresh Program
Good food and company are not only fun, it is also good for your health! The Fresh Program brings together a great group of people to enjoy activities such as craft, games, entertainers, outings, guest speakers and gentle exercise.
Who can join: people who want to connect with East Reservoir neighbours and enjoy fun activities.
When is it: Thursdays; 10am-2pm
Where is it: East Preston Community Centre – 7 Newton St, Reservoir. Transport can be provided for outings.
Cost: $5 per session.
Fun Squad
Enjoy fun outing-based activities such as shopping, coffee shops, local sights with a friendly squad!
Who can join: Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) funded participants.
When is it: fortnightly on Thursdays, 9.30am-11.30am.
Where is it: balit wurun health centre – 300 Bell Street, Preston.
Cost: $5 per session, which includes door-to-door pick up.
Keeping Connected
If you want to meet new people, reconnect with your hobbies or explore a new interest, Keeping Connected is for you!
We will work with you to find the groups and activities that are right for you in your neighbourhood. This might include:
- Regular lunch and group outings
- Joining Neighbourhood Houses
- Gentle exercise classes at local leisure centres
- Joining church groups
- Other activities you want to join.
When is it: fortnightly on Mondays; time varies depending on the venue.
Where is it: in community, location varies.
Cost: there is no cost to be part of the group, however you will need to pay for any activities or outings you take part in.
Kookaburra Club
‘Kooka’ is a place for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander friends and family to come together and:
- Have lunch
- Meet different people
- Join in social activities including outings
- Listen to guest speakers and seek support from Darebin Community
- Legal Service and other services.
Who can join: people who identify as having Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.
When is it: Mondays; 10am-2pm.
Where is it: wulempuri barring health centre – 125 Blake Street, East Reservoir. Transport can be provided.
Cost: no cost.
Let’s Get Virtual
Join our online Social Support Group with fun activities including bingo, quizzes, armchair travel and gentle exercise.
Who can join: Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) funded participants.
When is it: Tuesdays 1.30pm-3.30pm.
Where is it: online.
Cost: no cost.
Mandarin Dance Group
Who can join: Mandarin-speaking people.
When is it: Fortnightly Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm.
Where is it: 382-386 Bell St, Preston VIC 3072.
Cost: no cost.
Memory-loss Social Group
Who can join: people living with memory loss or dementia.
When is it: Thursdays; 9:30am-2:30pm.
Where is it: wulempuri barring health centre – 125 Blake Street, East Reservoir.
Cost: varies depending on your circumstances and the outing location.
Men’s Social Group
Who can join: people who identify as male only.
When is it: Wednesdays and Fridays; 9:30am-2:30pm.
Where is it: wulempuri barring health centre – 125 Blake Street, East Reservoir.
Cost: varies depending on your circumstances and the outing location.
Mixed Social Groups
Who can join: older people; people who have physical, functional, sensory, intellectual or psychiatric disability; people with acquired brain injury; carers and their families.
When is it: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 9:30am-2:30pm.
Where is it: balit wurun health centre – 300 Bell Street, Preston.
Cost: varies depending on your circumstances and the outing location.
Multicultural Social Groups
Who can join: older people; people who have physical, functional, sensory, intellectual or psychiatric disability; people with acquired brain injury; carers and their families.
When is it: Mondays and Tuesdays; 9:30am-2:30pm.
Where is it:
- Mondays at wulempuri barring health centre.
- Tuesdays at East Reservoir Senior Citizen’s Centre, 6a Strathmerton St, Reservoir.
Cost: varies depending on your circumstances and the outing location.
The Giggle Gang
Who can join: people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
When is it: Fridays from 10am-2pm.
Where is it: wulempuri barring health centre – 125 Blake Street, East Reservoir. Transport can be provided.
Cost: $5 per sessions and you can use your NDIS package to attend.
Walking Group
Who can join: older people; people who have physical, functional, sensory, intellectual or psychiatric disability; people with acquired brain injury; carers and their families.
When is it: fortnightly depending on the weather.
Where is it: various locations in the community.
Cost: no cost for participants; Carers cost is $5 per session and includes morning tea. BYO lunch.
Call to speak to one of our friendly staff today!
Related Services
Our expert dental team are here to help keep your teeth healthy, help prevent oral health problems and provide high quality treatment when needed. Our clinic is open to everyone. You may be eligible for prioritised or subsidised services.
Our Community Programs team works with community members like you to support your health and wellbeing needs with a focus on healthy eating, building social connections, and gender equity.
