The Benefits of Group-Based NDIS Supports vs. 1:1 Support
- carli215
- Jul 9, 2025
- 3 min read
One of the most common questions families ask when choosing NDIS supports is simple: should my child or family member access group-based supports, or is 1:1 support the better option?
The honest answer is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Both options offer real value. The right choice depends on the individual, their goals, their confidence levels, and where they are at socially and emotionally right now.
Group-based NDIS supports
Group-based supports are ideal for participants who enjoy being around others or are working toward stronger social connection.
They tend to suit participants who:
Want to build friendships and social confidence
Learn well through shared experiences
Benefit from routine and structured activities
Enjoy being part of a community
Group supports can include weekly social groups, skill-building day programs, creative groups, and structured holiday programs. When delivered well, they provide a safe environment to practise real-world social skills while actually having fun.
Benefits of group-based supports:
Practising communication, turn-taking, and teamwork
Learning from peers in a natural setting
Experiencing shared activities and community outings
Building confidence through belonging
Accessing support at a lower cost per hour through shared ratios such as 1:2 or 1:3
For many participants, groups create motivation, routine, and a sense of identity that is hard to replicate in a purely individual setting.
At Loving Life, our NDIS social groups and day programs on the Gold Coast are designed to be small, structured, and low pressure, so participants can ease in at their own pace rather than being thrown into a large, overwhelming environment.
1:1 NDIS support
1:1 support is often the best starting point for participants who need personalised attention or feel overwhelmed in group settings.
It tends to work well for participants who:
Are new to social settings or NDIS supports generally
Experience anxiety or sensory overload in group environments
Need higher levels of supervision or support
Are building foundational skills before joining a group
Benefits of 1:1 support:
Full attention from a consistent support worker
Flexible, participant-led activities
Learning at a comfortable pace without external pressure
Strong relationship-building and trust over time
Focused work on specific individual goals
For many people, 1:1 support provides the safety and confidence needed before they are ready to explore group settings. It is also the right long-term choice for participants who simply do better with individual attention regardless of where they are in their journey.
You can read more about our 1:1 NDIS support on the Gold Coast and how we match participants with consistent support workers.
Combining group and 1:1 supports
Families are often relieved to hear that they do not have to choose one option permanently.
Many participants benefit from a combination of both. For example:
1:1 support during the week to build routines, independence, and confidence
Group programs on weekends or during school holidays for social connection and shared experiences
This blended approach allows participants to grow skills in a supported way while still enjoying the benefits of peer connection. It is also a smart way to use NDIS funding across different support categories.
Our capacity building supports can complement both group and 1:1 delivery, depending on what a participant is working toward.
Choosing the right option
The best support plan is one that reflects the participant's needs, goals, and comfort level right now, with room to evolve over time.
Some people thrive in groups straight away. Others need time and individual support before feeling ready. Many move between the two as their confidence grows. The most important factor is not the format of support but the quality, consistency, and alignment with what the participant is actually trying to achieve.
Not sure which option is right?
If you are weighing up group supports vs 1:1 support for yourself or someone you care for, having a conversation is always a good first step. We are happy to talk through what might suit your situation, with no pressure and no obligation.
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