Why We Created Social Space - A Day Program for NDIS Participants on the Gold Coast

When we started developing Social Space, it wasn’t because we wanted to add “another program” to our service.

It was because we kept seeing the same gap, over and over again.

Many NDIS participants had supports in place. They had funding. They had workers. They had appointments.

But they didn’t always have a place where they could simply show up, feel safe, and build real-life skills through everyday activities.

They were often being asked to learn in environments that felt too clinical, too busy, or too overwhelming.

So, we decided to build something different.

That’s how Social Space was created... as a flexible NDIS day program on the Gold Coast focused on practical skills, meaningful connection, and calm, supported participation.

The Gap We Kept Seeing - A Flexible Social and Life Skills Day Program for NDIS Participants on the Gold Coast

Over time, we noticed that many participants were either:

• Attending short social groups that didn’t give enough time to build confidence

• In 1:1 supports with little opportunity to practise social skills

• In programs that felt more like classrooms than real life

• Or stuck at home because group environments felt too stressful

What was missing was a space that sat in the middle.

A place that was structured, calm, and supported, but still felt normal, welcoming, and practical.

That’s where Social Space came from.

Social Space was created as a flexible NDIS day program on the Gold Coast focused on building real-life skills in a supportive group environment.

What Social Space Is Really About

At its core, Social Space is about learning through doing.

Instead of sitting in a room being told how to do things, participants build skills by:

• Cooking meals together

• Working on shared projects

• Playing games and problem-solving as a group

• Going out into the community

• Making choices about how they spend their time

These everyday activities naturally support:

• Communication

• Confidence

• Emotional regulation

• Social understanding

• Independence

• Decision-making

And they do it in a way that feels safe and achievable.

The “Therapy Without Therapy” Effect

We don’t run Social Space as a therapy program.

There are no worksheets. No whiteboards. No forced “social skills sessions”.

But something interesting happens when participants are in the right environment.

When people feel:

• calm

• supported

• respected

• not judged

• not rushed

They start taking small risks.

They speak up more. They try new things. They ask for help. They advocate for themselves. They recover more easily from setbacks.

These are the same skills many families hope to see develop through formal supports, but here, they happen naturally, through real interactions.

That’s one of the biggest strengths of Social Space.

Why Structure Matters So Much

For many neurodivergent participants, uncertainty is exhausting.

Not knowing:

• what’s happening next

• who will be there

• what’s expected

• how long things will last

…can make even enjoyable activities feel stressful.

Social Space is built around predictability.

Participants know:

• the weekly schedule

• the session times

• the routines

• the general flow of the day

That consistency reduces anxiety and frees up energy for learning, connecting, and enjoying themselves.

The Power of Choice and Self-Advocacy

One of our core values is that participation is always by choice.

No one is forced to join an activity. No one is shamed for needing a break. No one is pressured to “perform”.

Instead, participants are supported to:

• make their own choices

• express preferences

• say no

• ask for changes

• take breaks when needed

Over time, this builds genuine self-advocacy, not compliance.

And that matters far beyond the program.

Who Social Space Is Best Suited For

Social Space is designed primarily for participants who benefit from structured, supported environments and hands-on learning.

It is particularly well suited to individuals with:

• Intellectual Disability

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Down syndrome

• Other developmental or cognitive disabilities

The program works best for participants who:

• Benefit from routine and predictability

• Prefer smaller group settings

• Learn through practical, real-life activities

• Are working on social and daily living skills

• Feel more comfortable in calm environments

Participants of different ages are welcome, provided the program aligns with their goals, learning style, and support needs.

Social Connection Without Pressure

Many participants want friends.

They want connection.

They just don’t want:

• loud environments

• unpredictable groups

• constant social demands

• awkward small talk

Social Space creates connection through shared activities.

Side-by-side cooking. Working on a project. Playing a game. Watching a movie.

Conversation happens naturally, without being forced.

For many participants, this feels far more comfortable than “traditional” social groups.

Building Confidence Through Small Wins

Big goals are built from small successes.

At Social Space, those wins might look like:

• Trying a new recipe

• Speaking up in a game

• Joining a group activity for five minutes longer than usual

• Going on an excursion for the first time

• Helping another participant

These moments matter.

They build confidence that carries into other parts of life: home, work, study, and community.

Why Families and Coordinators Love the Program

Social Space has been developed using the same values, systems, and practices that underpin all of our services.

Families and coordinators who already work with us know that we focus on:

• High-quality, consistent supports

• Clear communication and reporting

• Goal-focused programs

• Ethical, participant-centred practice

• Long-term outcomes, not quick fixes

Social Space brings these principles into a structured day program setting.

For many families and support coordinators, this means they can feel confident that the program will align with participant goals, integrate with existing supports, and be delivered with the same care and professionalism they already expect from our team.

It fits into a broader support plan without replacing anything... it strengthens what is already in place.

Looking Ahead

Social Space will continue to grow and evolve.

We’ll keep refining activities. Listening to participants. Responding to feedback and adapting as needs change.

But the foundation will stay the same:

A calm, structured space where people feel safe to learn, connect, and grow in their own way, at their own pace.

Interested in Learning More?

If you’d like to learn more about Social Space, view the weekly timetable, or explore whether the program is a good fit, you can visit our Social Space page for full details.