The Plant Project
NDIS social group focused on skill building, routine, and community participation
The Plant Project Group is a structured, hub-based group activity on the Gold Coast for participants who are interested in gardening and plants, delivered as part of their funded NDIS supports.
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Participants are supported to take part in propagating, caring for, and preparing indoor plants in a calm, hands-on environment. The focus is on skill building, confidence, and routine through meaningful activity, rather than productivity or output.
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Participation is flexible and supported, and guided by each individual’s interests, capacity, and goals.
When the group runs:
The Plant Project runs on a regular schedule:
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Tuesdays and Thursdays
9:00am to 1:00pm
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Participants may attend regularly or occasionally, depending on their support arrangements and interest.
What We Do:
Depending on interest and ability, participants may take part in:
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plant propagation and potting
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watering and basic plant care
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handling tools and materials safely
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cleaning and maintaining work areas
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working independently or alongside others
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spending time in a calm, sensory-friendly space
Participation is always optional. There is no expectation to engage in any task that does not feel appropriate on the day.
Skill Development & Theraputic Benefits
The Plant Project Group supports the development of a wide range of practical and transferable skills that are useful in everyday life and community settings.
Through participation, individuals may build:
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fine motor skills through planting, potting, and handling materials
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attention, focus, and task persistence through ongoing plant care
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routine and responsibility by caring for plants over time
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confidence and self-esteem by seeing plants thrive and progress
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emotional regulation through calm, repetitive, hands-on tasks
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personal & environmental hygiene and workspace awareness through shared activities
These skills can support greater independence and confidence in a range of settings, including future training, volunteering, or workplace environments, where appropriate.
Skill development varies for each participant and is guided by individual goals and capacity.
Interaction With the Community
As part of the group, participants may also have opportunities to:
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interact with members of the community visiting the hub
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practise communication and basic customer service skills
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talk about their plants and their role in the group
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experience positive, supported social interactions
All interactions are guided and supported. Participants are never expected to engage beyond their comfort level.
Funding
Participation in the Plant Project Group is funded through participants’ NDIS plans as part of their usual support while attending the hub. It is charged at ratios depended on how many participants are in attendance.
Support time is claimed in line with individual goals and plan structures, typically under Core or Capacity Building – Community Participation, depending on the participant.
This is not an employment program; it is a dedicated skill building and social group.
Why Plants are Sold
Some plants grown during the Plant Project Group are sold locally to help cover the ongoing costs of running the group.
This includes items such as:
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plants and propagation materials
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soil, pots, and equipment
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general supplies required to keep the activity running
All plant sales are used to support the continuation and sustainability of the group.
Important Information
Participation is flexible
Participants can engage at their own pace
Capacity building focus
The Plant Project Group supports the development of practical life skills, confidence, and routine through meaningful, supported activity.
Not an employment program
The group helps build skills that may be useful in future training or workplace settings, but it is not an employment pathway.
Individual and goal-based
Skill development is guided by each participant’s interests, capacity, and NDIS goals.