Social Mentoring Program

Connect with like-minded people, grow your confidence and have some fun!

WHAT IS SOCIAL MENTORING?

Our program matches people with a disability to a community of lived experience volunteer mentors by shared interests and/or characteristics. The program is self-led and facilitated via digital platforms.

Video description: Graeson and Clair in front of colourful wall that has a rainbow and cacti painted on it. Download the video transcript.

WHO IS SOCIAL MENTORING FOR?

Mentees

Designed to empower people living with disability to enhance their social skills and actively engage within their communities.

If you are looking to;

explore new activities & events
develop social connections, or
simply navigate life with ease

Peer Mentoring is for you.

Mentors

For people with lived experience with disability who are keen to volunteer their time and share their area of interest or expertise to;

empower people with disability to build genuine relationships
to actively participate in community life and
make a real difference.

Strong & Capable recognize that to lead a fulfilled life goes beyond addressing basic needs. While the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and other support programs play a critical role in providing essential services, there remains an important area often left unattended— social connectivity.

By connecting and sharing in enriching experiences that bring joy to our lives, such as hobbies, art, sports, food and learning skills, we can bridge this gap.

Our Social Mentoring Program addresses the need for meaningful social engagement and connection.

Trying to decide if Social Mentoring is for you?

You’re welcome to book in a time with our friendly team to learn more about the program and how it may work for you.

INCREASE
YOUR SOCIAL & COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS

For individuals living with disabilities, social engagement and community integration are key to leading a full life. By engaging socially, individuals can experience a boost in self-esteem, a sense of belonging, and improved mental well-being.

By focusing on shared interests and fostering meaningful connections, we can collectively elevate the lives of individuals with disabilities, making every interaction count towards a richer, more vibrant life.

BECOME
A MENTOR

We strongly encourage people with lived experience to become mentors.

Your experience matters.

We know that everyone has a story that holds wisdom & strength. Your journey is not just your own—it can help guide others navigating similar paths. This is your invitation to step forward and enrich both your life and another’s by becoming a peer mentor.

STRONG
MATCHES

We take great care in our matchmaking process to ensure that both mentor and participant are set up for success. We consider personalities, interests, and life experiences to create a matching that can lead to a meaningful and lasting connection.

You will be matched with a peer mentor who shares some similarities with you, such as age, gender, disability, location, skills or interests.

Ready to be part of a united community who are fighting for better?

WHY PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL MENTORING?

Try new things
Build confidence
Build independence
Create shared experiences
Build new relationships
Learn new skills
Share interests
Have fun!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Participation in this program includes:

Finding a suitable mentor
Access to 1:1 mentoring
Access to our online mentoring platform
Monthly community activities
Connections to service providers
Membership to Strong & Capable, including a welcome pack
Mentor training & support
And more….

The cost to participate in the program is equal to 4* hours per month from your Core or Capacity Building Budget.

If you do not have an NDIS plan, a Fee for Service will apply, please contact us to discuss further.

How does it work?

We get to know you and learn about the interests, skills and goals you have.
We match you with a mentor that shares some similarities to you.
We help you get to know each other.
Together with your mentor you organize to catch up on regular basis in a convenient or virtual location.

Interests you might like to share with a mentor.

Animals
Cars
Sports & recreation activities, including watching sports
Reading
Gaming
Crafts
Attending events and festivals or playing music
Languages
Food & drink, cooking and eating
Collectibles
Business skills
Basically anything you do that you enjoy!

What else should I know?

Who can access mentoring? Members aged over 18 years.

Is a social mentor the same as a support worker? No. A social mentor is someone to talk to about what is happening or what you would like to happen in your life, or someone to participate in any number of social or community activities, they are not there to run errands or take you to appointments.

How often can I see my mentor? That depends on you. We suggest meeting fortnightly for a few months to give both of you a chance to get to know each other.

Where do I meet my mentor? That is up to you to work out with your mentor. If you need help finding a safe location to meet in person, please let us know.

More information

Program Coordinator: Graeson