A big group of the Strong & Capable Community traveled by diesel train through the beautiful Bugle Ranges on Sunday afternoon.
The heritage “Red Hen” railcar took us southwards from Mt Barker to the very peak of the ranges at the now closed Philcox Hill station site. Situated in an opening in the trees on level ground, the station site is the highest point on the line (1,304 feet or nearly 398 metres above sea-level). Read more about the trip from the Steam Ranger.
The train was jam packed with train enthusiasts and people out exploring the Adelaide Hills region.
The weather wasn’t on our side to take a lot of happy snaps, but safe to say a great time was had!
A smaller group enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Gawler St Cafe in Mt Barker beforehand.
It was wonderful to connect with our growing community of likeminded people.
Ready to join in? See what is coming up next.
Join us for a fortnightly online meet-up like no other! Fun Friday is your chance to make friends, have a blast, & sharpen your social skills—all from the comfort of your home.
Imagine a safe & secure space where you can let loose, laugh, & learn. Each session is a new adventure with a fresh theme, ensuring no two Fridays are the same.
Join us online every alternate Friday from 11 am to 12 pm for a fantastic hour of joy, creativity, and connection. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded adults & experience the magic of Fun Friday!
These sessions are designed for adults with disability to connect in a social & informal way.
FREE for members & friends of the Strong & Capable Community.
New to the community? No worries, register your interest and we’ll add you as a Friend, otherwise check out what it means to be a member.
A Teams link will be shared prior to each event. First event is scheduled for Friday 2 August 2024.
We’ve handpicked a range of events that you’ll want to shrug on a winter jacket for; from Big Screen Gaming to riding a Steam Train around the Bugle Ranges. And the one thing they all have in common – they’re designed to bring liked minded people together and have some fun!
Our events are fun, low cost and inclusive! And your supports are welcome to join in. If there is something we can do to make participation possible for you, let us know, we’ll try our best to make it happen.
We can’t wait to welcome you at an event soon.
We have loaded up the fun this winter, here’s what you can look forward to;
🌟GAMING ON THE BIG SCREEN
🌟ILLUMINATE ADELAIDE FIRE GARDENS & DINNER
🌟BUILD A LEGO CITY
🌟RIDE THE STEAM RANGER
🌟HANDS ON POTTERY CLASS FOR ALL LEVELS
🌟TOUR CLELAND WILDLIFE PARK
🎫Bookings via Eventbrite are essential.
Find all of the details including dates & pricing on Eventbrite.
If you want to be part of a community where people with lived experience with disability thrive you are welcome to attend.
We’ve refreshed what it means to be a member of Strong & Capable and we’re pleased to be able to offer a range of benefits and perks, plus we introduced a Friends of the Co-op, so there really is something for everyone!
Read more about membership options.
A few members of the Strong & Capable Community headed out for a round of mini golf and pizza as a good excuse to get together and have some fun!
The course was travel themed and took us all around the world, and nine holes was just long enough for us to see some real putting talent!
No mini golf tournament is complete without giving out some awards:
Photo captions from left to right, Members enjoying pizza before the game, Clair taking a putt, Graeson & team taking a break between holes.
Get togethers like this enable meaningful social connections and this is what we are so passionate about!
Want to attend the next Community Catch Up and be part of our growing community? Then make sure you are signed up to the Co-op and keep an eye on our Event Calendar.
Its FREE to be a Friend of the Co-op, check out what it means to be part of our community.
There is so much you can get involved in around Adelaide.
Use this list to help plan your Peer Mentoring activities!
Whatever you are into, I’m sure you’ll find something fun to do.
Check the venues & events where the SA Companion Card is accepted
Looking for someone who shares your interests? Make sure you are signed up to our Peer Mentoring Program.
If you need help enquiring or booking into activities please reach out.
What did we miss? We love hearing from you so please share your own tips to find things to do.
Podcast By Steve Davis
In this important episode, we delve into the complexities of living with disabilities in Adelaide, set against the backdrop of the city’s ongoing efforts towards inclusivity. Our guests, including David Olney, Jorja Denton, and insights from Clair Crowley of the Strong & Capable Co-operative, share their lived experiences navigating well-intended urban interventions that sometimes present mixed outcomes for individuals with different disabilities. As Adelaide seeks public feedback on its new Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, this conversation aims to contribute unique perspectives to the dialogue, exploring the interplay of technology, community support, and the broader societal understanding of disability.
And in the Musical Pilgrimage, we feature the the song “Fabulous” by Rachael Leahcar, written and produced exclusively for the No Strings Attached Theatre Of Disability.
Listen to the full podcast on The Adelaide Show website.
Join us in celebrating how Peer Mentoring can positively impact the lives of people with disability and how collectively we can make a difference.
This launch party will showcase the program, giving you a glimpse into the exciting opportunities ahead. Join us as we embark on this journey together and create a community dedicated to growth, learning, and empowerment.
THE DETAILS:
📅 Date: Thursday April 4th, 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Hard Days Night, 301 Wright Street, Adelaide SA 5000
💲 Cost: From $10 per person.
🎫 Bookings required: via Eventbrite.
Bookings end Monday 25 March 2024.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
🌟 Strong & Capable freebies and info – because who doesn’t like free stuff?!
🤝 Networking opportunities with like-minded professionals, mentors and mentees
🎨 Interactive activities including board games, human bingo, an instax camera
photos and more!
🍽️ Delicious food provided by Whoopi Goldburger,
🍺 Drinks available from the bar
🌈 Sensory friendly spaces available
🏆 Prizes available on the night!
👗 Wear whatever makes you happy… !
If you have any questions or concerns, please send them to hello@strongandcapable.com.au and we’ll listen and adapt to be as inclusive as we can possibly be.
Not yet a member, join up now!
Are you over 18, and a person with lived experience of disability, or care for someone with a disability? Are you passionate about mentorship and want to help shape the future of our peer mentoring programs? Here’s your chance with Strong & Capable!
Complete our survey on Peer Mentoring and go into the draw to WIN a $50 gift card! Your valuable insights could make a big difference!
🔗 Survey Link: https://forms.gle/fcyTSnYXAWyGCPDE6
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have your voice heard and win a reward at the same time. Spread the word and tag your friends who might be interested and let’s make mentoring even better together!
**Gift card will be drawn at random on 15/03/2024 and winner will be notified via email.**
If you need support to complete the survey, please contact us on 0477 339 948 or via email hello@strongandcapable.com.au.
Our Peer Mentoring Program Coordinator, Clair caught up with Leanne to learn how she found the experience. Here’s what Leanne had to say:
Clair: How were you feeling about participating in the Peer Mentoring activity?
Leanne: I was really looking forward to getting out and about and joining the rest of the world – I’ve been in a bit of a rut. A bit nervous about meeting someone new, but feeling quite happy that we were going to do something that we BOTH wanted to do.
Clair: How long had it been since you had visited a community market & what had been stopping you from going?
Leanne: I didn’t realise I had stopped going to things like the market. It’s not as much fun on your own, and almost felt like a task without the company of someone else who wanted to be there.
Clair: How did you feel while you were participating in the activity?
Leanne: It had been a while since I had been to something like this – so I felt a bit awkward. It was great to have the distraction of someone to turn to and talk about the things for sale, and someone to point out things I hadn’t noticed. I didn’t feel quite so conspicuous, or like I was standing out – as you can when you are on your own. I felt more confident and it was so good to join the community.
Clair: Do you feel like this is something you want to do again, has it inspired you to find a regular way to build this activity into your routine or even try something new?
Leanne: I love the idea of trying new things as a bit of an experiment. I have realised that I need to schedule more fun into my life!
It’s not part of my routine yet, but has reminded me how good it is to get out and explore and interrupt the cycle of staying home (it’s a trap!)
Clair: Anything else you’d like to add?
Leanne: I’m really glad that I gave it a go, and I felt great afterwards. It gave me the chance to join in conversations about what we did over the weekend. Usually I don’t have much to add.
The planning ahead part was a positive experience too, something to look forward to.
Peer Mentoring Program Coordinator Comment
If you or someone you know might be interested in participating in the Peer Mentoring Program, don’t hesitate to reach out.
We’re all guilty of sticking to the routine. It works, its familiar, you’re comfortable with it.
A few weeks ago the Strong & Capable community got together to try something new. Taking into account our community needs & interests, this was the plan we came up with;
We had a really fun afternoon, and discovered who was the Pool Shark amongst us, who loves to grab a bargain at the markets and who enjoys being in the fresh air!
So here are a few reasons why getting out of your comfort zone can be good for you:
1. New skills: Stepping out of your comfort zone challenges you to learn new skills, adapt to different situations. It can help you discover hidden talents and interests you might not have realized you had.
2. Build strength: Facing unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations can help build your mental and emotional strength.
3. Increased Confidence: Successfully navigating new territory can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem which will give you confidence in your ability to handle new challenges and situations.
4. Broadened Horizons: Going beyond your comfort zone exposes you to new people, cultures, ideas, and opportunities.
5. Improved Problem-Solving: Adapting to unfamiliar situations can improve your problem-solving skills. You’ll learn to come up with creative solutions when your usual strategies don’t apply.
6. Break from Routine: Leaving your comfort zone provides a break from daily life. It can be refreshing and prevent boredom, but can also build anticipation and excitement.
7. Face your Fears: Facing your fears and anxieties head-on can help reduce their power over you.
8. Increased Adaptability: Adapting to new environments and experiences teaches you to be more flexible and adaptable, which is a valuable skill in a constantly changing world.
9. Achievement and Satisfaction: Successfully tackling challenges outside your comfort zone can bring a great sense of achievement and satisfaction. It can encourage you to take on even greater challenges in the future.
Getting out of your comfort zone doesn’t mean you should constantly put yourself in high-stress situations. It’s about finding a healthy balance between the familiar and the unfamiliar. Small steps outside your comfort zone are often the best way to get the benefits.
Not everyone will achieve all these benefits, but we hope we’ve listed enough for you to find something that appeals to you.
Let us know if we can support you to try something new, we can connect you to people with shared interests as part of our Peer Mentoring Program, where we create social participation opportunities for people with disabilities.
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