How to Choose Between Group and Individual Community Activities
Choosing between group and individual community activities can be a big decision for families and support coordinators. For people living with a disability, the right kind of activity can help build confidence, open up social opportunities, and make daily life more meaningful. Whether it’s attending a group event or taking part in a solo outing, both types of involvement have their own value. It all depends on the person, their comfort level, and what they're hoping to get out of the experience.
Brisbane offers plenty of options when it comes to community access support. From group hangouts at local parks to personalised one-on-one outings, the choices are wide-ranging. The goal isn’t to pick the better activity but to match the support type with the participant’s goals and personality. This helps ensure they engage in ways that make them feel safe, capable, and fulfilled during every part of their week.
Understanding Group Community Activities
Group community activities usually involve several participants joining in on a shared outing or event. These are often organised by support providers, offering structured sessions with guidance from trained staff. They give people a chance to connect, build friendships, and practise working together in real settings.
Group activities are especially good for developing social skills and community involvement. Being around a mix of peers can help participants learn how to share space, take turns, and communicate clearly. These settings are also great for introducing routine and structure in a fun and low-pressure way.
Here are a few examples of group community activities commonly held around Brisbane:
- Group coffee meet-ups at local cafés
- Visits to South Bank and other Brisbane landmarks
- Cooking sessions or BBQs in the park
- Arts and crafts clubs in community halls
- Movie nights or games at local hubs
- Social sports or walking groups
- Horizons group social activities
Even though group sessions are shared, they’re not one-size-fits-all. Good programs still consider the interests and comfort zones of each person involved. Some participants might thrive in a larger group with lots of interaction, while others may enjoy smaller, quieter sessions with fewer people.
It’s also worth thinking about group ratios. Smaller groups with the right mix of personalities can offer just as much connection but with less overwhelm, especially for younger participants or those with lower sensory thresholds. For some, knowing others are walking a similar path can be a comforting way to open up to new things.
Exploring Individual Community Activities
Individual community activities are more focussed on the participant and allow for flexible planning built around their personal likes, challenges, and goals. These one-on-one outings are usually done with a support worker and can include anything from grocery shopping and banking to going to the library or attending a class that interests them.
Because there’s no need to adapt to a group’s pace or preferences, participants often feel more in control. This setup can be better for those just starting community access or those who feel overwhelmed in social settings. It’s also helpful when someone needs extra support in a particular area, like learning how to use public transport or building confidence in day-to-day communication.
Some examples of individual community-based activities in Brisbane include:
- A one-on-one walk through Roma Street Parklands
- A focused support session on catching the CityCat or train
- Practising money handling at a local farmers market
- Joining a solo drawing class at a nearby community centre
- Visiting a job agency to learn about work pathways
- Personalised fitness routines like swimming or indoor rock climbing
Because the attention is on the individual, this type of support can be adjusted as goals grow or change. One participant might begin with supported shopping trips and later feel confident enough to take those on independently. These small steps, made in a safe and guided way, build self-belief that snowballs into more active involvement in the wider community.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Activities
Every person is different, so choosing between group and individual activities needs to reflect who they are and what works best for them. Some love being around others and pick up energy from social settings, while others feel more secure and calm one-on-one. Understanding how a participant responds to different environments is a good place to start.
It helps to look beyond preferences and think about practical things too. Age, support needs, communication styles, and goals all come into play. A young adult building their independence might benefit from sessions that focus more on everyday living skills, while a teenager looking to meet new people might connect more deeply with peer-based group events.
Mixing both types of activities can sometimes be the sweet spot. You might structure the week with one or two solo outings aimed at daily living goals, and add one social event for connection and fun. That blend can keep participants progressing without overwhelming them.
Here are a few questions that can help shape the right mix:
- Does the participant enjoy being around others, or do they prefer quiet, calm settings?
- Are you working on specific skills like catching the bus or shopping independently?
- What are the short-term and long-term NDIS goals?
- Is there room to try both formats and see what sticks?
- Will they feel more capable learning new skills alone first before applying them in group settings?
If someone isn’t sure yet, starting small can ease the pressure. Attending a small group for just part of the day or planning shorter one-on-one sessions can create space to explore without committing to a big routine straight away. Over time, preferences often become clearer.
Tips for Parents and Support Coordinators
Supporting someone through this decision doesn’t mean knowing all the answers straight away. What matters most is keeping the lines of communication open and finding what works without added stress. Try focusing on what the participant enjoys, what goals they’re working toward, and where they feel most confident.
Here are some helpful tips for making the process smoother:
1. Start With a Trial
Don’t feel locked into one style of support. Trying different options across a few weeks can reveal what suits best. Some may discover they love the group setting even if they were shy to begin with.
2. Use Visual Aids or Social Stories
For younger participants or those who like structure, visuals can help explain what to expect at different activities. A simple step-by-step story or schedule often helps reduce anxiety about change.
3. Include the Participant in Planning
Giving the person a say keeps them involved and respected. Ask what they’re interested in or what they’ve always wanted to try. Small things like choosing the café or outing can make a big difference.
4. Keep the Focus on Growth
Whether the activity is social or skill-building, check in often to see if it’s helping with confidence or achieving short-term goals. If not, it’s okay to adjust and rethink the plan.
5. Seek Feedback From Support Workers
If workers are attending with the participant, they’ll have helpful insight into what’s working well and what could be changed. Honest chats can lead to better outcomes.
Taking the time to reflect, trial different options, and stay flexible is key. No decision is set in stone and the ability to adapt means support will always stay relevant to the person’s needs.
Empowering Independence Through the Right Mix
Group and individual community activities each bring a different kind of value. Group sessions help with connection, rhythm, and teamwork. One-on-one outings bring focus, privacy, and flexibility. There’s no rule that says you can’t do both. In fact, many participants benefit from that balance.
Choosing the right activities isn’t just about making a plan. It’s about making sure that plan continues to reflect where the person is and where they want to go. Goals can shift and confidence can grow, but the heart of it always comes back to helping participants feel more at ease in themselves and in the world around them.
Through thoughtful decisions and consistent support, parents and coordinators can build a weekly routine that feels meaningful and enjoyable. Brisbane has so many opportunities for meaningful engagement that the real challenge might be narrowing the choices down. With time, patience, and the right planning, community access can become one of the strongest steps to growing independence.
For those looking to boost involvement and independence, finding the right balance is key. Horizons Support Network can work with you to tailor community access support in Brisbane that matches personal goals and everyday needs. Let’s build a routine that feels meaningful, flexible, and right for your journey.
