The Power of Social Support

Why Group Programs Matter

At Riverland Active, we’ve seen first-hand just how powerful social support can be! After eight years of working alongside young people and adults with disabilities, we know that the chance to connect with others whether in a group or one-on-one is life-changing. It’s exactly why Riverland Active was created, to provide opportunities that simply weren’t available in our community.

For many young people, school is a place filled with socialisation, learning, and growth. But once school ends, that environment disappears almost overnight. Suddenly, it’s harder to see friends every day or find spaces where you can continue building relationships and learning from peers. That’s where Riverland Active comes in.

We’ve also noticed that after leaving school or even just in general many people with disabilities struggle with depression and anxiety. Too often, they become isolated and find it difficult to leave the comfort of their own home. This isolation can lead to unhealthy routines, such as becoming overly reliant on gaming consoles, slipping into poor eating habits, disrupted sleep patterns, and a decline in overall health and wellbeing.

One-on-one support plays a very important role, especially for participants who need extra assistance with mobility, personal care, or where there are complex behaviours. These supports ensure safety, dignity, and independence. But for young people and adults with higher capacity, one-on-one support should not be the only option. They should be out in the community, living their best life, building friendships, and experiencing the world alongside their peers.

That’s where group support shines. In group environments, participants don’t just learn from a mentor they learn from each other. They share experiences, build friendships, and mentor one another in ways that can’t be replicated one-on-one. It’s incredible to watch skills and confidence grow in real time as participants support each other, celebrate successes, and even learn from one another’s mistakes.

Think about it! At school, so much learning comes from the people around you. That doesn’t stop when school ends. Socialising in group settings helps participants continue to develop life skills, resilience, and independence. These are the building blocks of adulthood and they’re strengthened when you have a network of peers alongside you.

At Riverland Active, our programs are designed with this in mind. From sport and recreation to community outings and work experience opportunities, we create spaces where participants can be active, engaged, and socially connected. We believe that an active mind, body, and lifestyle help shape the best version of each person.

Most importantly, we’ve seen the results. Participants who once struggled with isolation, anxiety, or unhealthy routines have come out of their shells, developed confidence, and thrived in ways they never thought possible, in some cases even moving on to achieve paid employment in the local community. They grow in confidence, they build meaningful friendships, and they learn valuable life skills all while having fun.

That’s why group support matters. It’s more than just an activity, it’s about connection, growth, and preparing for the future and it’s why Riverland Active is proud to provide programs where participants can belong, learn, and thrive together!!!

Director, Jordan Beech