Finding connection and purpose as we age can be difficult enough, but for people living with disability, the barriers can be even greater. That’s why Advocacy for Inclusion has launched a new national initiative, the Welcoming Community Project, a free six-month program designed to help people ageing with disability connect, build confidence, and take charge of their own goals in a supportive, peer-led space.
The program officially kicks off online on 6 November, and anyone in Australia is welcome to join. Participants will meet in small, friendly Learning Circles, interactive group sessions where people can share experiences, learn from one another, and explore topics that matter most to them. The goal is simple yet powerful: to create a community that welcomes everyone, values lived experience, and helps people feel seen and supported.
A space to connect, share, and grow
For many people ageing with disability, social isolation is a daily challenge. Whether due to mobility issues, service barriers, or limited community networks, opportunities to connect meaningfully can become few and far between. The Welcoming Community Project is tackling that head-on by creating a safe, inclusive environment where everyone can contribute and learn at their own pace.
Each Learning Circle is guided by peers, people who bring their own lived experience of disability and understand the realities of navigating systems, relationships, and independence. Together, participants will explore areas like:
- Becoming a self-advocate: Learning how to speak up for your rights and express your needs with confidence.
- Navigating community spaces: Understanding how to access inclusive and accessible programs, services, and venues.
- Exploring health, hobbies, and purpose: Finding new activities, reconnecting with interests, and building confidence in daily life.
- Strengthening relationships: From family to service providers, learning how to communicate and collaborate effectively.
- Becoming a community leader: For those ready to give back, the program includes opportunities to mentor others and develop peer-support skills.
Sessions are structured to run for two hours each month, with an additional shorter check-in two weeks later. Everything takes place online, meaning people can join from anywhere in Australia, whether they’re in Canberra, regional NSW, or remote communities further afield.
Why programs like this matter
At its core, the Welcoming Community Project is about more than just learning, it’s about belonging. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are linked to poorer health outcomes, particularly for people with disability and those ageing without strong networks of support.
By creating a safe space where participants can share stories, problem-solve together, and set personal goals, the program helps rebuild confidence and community identity. It also offers a pathway for participants to practise self-advocacy, a key skill in achieving greater independence and accessing the services and supports that align with their individual aspirations.
“Sometimes people just need a place where they can be heard without judgement,” an Advocacy for Inclusion spokesperson explained. “This program provides that foundation. It’s not about experts talking to people, it’s about people learning with each other.”
How the program works
The Welcoming Community Project runs for six months, starting in November. Each month’s Learning Circle focuses on a theme chosen by the participants themselves, whether that’s confidence-building, wellbeing, community participation, or leadership.
The model is based on peer learning, meaning each person’s experience and perspective adds value. Participants receive guidance and encouragement to set self-determined goals, big or small, from joining a local class or volunteering, to learning how to advocate for accessibility improvements in their community.
Because sessions are online, accessibility features such as captioning and assistive technologies are integrated to ensure everyone can participate fully. The flexible schedule and national reach also make it ideal for people living in areas where in-person programs are limited.
A movement for inclusion and empowerment
This initiative is part of Advocacy for Inclusion’s broader commitment to supporting people with disability to have a voice and lead change in their own lives. The organisation has long championed peer-led programs that empower individuals rather than impose solutions on them.
By joining the Welcoming Community Project, participants become part of a growing movement that celebrates lived experience as a source of strength and wisdom. It’s a reminder that inclusion starts with conversation and that connection is the foundation of confidence, advocacy, and wellbeing.
How to join
If you or someone you know is ageing with disability and looking for connection, purpose, and a place to belong, this program is for you.
📅 Launch: 6 November 2025
🕒 Duration: Six-month program (monthly sessions + fortnightly check-ins)
🌐 Format: Online (open to participants anywhere in Australia)
💻 Find out more and register: advocacyforinclusion.org/welcoming-community-project
Why join?
Because everyone deserves a community that listens.
Because confidence grows when stories are shared.
And because belonging, real belonging, starts when we show up together.
Follow Purpose Media CBR for more local stories that celebrate inclusion, connection, and the people making Canberra a more welcoming place for everyone.
