A partnership involving West Ipswich Bunnings, the NDIS and Carers Queensland has helped bring together people in the Ipswich community living with a disability.
Ipswich NDIS participants attended their first Bunnings DIY workshop, where they learned new skills and had the opportunity to access something different in the community.
Bunnings West Ipswich activity organiser, Theresa, led 16 Ipswich people in a pot decorating session.
“I usually feel a lot of anxiety when meeting new people, but not today,” said one NDIS participant on the day.
Another who also attended the workshop spoke about how much fun they had choosing their favourite flower to plant.
Carers Queensland NDIS Local Area Co-ordinator, Sallyanne Lewis, said the aim of the workshops was to create a space for people with disability to meet each other and socialise in a relaxed space where they feel “safe to be themselves”.
“They decorated pots and Theresa taught them how to plant flowers,” she said.
“Some of the participants have been teaching each other how to decorate, while others took the opportunity to talk to new people.
“We want them to be excited to come to these workshops and do things they want to do or acquire a skill they want to learn.
“They have already suggested activities for the next workshop, which we are all very excited about.”
Carers Queensland Chair, Jim Toohey, said inclusive communities can improve well-being outcomes for people with disability, including their health, employment, education and life satisfaction.
“Creating strong connections with their community and mainstream services allows people with disability, families and carers a greater choice and control over their lives,” he said.
“By working alongside one of Australia’s leading retailers, like Bunnings, it can increase opportunities for social connection and allows people to explore new hobbies, skills or employment pathways.
“Events like these also allow organisations and businesses the opportunity to work with and learn from people with disability so we can create inclusive communities together.”
Carers Queensland works with the NDIS to deliver the Local Area Co-ordination Partner in the Community Program, supporting Australians with disability to live fulfilling and connected lives.
The organisation also helps people with disability understand and access the NDIS as well as what is important to them, their goals and plans, and the supports needed to get there.
The partnership also assists people with disability to find local services and start using their NDIS plan.
