Social Support Services
Disability Social Support Groups
Out & Out Club
The Out & Out Club is a unique social and activities club for people with disabilities living in Mount Alexander Shire.
It is delivered as a group program as well as individual activities, with an emphasis on skill and capacity building to encourage independence and confidence for meaningful and active inclusion in the community.
The club has trained staff and volunteers in attendance to ensure that participants are safe, engaged and supported.
Our mission is to provide the highest quality person-centred care where individual needs are valued, people are empowered to direct their care and supported to meet their goals.
If you’re aged between 18-65 years living in the Mount Alexander Shire, and have a permanent disability or special needs, get in touch to find out more.
Older Persons Support Groups
This program is perfect if you live in or around Maldon and want to meet people and make friends while being active.
Outing examples include:
- walking around the Botanical Gardens in Castlemaine
- attending a local art gallery or musical event
- going to nurseries, shopping centres and movies.
A timetable of activities is released in advance.
Participants are required to be living independently and able to walk more than 500 metres unaided on
uneven surfaces.
| Day | Every second Thursday |
| Time | 11.20 am – 4 pm |
| Location | Various |
| Duration | Approx. 5 hours |
| Cost | $5 + activity cost (if needed) |
Interested in this group?
Click the link below
Active Tuesdays, Active Choices
This program is perfect if you are physically independent and want to meet people while being active.
Outing examples include:
- attending a local art gallery or musical event
- going to nurseries, shopping centres and movies
- exploring a new area followed by lunch at a café.
A timetable of activities is released in advance.
| Day | Tuesdays |
| Time | 9 am – 3 pm |
| Location | Various |
| Duration | Approx. 6 hours |
| Cost | Varies depending on activity |
Interested in this group?
Click the link below
This program offers company and friendship for people who may be socially isolated or have health issues. Not only does the program help people remain independent in their own home, it also provides respite for their carers. The program includes various outings and activities. Qualified health professionals care for the participants in a safe and fun environment.
| Day | Mondays |
| Time | 10 am – 2.30 pm |
| Location | Various |
| Duration | Approx. 4.5 hours |
| Cost | Free + transport cost |
Interested in this group?
Click the link below
Friday Explorers
This is a great group if you are looking to make friends and connections within the community. Each week the group travels to a new location where we share new experiences together as we explore our region. To be eligible, you must be aged 65+ or 50+ if Aboriginal or/and Torres Strait Islander. A timetable of activities is released in advance.
| Day | Fridays |
| Time | 9 am – 4 pm |
| Location | Various |
| Duration | Approx. 7 hours |
| Cost | Varies depending on activity |
Interested in this group?
Click the link below
Respite
Respite for Carers
This service provides beneficial centre-based respite on a regular basis. An initial assessment for eligibility is required; during this time we’ll also discuss any specific needs you might have.
To be eligible for respite, you must be:
- frail and aged over 65 years
- geographically, culturally or socially isolated
- living with memory loss/dementia
- living with a disability
- carers of those above
- carers who are also in employment
There is a small fee if you receive a full or part pension. If you have a high income or are on a care or support package, an hourly rate is payable. There may be additional costs for outings, as indicated by the monthly activity program.
Please note, if you have been assessed and require these services but are in a position where you are not able to pay, you will be allowed to join this service.
Peer Support Groups
Diabetes Support Group
If you are self-managing diabetes, our Diabetes Support Group provides an informal, friendly catch-up over a cuppa for self-help and social support.
Dhelkaya Health’s Diabetes Nurse Educator conducts the information sessions and cover all aspects of diabetes and its management. Guest speakers will also be engaged if the group identifies a specific area of interest.
This is a free service available to people of all ages. We welcome people with diabetes or pre-diabetes, their carers and family members.
| Day | First Wednesday of the month |
| Time | 2 pm |
| Location | Spencely House, Dhelkaya Health |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Cost | Free |
Parky’s Pals
Whether you are living with Parkinson’s or caring for someone with the condition, this group offers information, social connection, hope and support.
This group provides an informal and welcoming environment for people affected by Parkinson’s to come together to gain a sense of community in an environment where you can talk openly and expand your knowledge of the condition and symptom management.
Why not attend a meeting to see if this group is for you?
| Day | 3rd Monday of the month |
| Time | 10.30 am |
| Location | Castlemaine Golf Club |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Cost | Free |
