A full-day forum for people working in social support groups.
The Social Support Group Forum is your chance to connect with peers, spark new ideas and explore what high-quality, inclusive social support groups look like at the ground level.
You’ll hear from experienced sector leaders, explore practical tools and frameworks, and take part in energising discussions on the future of social support.
Whether you're leading a team or working with groups day to day, this event is designed for you.
Program
Session 1
Quality Care, Real Practice: Applying the New Act & Standards in Social Support Groups
– Beth Scott, Quality Service Improvement
In this session, we’ll explore what the new Aged Care Act and strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards mean for social support providers – at a practical, day-to-day level.
With a focus on real-world application, Beth will unpack the key concepts of high-quality care, the Statement of Rights and continuous improvement – explaining what these mean in the context of group programs.
You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of:
What you must have in place
Why it matters
How to take practical, achievable steps towards quality and compliance.
What Older People Want from Social Connection: Insights from Care Finders
– Primary Health Network Consortium: Merri-bek, Moonee Valley and Darebin City Councils
A Contemporary Model Approach: Holstep Health’s Movers & Shakers Program
– Holstep Health
Session 2
Confidently Leading Social Support Groups
– Rebecca Lister
Build your confidence and facilitation skills with Rebecca, who brings a unique blend of theatre and social work to her approach.
Sensitive Conversations: Building Trust with Older People from Diverse Backgrounds
– Dale Park, Diversity Training and Consulting
This practical and interactive session introduces the Sensitive Conversations Toolkit – a resource designed to support aged care workers in having meaningful, person-centred conversations with older people from culturally, linguistically and faith diverse backgrounds.
What Makes Social Activities Meaningful? An Older Person’s Perspective on Connection
– Maureen, Community Member
In this special session, we’re fortunate to hear directly from Maureen as she shares her reflections on what makes social connections truly meaningful. She’ll offer her perspective on the types of connection, inclusion and activities that matter most to her – and to many older people.
Session 3
What’s Next for Social Support? Let’s Design It Together
This interactive session is your chance to connect with other Social Support Group workers, share ideas and co-create solutions to common challenges. You’ll rotate through themed discussion tables – from low-cost activities to building inclusive, future-ready programs
Together, we’ll capture your insights, vote on the most promising initiatives, and create a list of top ideas to share after the forum. If something inspires you, you’ll have the option to take it further as a project.
Let’s shape the future of social support – one great idea at a time.
Update from the Department
– Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Who should attend?
The day is for social support coordinators, team leaders and staff working in CHSP-funded aged care. Up to five people per organisation can attend.
Cost
This event is provided at no cost to CHSP-funded aged care providers.
Presented by
The SSD Connect Alliance.
Developed with
North Metro and West Metro social support group providers. With thanks to participants from our last forum – your feedback shaped this year’s event.
Important
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Order confirmation (sent within 30 minutes of registration)
Pre-event email (sent 7 days before the workshop).
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Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Although funding for this event has been provided by the Australian Government, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Australian Government.