For immediate release 3 September 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
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A new project is set to tackle Canberra’s hidden loneliness and social isolation crisis for an important group of Canberrans with disabilities through an innovative approach which provides people with the tools and supports to build confidence, connect with community and take action.
Advocacy for Inclusion is launching the first in a run of virtual and real-life learning circles which will bring together small groups of people with different kinds of disability to discover their voice and passion.
The innovative approach uses a unique self-assessment approach and learning circles to support people to come together to work alongside each other to shatter barriers, set their own learning priorities and come and try new opportunities. We have lots of fun, interesting and worthwhile places, spaces and activities opening their doors.
Program Lead Madeleine Drahos said: “One week people could be trying out Boccia, the next they could be trying out a leadership role or talking about how they might start their own business.
“In one way this is community development, but what’s new and different about this is that it is a joined up approach which enables to people to identify their interests, try and test different opportunities, and obtain information about their rights, all while connecting with a new group of friends on the same journey.
“It’s about creating a place where people support each other and feel safe to try new things. It’s like a smorgasbord or a sushi train where you can try out new things and still know that there are other options in front of you. But it does ensure we don’t eat alone.
The approach responds to evidence about the extent and causes of loneliness and social isolation – this is a reality across the Canberra community but it has hit especially hard for some people with disability.
Head of Policy Craig Wallace said “In our advocacy people have told us they feel more isolated since the start of COVID, that some opportunities have dried up and it’s hard to know how to connect with new ones, especially if you’re an older person.
We know that social isolation is present and harmful in the lives of people with disability. In Australia, 38,000 (0.9%) of people with disability never leave home while others go out much less. People with disability aged 15-64 are twice as likely to experience social isolation compared to people without disability
28% of people with disability aged 15-64 experience loneliness compared to 16% of those without. Nearly 50% of people with disability aged 15-66 avoided situations, such as visiting family or friends or going to shops or cafes because of their disability.
There are a range of factors contributing to the social isolation and lack of inclusion for people with disability in the ACT. These include: lack of transport options, cost, attitudes, practical and attitudinal barriers and a lack of inclusive programmes
The project kicked off with a showcase where people with disability could connect with community partners and hear about opportunities that will be explored through the Learning Circles. These include local sports and recreation, arts and theatre, social clubs, music, dance, and personal development activities. We’re continuing to make new connections all the time, so the list of possibilities keeps growing. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to try, chances are we can help connect you with it..
To join you can sign up via https://www.advocacyforinclusion.org/welcoming-community-project/ or email welcome@advocacyforinclusion.org or call (02) 6257 4005 to register over the phone with the support of one our friendly staff
The Welcoming Community Program is funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) under the Peer Support and Capacity Building Program.
Media Contacts
Madeleine Drahos, Project Lead on 0419 635 894; or
Craig Wallace Head of Policy on 0477 200 755