BELGRAVE South Community House is certainly a busy place.
Like many community houses regionally, it has children services, adult learning and halls for hire.
But what makes this place extra special is they provide services for people with a disability, thus serving all members of the community.
Unlike most disability organisations and agencies, their disability services are just one aspect.
People who attend their programs share the space with all sorts of people.
Those who are enrolled in disability service programs also have the opportunity to access many of the mainstream programs.
Services include the extend program, which is a day service for adults and operates on weekdays, 9am to 3pm.
The extend program offers many programs within, which assists individuals to develop skills and have experiences that contribute to achieving individual goals in a group-based setting.
Some programs are also attended by other services.
The weekend extend program is a group-based recreational program.
These camps and day activities provide opportunities for individuals to access the community and make new friends and connections, have new experiences, learn new skills and visit places and attractions.
Weekend extend primarily operates on weekends with some activities being held in the evening and some on weekdays to take advantage of what the community has to offer.
Activity locations vary, depending on the activity.
They also offer one-on-one support, with an emphasis on assisting people to get out and about.
They also provide placement opportunities for tertiary students, with numerous students now employees.
Their major annual event, which showcases the best of what they do, is the International Day of People with Disability celebration.
This event is split into two parts.
Last year’s event featured a barbecue, art, sporting games and live music at the centre, as well as a show at Belgrave’s Sooki Lounge, where bands with people with disabilities performed live on stage.
For more information, contact Graham Bergroth, Disability Services co-ordinator, on 9754 2274, 0407 942 007 or bsch-extend@netspace.net.au.
