Community for Everyone is a pioneering project designed to bridge the gap between profoundly isolated people with disability and their community.

The project aims to enhance the social inclusion and active participation of people with disability by connecting them with volunteer social connectors who share similar interests.

The project will bring together local citizens with and without disability and project advisors who have expertise in community development and inclusion.

The project hopes to demonstrate how people with intellectual disability can be better supported to be active members of their community.

The project is taking place in Parramatta, Ryde, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.

People with intellectual disability will be matched with local citizens in each location.

The project is for 2 years with opportunities to remain engaged after the project.

About the role - Social connectors

A social connector is a voluntary role for a person committed to inclusive communities where everyone belongs. • You will be matched with a person with disability in your community who is currently profoundly isolated. • You will get to know the person and their current interests and connections. • You will strive to support the person to be better connected to others with shared interests. • You will receive ongoing training and support with these efforts. • You will participate in social connector meet ups to share ideas and learnings • You will participate in an evaluation of the project led by people with intellectual disability.

Key Selection Criteria

• A commitment to the rights and social/economic inclusion of people with disability • Strong communication skills • Networking skills • A commitment to your local community with local knowledge and connections • Problem solving skills • Ability to both work autonomously and respectfully liaise with others • A ‘can do’ approach – creativity and an ability to take initiative and leadership • Enthusiasm to work alongside people with disability to move towards positive, socially inclusive outcomes.

About Side By Side Advocacy Side By Side Advocacy is a not for profit advocacy organisation based in Parramatta. We started more than 30 years ago and specialise in advocacy for people with intellectual disability. Our vision is for a world where all people are equal and valued.

Social connectors in Ryde and Parramatta will be supported by Side By Side Advocacy.

About Hunter Circles Hunter Circles is a not-for-profit organisation that was established in 2021 to support people with disability to take their rightful place at the heart of community. Our vision is a Hunter community where everyone matters, where everyone belongs and where people can be the fullest version of themselves as citizens.

Social connectors in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle will be supported by Hunter Circles.

If you are interested in being a Social Connector in Parramatta or Ryde contact Kim via eo@sidebysideadvocacy.org.au or 9808 5500

If you are interested in being a Social Connector in Lake Macquarie or Newcastle, contact Jenny at Hunter Circles via info@huntercircles.org or 0401 388 164