Beyond Presence - Friendship

21 March 2025, 9.30 am to 12.30 pm (lunch provided at 12.30 pm)

Option 1: (preferred) Box Hill Golf Club (202 Station Street, Box Hill)

Option 2: Online via Zoom Livestream

What is this Workshop About?

Are you wondering how to assist your loved one or the person you support build deeper, more meaningful friendships in the community?

According to researchers, one of the single most important factors influencing our health, well-being, and happiness is friendship and connection. “However, friendships between individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to be scarce with limited opportunities for interaction”. (Athamanah et., al, 2019, p1).

This workshop is designed to empower loved ones and supporters of individuals with intellectual disability and autism with practical tools and strategies to foster genuine community connections.

Together, let’s create a path from presence to true belonging.

What you will learn:

How to create the right contexts for friendships to grow using valued roles and shared interests and activities.
Practical ways to help initiate, nurture, and deepen reciprocal friendships.
Your role as a supporter in sustaining, encouraging, and safeguarding these connections.

Key Highlights

Move beyond acquaintances and inclusion to meaningful participation and belonging.
Discover actionable strategies to strengthen friendships through shared interests, invitations, and reciprocity.
Learn how to balance support with independence for natural, lasting relationships.

This session is interactive, engaging, and tailored to focus on practical solutions that make a real difference.

Who is this event for?

This workshop would suit family members, friends, and paid supporters of people with intellectual disbaility and autism looking to actively support deeper and genuine friendships.

Join us to explore how you can be a catalyst for the kinds of connections that truly enrich lives.

Are you wondering how to assist your loved one or the person you support build deeper, more meaningful friendships in the community?

2 ways to attend this event

There is an online option to attend this event. Zoom details are sent closer to the event date. You can also swap to online attendance if you become unwell.

Email: info@belongingmatters.org