Hi Melinda, this is information we can all use, be great to compile a general list and a more specific list by location. Many activities can be covered by NDIS and some of these suggestions have a relatively small cost. These suggestions reflect life in Brisbane, QLD. Also suggest you google "free stuff to do in XXX (your location).
Depending on and following your clients interests,
General activities include;
Local art galleries and the bigger state art galleries and museums (some have a program of
classic, cult and experimental films)Volunteering at places like groups that sew for charities or hospitals, op shops, or see Volunteering Australia
Council and library events and activities e.g. training and resources at the library (e.g. free computers and training in how to use), joining and visiting the library to choose new books, magazines, movies and finding out what free events your local libraries offer (e.g. movies, bookclub, byo craft to a community chat and craft session)
Your local community centres - may offer a wide range of free social activities and events e.g. music appreciation, music therapy, yoga, chair yoga, womins group, mens group, art activities (drawing, painting, weaving, craft), bus trips, English language.
Church groups may offer community activities.
Community groups for specific disabilities (you'll have to hunt them down. The offices of your council and state members may have lists) like your local Stroke and friendship group, aphasia group (e.g. Aphasia choir) and Sailability which offers sailing to those with a disability in Brisbane.
City views from an inside public space, eg a lemonade at the Rialto's 55th floor Lui bar in Melbourne.
Cheap activities include;
The movies eg $6 at Cinneplex in Brisbane
Sporting wheelies (low fees) cater to a wide range of disabilities and have good gym facilities.
Holey Moley indoor golf and Strike indoor bowling
offer a discount rate of $8 for 9 holes/ per game for guests with disabilities, free for accompanying person with companion card. Ph 1300 727 833.It is possible to join or even start a Meet-up group (worldwide, focus on local areas) that includes your client's specific interests in perhaps drumming, beading, fine art, knitting or crochet (esp fun things include crazy teapot cover or beanie adornments and broaches), poetry writing and reading.
Recording activities can make them more rewarding and provide a richer experience and a reminder - assist client to start a personal journal (phone diary ap, blog or other) and encourage client to take photos at visited locations/ themes to add to their journal. Some photos could be printed to have up at home. The experience of doing this at a print shop eg officeworks, can be fun.
Many of my activities and ideas are outdoors so I will include these, possible when the weather is fine.
Outdoor activities include:
Local walking/ wheeling groups (e.g. heart foundation), walking/ wheeling together in local reserves and boardwalks along waterways, craft markets, volunteering at a community garden or nursery, free bowls sessions, visiting animals (cat cafe, dog park, some produce stores have chickens, pigs, donkeys), visit park rose and seasonal flower gardens, visit a place with a view like a hill top or a botanic gardens and have a small picnic or take tea and biscuits, fishing together or in a larger group found via Meet-up, bait shop or fishing supplies shop, scenic drives to nearby lovely destinations, visit a nearby creek, forest, or mountain for views, go to an esplanade waterpark (watching is fun too), ferry, bus, tram ride (some city circles are free), go treasure hunting by geocaching, find free, findlive music (markets, parks, malls, beer gardens, University school of music or Conservatorium of music concerts)
Hope this provides a springboard for you to find what might suit you and your clients best.
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Yasmin McErlain
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Original Message:
Sent: 24-08-2022 08:53
From: Melinda CARTER
Subject: Fun and free places for clients
What fun places are there to go to for clients that are free and out of the elements?
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Melinda Carter
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