CHSP Social Support Group Program Objective: To provide opportunities for adults 65+ years to participate in community life and feel socially included through structured, group-based activities that develop, maintain or support independent living and social interaction whilst facilitating your wellness goals.

Service Type: Social Support Group provides opportunities for you to join activities conducted away from your home, in a community setting. These structured activities are provided in a group-based environment and designed to develop, maintain and support social interaction, independent living and maintain health and wellbeing.

Schedule: Currently most CHSP activities take place on Thursdays, and occasional Wednesdays. Chinese speaking activities are on Fridays. Classes generally require term enrolment, however newcomers may ‘come and try’ a session. Some activities are weekly, others once a term.

Who Can Participate: Activities are suited to participants registered with My Aged Care to attend Social Group activities at Clota Cottage. Most of our older adults activities are open to anyone, regardless of age or registration in the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). People from all cultural backgrounds may participate in our CHSP activities. Priority is given to participants currently enrolled with My Aged Care to attend the Program. More information about CHSP eligibility is outlined below.

CHSP and My Aged Care: Those registered with My Aged Care to attend CHSP Social Support Group activities at Clota Cottage receive priority to attend when numbers exceed capacity and are also eligible for subsidised rates for most activities.

How Do I Participate: Newcomers are always welcome. We strongly recommend that you contact Marie, our Social Support Group Facilitator, and organise a time to visit us to have a chat and a cuppa.

Activity Costs: Fees are applied in line with the CHSP Fees Policy and Guidelines. There is no formal means testing for CHSP participant contributions. We aim to keep fees as low as possible, and charge no more than the cost of providing the activity. Costs vary depending on the activity. Participants experiencing hardship may request a fee reduction or waiver and should speak with our Manager for more information.

Waitlist: Some of our most popular activities will have a waitlist so we encourage early enrolment to avoid disappointment. Activities may be cancelled if there is insufficient enrolment.

Feedback: We encourage all participants to provide feedback and input into program activities.