Joining a social group at Hunter Community Hub (HCH) means becoming part of a warm, inclusive community. HCH is a registered NDIS provider serving the Hunter Region of NSW – including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens, and surrounding areas. Our social groups are community-based gatherings open to people with disability who want to connect, have fun, and build friendships. From the moment you walk in, you’ll find a friendly welcome and activities geared to your interests. After all, HCH’s mission is to “provide innovative ways to connect people with their communities,” fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.

Inclusive, fun, and empowering – that’s the vibe we strive for in every group. You’ll be in a safe, supportive space with others who understand your unique challenges and triumphs. Whether you’re an NDIS participant yourself or a family member, you can expect HCH’s groups to be participant-focused and flexible to your needs. Here’s a closer look at what’s on offer and how it can benefit you.

A Variety of Social Groups for Every Interest

HCH offers a range of social groups and activities – there’s something for everyone. No matter what you’re into, you’ll likely find a group of friendly folks at HCH who share that passion. Some of our most popular groups include:

Craft Group (Mindful Crafting): A relaxed, creative meetup where you can unwind and try different arts and crafts. Picture an art table covered in paints, yarn, and craft supplies, with people chatting and laughing as they create. There’s no pressure and no experience needed – just a fun, casual vibe and a chance to make something cool with others. It’s all about being creative and having a laugh in good company.

Movie Nights: For the film lovers, our movie social group is all about lights, camera, fun! Sometimes we go out together to a local cinema; other times we kick back at the HCH Learning Centre with popcorn and a big screen. Imagine beanbags and comfy chairs, a bowl of popcorn in hand, and friends to enjoy the show with. Whether it’s the latest blockbuster or a classic comedy, it’s a laid-back night of entertainment where everyone is welcome to share their favourite movies and a few laughs.

Dungeons & Dragons Group: Embark on an epic adventure in our fortnightly D&D nights. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a total newbie, you’ll fit right in. Envision a roundtable of excited players, colourful character sheets and twenty-sided dice scattered about, and maybe a wizard’s hat or dragon figurine as table décor. We provide the soft drinks and pizza, so all you need is your imagination. It’s a chance to role-play, tell stories, work as a team, and share plenty of laughs. All are welcome in this supportive quest – the goal is just to have fun together.

Video Gaming Group (Game Night): If video games are more your speed, our game nights are perfect for you. Every second Friday evening at our Belmont location, participants gather to play PC, Xbox, and Switch games – with pizza, soft drinks, and good vibes guaranteed. Think of a friendly lounge with game controllers and screens set up, people cheering on a Mario Kart race or teaming up in Minecraft. It’s a chill evening of gaming where young adults can socialize, bond over shared games, and enjoy a slice of pizza in between matches. Don’t worry if you’re shy at first – the energy is upbeat and everyone quickly feels like part of the crew.

These are just a few examples – HCH also runs other groups (from tech drop-in sessions to men’s BBQ outings) so you can explore whatever interests you. The key is that each group is centered around activities you enjoy. We know NDIS-supported programs work best when they’re built around your interests, so we love hearing suggestions for new group ideas too.

Friendly, Supportive Atmosphere

One thing you’ll notice right away is the welcoming atmosphere at HCH groups. Our staff and volunteers make it a point to greet everyone by name and with a smile. New members are often paired with a “buddy” or introduced to the group so nobody feels left out. All are welcome and valued, no matter your ability or background – HCH prides itself on inclusion and diversity. You’ll meet people of different ages and experiences, and everyone is treated with respect in our space.

HCH’s venues are set up to be comfortable and accessible. The environment is bright and cheerful, often featuring HCH’s signature splashes of colour – the blue, green, and orange from our logo that convey trust, growth, and warmth. Seating is arranged to be cozy and group-friendly. If you use a wheelchair or need any accommodations, we’ve got you covered with accessible facilities and a flexible approach. Our team understands that some participants may feel anxious or shy at first, so we keep the groups casual and low-pressure. If you just want to observe or take a break in a quiet corner initially, that’s absolutely okay. There’s no strict agenda – the goal is for everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves, at their own pace.

We also keep group sizes and activities flexible to suit participants’ needs (that’s part of our “safe, respectful, and flexible support” promise). For example, if loud noise or crowded settings are overwhelming, we can find a quieter spot or offer noise-cancelling headphones. If someone can’t make it every week due to health or scheduling, no worries – you can drop in when you’re able. Our facilitators are there to support you, whether it’s helping you follow a craft step, pausing a game if you need a time-out, or just checking in to see how you’re feeling. The result is a friendly, family-like vibe where everyone looks out for each other. Many participants tell us they felt at ease after just a few sessions, even if they were nervous to start.

Building Social Confidence and Independence

Beyond the fun and games, joining an HCH social group can have some amazing personal benefits. It’s not just about socialising – it can be a pathway to personal growth and autonomy. Here are a few ways our participants often grow through the experience:

Friendship & Connection: The most obvious perk is making new friends. It’s so important to feel connected, and a supportive peer group can reduce loneliness and make you happier day-to-day. In our groups, you’ll meet others who understand you and celebrate your successes. Many participants end up meeting outside of HCH too – going to other community events together or just staying in touch online. That sense of belonging to a community can really boost your overall mental health and mood. One HCH member told us, “I finally have people to hang out with on the weekend, and it feels awesome not to be so isolated anymore.”

Social Skills & Confidence: Participating in group activities is a great way to build your social skills in a safe space. You can practice communicating, teamworking (ever tried coordinating a D&D quest or a multiplayer game?), and just get more comfortable being around new people. Because everyone at HCH is friendly and patient, it’s an ideal setting to come out of your shell. Over time, you might find yourself speaking up more, initiating conversations, or trying leadership roles (like leading a craft demo or choosing the next movie). Achieving little goals – whether it’s finishing a painting or helping your team win a game – can really boost your self-esteem. The confidence you gain in group can carry over into other areas of life, too.

Independence & Life Skills: Joining a social group can even help with independence. For some, it’s the first step to doing something regularly outside of home or routine services. Simply getting ready and traveling to the group each week can build confidence in navigating the community. HCH can assist with travel training or support if you need help getting there, but many participants find that after a while they’re comfortable coming on their own. Managing your own social schedule – remembering group meetups, handling any small costs like buying a movie ticket or bringing snacks – all of this encourages responsibility and routine. You might also learn new skills or discover new interests along the way. For example, you could pick up photography tips in the mindfulness photography group, or learn to cook a recipe at a BBQ meetup, or simply improve your computer skills during gaming sessions. All these experiences add to your independence. HCH’s overall approach is to empower participants to reach their full potential, and social groups are a big part of that.

Perhaps most importantly, being part of an HCH group reminds you that you’re not alone – you have a community of friends and supporters around you. That sense of security and support can give you the courage to pursue bigger goals, whether it’s volunteering, studying, or trying a new hobby outside of HCH. It’s amazing to see participants blossom with a bit of encouragement.


Ready to Join the Fun? – How to Get Started

By now, we hope you’re excited about what HCH social groups have to offer. So why wait? You deserve to feel connected, supported, and empowered, and joining a group is a perfect way to make that happen. Getting started is easy. You can check out our Social Groups Calendar on the HCH website to see upcoming activities. If something catches your eye, reach out and register your interest (many groups let you try a session or two for free to see if it’s a good fit). You can also give us a call at 1800 848 960 to chat about which group might be right for you. Our friendly staff are happy to answer any questions and guide you through the simple sign-up process.

Remember, HCH often runs “come and try” days – so even if you’re a bit unsure, you can drop in, meet the crew, and get a feel for the group with no obligation. Families and support workers are welcome to come along initially if that helps you feel more comfortable. We’re all about making the experience accessible and positive for you.



Created by None on May 2, 2025, 5:54 p.m.. Last modified on Aug. 3, 2025, 4:59 p.m..