Group skills development

NDIS Capacity Building support

Skill-building delivered in a group setting, where people learn and practise together, for example communication, independence or social skills.

The short answer

Group skills development is skill-building delivered in a group, where people learn and practise together. Topics include communication, independence and social confidence.

About Group skills development

Learning alongside others can make new skills feel less daunting. In a group, people see how others tackle the same challenge, practise together and give and receive encouragement. Programs are usually led by a support worker, therapist or trainer, and run over a series of sessions with a clear focus.

Common topics include communication and social skills, cooking, managing money, travelling independently, health and wellbeing, and preparing for work or study. Some programs are for a particular age group or interest, such as young adults leaving school, which makes the content more relevant.

A good group balances structure with flexibility. Leaders explain what will be covered, set activities at different levels and check how each person is going, so no one is left behind or held back. It is worth asking how progress is tracked and what happens once the program finishes.

Who is this service for?

People who learn well alongside others and want to build skills such as communication, independence or social confidence in a group.

What a typical session looks like

A group skills session brings a small number of people together around a shared goal, such as communication, cooking, money, travel or making friends. A facilitator explains the activity, demonstrates it and guides people through practising together. There is usually a mix of discussion, role play and hands-on tasks, with time to ask questions and share what works.

Learning alongside others has its own benefits. People see how others approach a problem, feel less alone and often pick up ideas they would not have thought of. A good facilitator makes sure everyone can take part at their own pace, and follows up with each person about how to use the skills in their own life.

Who delivers this support

Groups are run by therapists, trainers, support workers and community educators. Some are led by an occupational therapist or speech pathologist, particularly when the skills involve communication or daily living. Ask about the facilitator's experience with your age group and your kind of needs, and about the size of the group so you know how much individual attention to expect.

How to choose a provider

• Ask how the group is put together and how many people take part.
• Find out what qualifications and experience the leaders have.
• Check how the program adapts to different abilities and learning styles.
• Ask how progress is measured and shared with you.
• Find out what happens after the program ends.

Questions to ask a provider

• What skills does the program cover, and how is it structured?
• How large is the group, and how are participants matched?
• Who runs the sessions, and what is their experience?
• How will the program help me apply what I learn outside the group?
• How do you support people who need more time or a different approach?
• How will we know whether the program is working for me?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Joining a group that does not match your goals or age group.
• Expecting the group alone to change everyday life without practice outside it.
• Not telling the facilitator about your needs, so the activities are not adjusted.
• Leaving early because the first few sessions feel awkward.
• Not asking how many people are in the group before you commit.

Getting started

1. Decide which skills you want to build.
2. Look for a group that matches your goals and age.
3. Ask to visit or speak to the leader before joining.
4. Set a personal goal and review it at the end of the program.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Group skills programs complement one-to-one therapy and community support. A person might learn a skill in a group and then practise it with a support worker in real situations. They also connect with social and recreation activities, since many people build friendships through them. It helps to talk with the facilitator about how the group links with your own goals.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Group skills development if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Capacity Building supports help you build skills and independence. If Group skills development is in your plan, it is normally paid from a Capacity Building budget. These budgets are usually set for particular types of support, so check which one your plan uses. Many NDIS supports have price limits, so ask providers for a quote and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Supports such as Group skills development that are funded by the NDIS are paid at rates that follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which the NDIA reviews regularly. Many items have a maximum price, and some prices are higher in remote areas. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Life skills providers on the NDIS register

13,003 NDIS providers list life skills supports on the NDIS Commission register of registered providers. A register listing shows what the register says, not who has capacity.

Providers listing life skills

• 1 Abbira Care Services - VIC; includes Fraser Rise, VIC
• 1 Care Connect - NSW; includes Manly, NSW; Rooty Hill, NSW; Rosehill, NSW
• 1 Circle Of Care - VIC; includes Pakenham, VIC
• 1 Heart Care Services - NSW; includes Orange, NSW
• 1 In Town Services - SA; includes Mansfield Park, SA
• 1 The Helpers - NSW; includes Parramatta, NSW
• 1-Care - NSW; includes Lalor Park, NSW
• 10 Plus Care - VIC; includes Camberwell, VIC
• 121 Best Care - QLD; includes Calamvale, QLD
• 121 Supports Hunter - NSW; includes Hamilton, NSW; Newcastle, NSW; Newcastle West, NSW
• 123 Community Support - NSW; includes Ermington, NSW
• 13 Care Solutions - VIC; includes Cobblebank, VIC

See all 13,003 life skills providers

Listings by state and territory

• New South Wales (4,401)
• Victoria (3,825)
• Queensland (2,354)
• South Australia (1,257)
• Western Australia (1,066)
• Northern Territory (297)
• Australian Capital Territory (283)
• Tasmania (212)

Suburbs with the most listings

• Brisbane, QLD (608)
• Melbourne, VIC (477)
• Sydney, NSW (348)
• Central Coast, NSW (282)
• Perth, WA (264)
• Blacktown, NSW (241)
• Adelaide, SA (237)
• Parramatta, NSW (234)
• Liverpool, NSW (213)
• Tarneit, VIC (198)
• Geelong, VIC (185)
• Ipswich, QLD (185)

Listings covering the most areas

• Permalink Support Services - 503 areas
• Hunter Valley Care & Assistance - 249 areas
• Nurse Next Door Canberra - 189 areas
• Huge Care - 188 areas
• Aligned Assist - 184 areas
• Amazing Procare Toowoomba - 171 areas
• Allabilities Cares - 170 areas
• Allied Horizon Disability Services - 154 areas

Checking credentials

• Check registration Search the NDIS Commission's register of registered providers to see whether a provider is registered and for which types of support. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use unregistered providers.
• Ask about worker screening Ask whether workers hold a current NDIS Worker Screening Check where their role requires one, and how the provider checks its workers' identity and qualifications.
• Get it in writing Ask for a written quote and a service agreement that describes the support, the prices, how to change or end it and how to make a complaint.

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Regulates NDIS providers and handles complaints about the quality and safety of NDIS supports. Phone: 1800 035 544.
• National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Runs the NDIS. Contact them about your plan, your funding and eligibility. Phone: 1800 800 110.

Related services

• Higher education and training support
• Housing search and matching
• Job coaching and workplace assistance
• Life transition planning and mentoring

Frequently asked questions

Why learn skills in a group?

Practising with others can build confidence, offer chances to make friends and let people learn from one another. It can suit people who like a shared, structured setting.

What kinds of skills are covered?

Examples include communication, cooking, money skills, travel training and social skills. Programs differ, so ask what a group covers and how progress is tracked.

How big are the groups?

Group sizes vary. Ask how many participants and staff are usually involved, and whether the group is arranged by age, interest or support needs.

What if I feel shy in a group?

That is common. Good leaders start gently, let you take part at your own pace and create a friendly atmosphere.

Are groups better than one-to-one support?

It depends on the person and the goal. Groups suit people who enjoy company and practising with others, while one-to-one suits people who want focused attention.

Can I join part-way through?

Sometimes. Ask the provider when new groups start and whether you can join an existing one.

Is a group program better than one-to-one support?

Neither is better in every case. Groups are good for practising with others and building social confidence, while one-to-one support suits people who need a personalised approach. Many people use both.

What if I feel nervous about joining a group?

That is very common. Ask whether you can visit first, meet the facilitator or start with a shorter session. A good facilitator will help you feel comfortable.

Are there programs for young people and adults separately?

Many programs are organised by age or by stage of life. Ask the provider who the group is designed for, and whether the topics match your interests.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Group skills development?

If Group skills development is in your NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary for you, then yes. Check with your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

How do I find a Group skills development provider near me?

Browse providers on SolDirectory, or send a free enquiry with your location and what you need and suitable providers will review it. Then ask each one about availability, a quote and a service agreement before you decide. Details come from providers and registers, so confirm them directly.

Sources and further reading

• NDIS: how the NDIS works, plans and price limits
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: find a registered provider, make a complaint

Browse the NDIS and aged care provider directory