Top 10 Innovative Community Participation Activities for NDIS Participants

At Curate Care, we’re all about finding creative, engaging, and meaningful ways to support our participants to thrive. One of the best parts of an NDIS plan can be accessing innovative community participation activities that open doors to social connection, skill development, and a greater sense of purpose.

But what does innovative participation actually look like in real life?

In this blog, we’re sharing 10 real-world, inspiring examples of NDIS community participation ideas that go beyond the basics. Many of these are activities we’ve supported participants to take part in through Curate Care and each one builds a different set of valuable life skills.

1. Art Therapy and Creative Workshops

Art-based sessions provide more than just a fun outlet. They allow participants to express emotions, improve fine motor skills, and develop communication in non-verbal ways. Whether it’s painting, clay work, or group collage, creative therapy helps participants build confidence in a safe, low-pressure environment.

Skills developed: communication, self-expression, emotional regulation, creative thinking.

2. Group Fitness and Movement Classes

Group fitness sessions like inclusive yoga, dance, walking groups or aqua classes can support both physical and social development. They offer routine, structure and peer interaction—plus they’re a great way to boost energy and motivation.

Skills developed: goal setting, routine building, social interaction, resilience.

3. Community Gardening

Working in a shared garden space connects participants with nature and other people. It encourages responsibility and routine while being a calming, sensory-friendly activity. Participants can plant, weed, harvest and even sell produce at local markets.

Skills developed: responsibility, environmental awareness, patience, teamwork.

4. Community Radio or Podcasting

At Curate Care, we’ve seen how projects like podcasting or participating in community radio empower participants to tell their stories. These activities encourage public speaking, teamwork, digital literacy and creativity.

Skills developed: communication, media skills, planning, storytelling, self-confidence.

5. Peer Mentorship and Leadership Opportunities

Being supported to take on a leadership or mentorship role helps participants take pride in what they’ve learned—and share it with others. This could mean mentoring another participant, co-leading a group activity, or helping plan events.

Skills developed: leadership, empathy, decision-making, communication, problem-solving.

6. Volunteering in the Community

Supported volunteering roles—like helping at animal shelters, libraries, community kitchens, or op shops—give participants a sense of purpose and connection. These experiences also often act as a stepping stone to employment or further education.

Skills developed: workplace communication, reliability, initiative, social confidence.

7. Markets and Creative Enterprises

Curate Care participants who enjoy arts, baking or crafts can develop a small stall for a local market, creating handmade goods and selling them to the public. This blends creativity with real-life entrepreneurial learning.

Skills developed: budgeting, business skills, customer service, goal planning, creativity.

8. Public Speaking and Self-Advocacy Groups

Empowering participants to speak up—whether it’s at a local council forum, disability advocacy group or within a self-advocacy program—helps build identity and purpose. These sessions can include practice presentations, speech writing and group discussions.

Skills developed: public speaking, critical thinking, emotional expression, civic engagement.

9. Inclusive Learning and Short Courses

From basic literacy and numeracy skills to computer classes, cooking workshops or personal development programs—community-based learning is an excellent way to grow skills and confidence. These environments can be tailored to suit varying abilities and goals.

Skills developed: literacy, digital confidence, time management, planning and independence.

10. Social Event Committees and Planning Groups

We encourage participants to co-plan and help run social events like movie nights, games afternoons, themed lunches or community BBQs. This kind of hands-on participation allows for collaboration, leadership, and real-world organisation practice.

Skills developed: planning, budgeting, leadership, teamwork, time management.

Building Life Skills Through Community Participation

These kinds of activities do more than fill the calendar—they build vital life skills that help participants take ownership of their goals and feel part of their community. They’re also a fantastic way to reduce isolation and increase confidence.

Here are just some of the core life skills that participants gain through innovative community participation:

• Communication and social interaction

• Leadership and self-advocacy

• Emotional regulation and resilience

• Responsibility and time management

• Problem-solving and independence

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These are not just skills for a job or a task—they’re skills for life.

At Curate Care, we take a personalised approach to community participation. We work closely with participants to find meaningful, interesting, and aligned opportunities based on their goals and passions. Whether someone wants to grow vegetables, learn to podcast, speak on a panel, or run a market stall, we’re here to support that journey every step of the way.

Looking for Support with NDIS Community Participation?

If you're ready to explore innovative and life-enriching activities through your NDIS plan, Curate Care is here to help. Our experienced support workers and coordinators understand the NDIS inside out and can help design a program that’s tailored to you.

Contact Curate Care today to chat about your goals and what’s possible—we’d love to be part of your journey.