Service explainer
Social support under Support at Home
Social support sits in the Independence stream. The intent is to reduce loneliness and maintain community connections. It covers companionship visits in the home, group activities at a community centre, and approved social outings written into the care plan.
What this page covers
- Independence stream with the matching contribution rate
- Includes companionship, group activities, and social outings
- Tied to a wellbeing goal in the care plan
- Often the single most underused entitlement in Support at Home
What social support covers
- One-to-one companionship visits at home (chat, board games, walks)
- Group activities at a community or day centre
- Approved social outings to the local shops, library, or community events
- Cultural and language specific groups for participants from non-English speaking backgrounds
Why so few households use it
Many families do not realise social support is funded. They focus on the practical services (cleaning, personal care, transport) and skip the wellbeing line. A few hours of social support each fortnight can significantly reduce loneliness, improve mood, and reduce the burden on family carers.
If your parent has not had a social support visit in the last three months, raise it at the next care plan review.
Frequently asked questions
Can the support worker take my parent shopping just for fun?
Yes, when it is part of a written wellbeing goal. A weekly outing to the local cafe or shopping centre is a perfectly valid social support activity.
What about cultural and language groups?
Many providers offer or refer to language and culture specific groups (Greek, Italian, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Arabic). Ask your case manager.