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.
- 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.
Matching the activity to the person
Social support only works when it fits the person. A lifelong reader may prefer a quiet companion and a library trip. A former club member may thrive in a group. Ask what the participant enjoyed at 40 and 60, not just what they manage now. Culturally and linguistically specific groups often lift engagement far more than a generic day centre.