For many NDIS participants, independence is about more than having the right support at home. It can also mean having opportunities to connect with others, explore personal interests, develop new skills and participate in the wider community.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) can provide support with everyday living while helping participants work towards greater independence. Depending on an individual’s NDIS plan, goals and circumstances, SIL may also support opportunities for meaningful community participation.
What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living, commonly known as SIL, is an NDIS support designed for people who need assistance with daily tasks and developing greater independence.
Support can vary from person to person. Some participants may need assistance with household routines and personal activities, while others may benefit from support to develop skills, make decisions and participate more confidently in their community.
SIL is designed around the individual, which means the type and level of support should reflect a participant’s needs, preferences and goals.
What Does Community Participation Mean?
Community participation is about being involved in activities, places and social environments that are meaningful to an individual.
For one person, this could mean joining a local sports club. For another, it might involve attending an art class, visiting a library, taking part in a community event or developing the confidence to meet new people.
Community participation can provide opportunities to:
- Build social connections
- Explore new interests
- Develop communication and social skills
- Increase confidence
- Learn new skills
- Become more familiar with the local community
- Work towards individual goals
The important thing is that participation should be meaningful to the person. There is no single definition of what an active community life should look like.
How Can SIL Support Community Participation?
1. Encouraging Participation in Groups, Clubs and Classes
SIL support may help participants explore groups, clubs or classes that match their interests and goals.
This could include recreational activities, hobby groups, educational classes or other community-based activities.
Having appropriate support can make it easier for participants to explore new environments, establish routines and gradually become more comfortable participating in activities they enjoy.
2. Supporting Access to Recreational, Cultural and Educational Activities
Community participation can extend beyond traditional social activities.
Participants may have interests in:
- Arts and creative activities
- Sports and recreation
- Local cultural events
- Educational programs
- Libraries and community centres
- Hobbies and interest-based groups
SIL may support participants in working towards goals that involve accessing and participating in activities that are important to them.
3. Developing Social Skills Through Mentoring and Coaching
For some participants, joining a new group or interacting with others can feel challenging.
Mentoring or coaching may provide opportunities to develop skills such as communication, confidence, decision-making and navigating social situations.
These skills can support participants as they become more comfortable engaging with people and environments outside their home.
4. Encouraging Community Connection Through Living Arrangements
Where appropriate and funded, SIL arrangements can also provide opportunities for greater connection with the community.
Living in an environment that supports independence and participation can give participants opportunities to develop everyday skills while remaining connected to local activities, services and community spaces.
However, the right living arrangement will look different for every participant. Individual preferences, support needs, goals and circumstances should be considered when exploring SIL options.
Service providers can play an important role in helping participants turn their individual goals into meaningful opportunities for independence and community participation. A person-centred provider should work alongside the participant, respecting their choices, interests and goals while helping them explore opportunities that support greater connection with their community.
If you’re exploring ways to support greater connection and participation in the community, visit our community participation page and you may also contact us to learn more about the opportunities and support available.
