How community makes inclusion real

Social connection is not a luxury. It is a core part of wellbeing, belonging, and feeling valued. Being connected to others supports mental health, builds confidence, and creates opportunities to learn, grow, and participate in everyday life.

For many people with disability, social connection can be harder to access. Barriers like inaccessible spaces, limited transport, attitudes, or past experiences of exclusion can make it difficult to find places where you truly feel welcome. Over time, this can lead to isolation and disconnection, even when people want to be involved.

Strong communities are built when people are connected, supported, and included.

Connection is about more than meeting people

Social connection is not just about turning up to an activity. It is about feeling safe, respected, and able to be yourself. It is about having spaces where you can share experiences, be understood, and build relationships at your own pace.

Connection helps people feel seen. It creates opportunities to learn from each other, share knowledge, and support one another through challenges. It also strengthens communities by bringing different voices, perspectives, and lived experiences together.

Inclusion means strengthening existing community spaces

True access and inclusion is not about creating separate groups that sit alongside the community. It is about making sure the spaces that already exist are welcoming and accessible to everyone.

That means working with local clubs, groups, events, and community spaces to reduce barriers and create environments where people with disability can take part alongside others. Inclusion works best when communities adapt, grow, and learn together.

This approach benefits everyone. When communities are more inclusive, they become richer, stronger, and more connected places to live.

D Connect Local and community connection in the South West

At Advocacy WA, we believe connection is a powerful form of advocacy. That is why we run D Connect Local, a peer support group operating across the South West.

D Connect Local is about connecting people with disability and their support networks into their local community. It is a relaxed, welcoming space to meet others, share experiences, and build confidence. It is also a way to work alongside local groups and social clubs to support more inclusive practices, so everyone can join in.

Rather than creating something separate, D Connect Local focuses on strengthening what is already happening in towns and communities. It is about building relationships, sharing knowledge, and working together to make inclusion real and lasting.

You can check out upcoming D Connect Local groups here
https://collections.humanitix.com/d-connect

An amazing opportunity to become a community mentor

We are also on the lookout for more community mentors to be part of D Connect Local. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable skills and experience.

As a community mentor, you will receive free training and upskilling, ongoing support, and the chance to build leadership, communication, and facilitation skills. You will be part of a network of people who care about connection, inclusion, and creating change at a local level.

Community mentors play a vital role in supporting peer connection, welcoming new people, and working alongside local groups to make community spaces more inclusive. It is a meaningful role that builds confidence, strengthens communities, and creates lasting impact.

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If you would like to hear more or express interest, you can register here https://forms.office.com/r/yNa3ZtatQP

Connection creates stronger communities

Social connection helps people feel less alone and more empowered. Inclusive communities are built when people come together, listen, and make space for everyone to belong.

When we invest in connection, we invest in stronger, healthier communities where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and thrive.

Because inclusion is not about creating something different.
It is about making sure everyone is welcome where community already exists.

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