The team behind the emerging new program, The Indie Project, invite families, carers, school leaders, teachers and disability stakeholders to take part in the first collaborative co-design session at Mudgeeraba Community Centre on 14 November.
Set to launch on the Gold Coast early next year, delivered by community service organisation Social Futures, The Indie Project is aimed at building the independence of young people aged 16-24 living with neurodivergence, chronic illness, disability or mental health challenges.
Social Futures, Senior Manager Capacity Building and Engagement, Lynda Hope, said the upcoming co-design sessions provide an opportunity to help shape the creation of this new program.
“It’s important that the voices of young people who are neurodivergent or living with disability shine through in the program design,” said Ms Hope.
“We really want to see young people, their families and supports get involved right from the start, so they can directly contribute to shaping the creation of The Indie Project and have a say in how we can best support them to foster their own independence.
“Through collaboration during the design phase of the project, we aim to deliver a program largely guided by young people, for young people, to support increased accessibility and inclusion in communities.”
Facilitated by staff and peer mentors with diverse relevant lived experience, The Indie Project seeks to increase confidence in decision-making, along with building on knowledge and skills to support independence, and greater connection to peers.
Two of The Indie Project Peer Mentors, Bonnie and Jay, shared how important the project is to them.
“I’m deeply passionate about The Indie Project’s mission to help young people find their own paths to independence. If I had a program like The Indie Project when I was younger, it would have made a world of difference,” said Bonnie.
“Connecting with peers who understood what I was going through would have provided the sense of belonging and validation I desperately needed. It’s so important for young people to have a space where they can openly share their experiences and celebrate their successes, knowing they’re not alone on this journey.”
Jay added, “As someone with lived experience in Autism, I have lived most of my life overwhelmed and overstimulated by the world around me.”
“The Indie Project is a unique opportunity to give young people a chance to connect and bond with mentors who can guide and prepare them for real life, with full understanding of how they might be feeling and without judgment.”
With a particular focus on young people who may not be eligible for the NDIS or have not yet accessed NDIS funded supports, The Indie Project will be delivered in Gold Coast high schools through a combination of small group and individual peer-led activities rolling out in 2025.
The first collaborative co-design session to shape The Indie Project will be held with parents, schools and services on Thursday 14 November, at Mudgeeraba Community Centre on the Gold Coast. Register via Eventbrite Shaping Independence Together. Networking lunch included.
To find out more about The Indie Project and other upcoming co-design sessions contact Social Futures on 1800 719 625 or www.socialfutures.org.au/contact-us/
This project received grant funding from the Australian Government.
