OUR SUPPORT SERVICES
Breaking the cycle of social isolation
What is Social Isolation?
We all feel lonely sometimes, but some of us are at greater risk of experiencing loneliness from living in isolation. Social isolation occurs when individuals have little or no contact with others in their community. Older Australians, people who are unemployed and those with limited mobility are among those most affected.
Did you know:
- 1 in 5 older Australians are socially isolated1
- 1 in 3 people aged 15 and over with a disability avoid social situations because of their disability2
Many studies have shown the importance of social connection in shaping our wellbeing. Those experiencing social isolation often wake each day without a sense of purpose which can lead to low self-esteem, a lack of self-worth and depression.
1. Beer A, Faulkner D, Law J, Lewin G, Tinker A, Buys L et al. 2016. Regional variation in social isolation amongst older Australians. Regional Studies, Regional Science 3:170–84.
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2019. People with disability in Australia: in brief. Cat. no. DIS 74. Canberra: AIHW.
We break the cycle of social isolation by...
Encouraging Physical Health
Improving Mental Wellbeing
Fostering Community & New Friendships
Providing a Sense of Purpose
Building Up Self-Confidence
Nurturing a Sense of Identity
Our Support Services
We are committed to providing meaningful support services for those in need.
We offer opportunities to develop and maintain new skills through nutritional support, educational programs, employment training and recreational activities.
By encouraging our support users to stay healthy, active and connected, we are fostering lives filled with purpose as we strive to eliminate loneliness for Sydney’s most isolated individuals.
Meals & Nutrition
Daily Breakfast, Morning Tea & Lunch
Our on-site chef prepares nutritious meals for our support users each day. This free service includes toast and cereal for breakfast, freshly baked cakes for morning tea and a hot, hearty lunch. Many of our support users live alone and do not take the time or have the resources to prepare a satisfying, healthy dinner at night so our meal service is vital for providing a daily dose of fruit and vegetables and ensuring no one is going to bed hungry.
Take-Home Meal Packs & Food Parcels
To extend our nutritional support, any food remaining from our lunch service is packaged into individual containers and offered as take-home meals for dinner that night. These nutritious dishes help to keep our support users well-nourished in the evenings when many people are less inclined to prepare a meal for themselves.
Since 2016, we have been fortunate to have Oz Harvest supplying us with weekly deliveries of fruit, vegetables and frozen meat. The food supplied by Oz Harvest is used by our chef for daily meals and is also allocated into fresh food parcels for our support users to take home.
We extended our food support service during the 2020 COVID-19 global pandemic. When our support users were suddenly unable to attend our Darlinghurst Centre, our staff ensured everyone stayed safe at home with food parcels delivered weekly to homes in Waterloo, Redfern and Surry Hills. We also teamed up with the St Barnabas Broadway to distribute food parcels in the Ultimo area.
Low Cost Meals for Seniors
Our popular ‘Low Cost Meals for Seniors’ program began in 2015 to encourage our support users to cook healthy meals at home.
Delivered by Beehive Ambassador and former Masterchef contestant, Kumar Pereira, the program teaches people how to create simple and nutritious meals on a limited budget.
All of the lessons, including recipes and cooking tips, are available at www.lowcostmealsforseniors.com.au.
Employment & Education
Workplace Experience & Training
Our 'Beehive2Work' program offers work experience and training to the long term unemployed and people with a disability to assist them in finding employment.
Study English Basics
We offer weekly English lessons for our support users from non-English speaking backgrounds. The classes build confidence in the use of English language which helps to break down barriers to socialising with younger people and the wider community.
Digital Literacy Programs
Our digital literacy program is conducted by volunteers from Volunteering Australia and through student volunteering programs with the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW). These classes are vital for our support users who need to access online services for financial support and for emotional well-being.
Events & Outings
Events
We host events to bring our support users together for a day of fun and frivolity. These may involve performances, games or fancy-dress activities with prizes and trophies. These events are always popular and are our way of showing care and understanding around special days that may otherwise be spent alone such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas.
NDIS
National Disability Insurance Scheme
Beehive Industries is a NDIS service provider - Registration Number: 97482863.
We provide the following support:
- Development of life skills
- Community participation
- Group activities
- Accessing & maintaining employment
Are you on the Disability Support Pension (DSP)?
We support people with a disability aged 25 years and over. We offer a range of programs in an integrated social support setting. If you are on the DSP and keen to know more, please contact us arrange a tour.
Looking to Transition to Retirement from an ADE?
We have a unique service model and a range of programs for people on the DSP looking to transition from the Australian Disability Enterprise sector. We provide an ADE-like experience with work activity over a shorter period, combined with leisure activities and support programs. Contact us to find out more.
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