Australian Friendship Circle Inc
The Australian Friendship Circle Inc is a Melbourne-based nonprofit organisation established in 2003 to address social isolation and promote community inclusion for children and young adults with special needs[1][3]. The organisation operates with a holistic "whole family" approach, offering programs tailored to individuals with disabilities, their parents, and siblings[2][4].

Mission

The Friendship Circle's mission centers on fostering friendships, reducing social exclusion, and empowering volunteers through community engagement. Its initiatives aim to provide individuals with disabilities access to social, recreational, and educational experiences while offering respite and peer support to families[2][5].

Programs and Services

• Sunday Programs: Weekly gatherings for participants and volunteers, including gender-specific initiatives such as boys' social interaction groups and girls' empowerment activities[5].
• Camps and Events: Seasonal day camps and excursions to locations like Scienceworks, pairing participants with volunteers for structured activities[4][5].
• Home Buddies: Weekly home visits by volunteers to provide companionship and practical assistance[5].
• Sibling Support: Monthly recreational outings (e.g., bowling, Luna Park visits) for siblings of individuals with disabilities[5].
• Parental Respite: "Mum’s nights out" and similar events to facilitate peer connections among caregivers[5].

Approach

The organisation emphasizes volunteer-driven support, engaging teenagers and university students to build relationships with participants. Its model prioritizes inclusivity, aiming to empower individuals with disabilities as active community members[2][5].

Impact

Since its founding, the Friendship Circle has expanded its reach to hundreds of families in Melbourne, emphasizing long-term social connections over transactional care[2][3]. Its dual focus on participants and volunteers seeks to cultivate mutual personal growth through shared experiences[2][5].

Note: Details are synthesized from publicly available program descriptions and regulatory filings.

[1] https://www.friendshipcircle.org.au/about/ [2] https://www.friendshipcircle.org.au [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/3343a29b-39af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/3343a29b-39af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/documents/ce118776-fa4e-ea11-a813-000d3ad1f29c [5] https://thesocialblueprint.org.au/health_listing/australia/victoria/melbourne/disability/friendship-circle-of-melbourne-health-disabilities/