Social Support Groups

We provide opportunities for seniors to interact with others from their cultural background and stay active.

Regular activities are organised according to your interests and abilities in easy to access, comfortable and safe venues.

Activities include: table games, quizzes, craft, information sessions, guest speakers, day outings, cafe lunches, birthdays and celebrations (festivals and religious days), intergenerational programs, cooking, music (singing and dancing) and gentle exercise. Transport and culturally tailored food provided.

Our Groups

We run a variety of Social Support Groups for communities from different multicultural backgrounds including Chinese, Eastern European, Filipino, Polish, Arabic and Italian. As demand grows for a particular culture, we create new groups.

Cost

For a small fee, you will receive transport, meals and the activity.

For people from various cultural backgrounds age over 65 who live in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs.
Day: Monday
Time: 10:00am – 2:30pm
Venue: Glengala Community Centre (Castley Hall)
10 Simmie St
Sunshine West VIC 3020

For people with an Eastern European background age over 65 who live in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs.
Day: Wednesday
Time: 10:00am – 2:30pm
Venue: Glengala Community Centre (Castley Hall)
10 Simmie St
Sunshine West VIC 3020

For Chinese (Cantonese) people age over 65 who live in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs.
Day: Friday
Time: 9:30am – 3:00pm
Venue: Jean McKendry Neighbourhood Centre
91-111 Melrose St
North Melbourne VIC 3051

For Eastern European people age over 65 who live in the Geelong area.
Day: Friday
Time: 10:00am – 2:30pm
Venue: White Eagle House
46-48 Fellmongers Rd
Breakwater VIC 3219

For people from various cultural backgrounds age over 65 who live in the Geelong area.
Day: Friday
Time: 10:00am – 2:30pm
Venue: Filipino Australian Friendship Association (FAFA) of Geelong
D W Hope Centre
28 The Boulevard
Norlane VIC 3214

For people from the Arabic community aged over 65 who live in Melbourne’s South East Region.

Day: Thursday

Time:10:00am – 2:30pm

Venue:
James Cook Children’s Centre
55-63 James Cook Drive
Endeavour Hills VIC 3802

For people from a Sri Lankan/South Indian background aged over 65 who live in Melbourne’s South East Region.

Day: Wednesday

Time:10:00am – 2:30pm

Venue:
James Cook Children’s Centre
55-63 James Cook Drive
Endeavour Hills VIC 3802

For people from various cultural backgrounds age over 65 who live in Melbourne’s Whitehorse City Council area.
Day: Wednesday
Time: 10:00am – 2:30pm
Venue: Various locations – Excursion group

How to make an enquiry or send a referral?

Please call (03) 9689 9170 and request our Social Support Groups Manager. Or use our Contact Us page and pick the Social Support/Respite option for your enquiry. You may also request a referral via My Aged Care (MAC) to AMCS.

Contact us

 

 

In loving memory of the individuals in the Social Support Groups who are no longer with us.

Social Support For Seniors And Respite For Carers

Centre-based Respite

The AMCS Centre-based Respite Program gives carers a break to take care of their own health and wellbeing…

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Volunteer Visiting Programs

AMCS match older adults and volunteers with a shared cultural background, hobbies and interests through three different programs…

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Madam Qiu Li Jin story

Madam Qiu Li Jin has attended North Melbourne’s Social Support Group (SSG) for many years. After a fall in her living room, she moved to Elderly Chinese Home in October 2018. Some SSG clients and volunteers organised to visit her and the facility monthly. They sang songs, played games and kept the residents company. Madam Lin, SSG client, was a singing teacher when younger. She acts as the group’s singing conductor for their performances.

Now, three clients have moved to Elderly Chinese Home and they still cherish their friendships.

Gallery