How can we help?

Girls Connect is a supportive community created especially for girls and young women with disability.

Through small social groups, community activities and individual support, we create opportunities to build genuine friendships, confidence, independence and everyday life skills, while having plenty of fun along the way.

Our goal is simple: for every girl to feel safe, included, valued and like she truly belongs.

Girls Connect supports girls and young women with disability with a range of abilities, personalities and support needs.

Our programs are designed for participants who would like to make friends, build social confidence, become more independent, learn new skills and enjoy meaningful experiences with others.

Not sure which group would be the best fit? Get in touch with us. We would love to learn a little more about you and help find the right place to start.

We offer a range of social, community and skill-building programs across the Gold Coast and Beaudesert.

Our groups include Teen Tribe, Wellness Warriors, Community Queens, Sunday Squad, Girl Talk, Connection Queens and Beauy Beauties, with different programs designed around age, interests, goals and support needs.

Activities change regularly, so there is always something new to look forward to!

No two Girls Connect days are exactly the same!

Depending on the group, activities may include creative workshops, cooking, karaoke, games, wellness activities, life skills, bowling, movies, community outings, special events and bigger adventures.

While the activities are fun, there is always a purpose behind what we do. Our groups provide natural opportunities to practise communication, make choices, build confidence, develop independence and, most importantly, form genuine friendships

Absolutely not.

Many girls join us because making friends, meeting new people or being part of a group can feel difficult or overwhelming.

There is no expectation to walk in and instantly socialise. Our Buddies take the time to get to know each participant and support her to join in at her own pace.

Sometimes the biggest first achievement is simply feeling comfortable enough to come back next week, and we celebrate that too.

We understand that joining somewhere new can feel like a big step.

Contact our team and we can talk with you about the group you're interested in, your support needs and the best way to make your first Girls Connect experience as comfortable as possible.

 Yes. We understand that joining a new group can feel like a big step, and having a familiar support worker with you can make that first experience feels much more comfortable.

Participants are welcome to attend with their own support worker, particularly while getting to know the group, our Buddies (staff) and the other girls.

Our goal is to help each participant feel safe, confident and connected. If appropriate, we can work together over time to support greater independence within the group, at a pace that feels right for the participant.

Please let us know before attending if you plan to bring your own support worker so we can make sure we have everything organised for the activity

Yes, Girls Connect can be accessed through NDIS funding under core funding and capacity building, social and community participation, Daily Living. If you are unsure about your eligibility, our team can help you navigate the process.  

Depending on the program and individual needs, support may be provided at 1:1 or shared support ratios such as 1:2.

Our priority is making sure each participant has the right level of support to participate safely and meaningfully.

Some activities may have additional costs such as entry fees, meals, tickets or special activity costs.

We will always let families and participants know about any additional costs before the activity, so there are no surprises.

Yes. Transport can be arranged for many of our programs depending on location, availability and the participant's individual arrangements.

Please speak with us when enrolling so we can discuss your transport needs.

Yes!

Girls Connect also offers individual support focused on building confidence, independence and everyday life skills.

This can include cooking, meal planning, grocery shopping, budgeting, travel training, community access, work-readiness skills, routines, digital skills and working towards individual goals.

Our 1:1 support is personalised around the things that are important to you.

Creating a safe, welcoming environment is at the heart of Girls Connect.

We take the time to understand each participant's individual needs, communication style, preferences, strengths and support requirements.

Our team follows relevant safeguarding, workplace health and safety, incident management and participant support procedures, and our Buddies are supported to provide respectful, person-centred disability support.

Most importantly, we want every girl to feel that she can come to Girls Connect and simply be herself.

Absolutely.

We welcome referrals from 

Support Coordinators, families, allied health professionals and other members of a participant's support network.

You can submit a referral through our website or contact us directly to discuss the participant, their goals, support needs and which Girls Connect program may be the best fit.

Getting started is easy.

Simply complete our online enquiry or enrolment form, email us at info@girlsconnect.com.au, 

We'll get to know a little about you, talk about your interests and support needs, and help you find the Girls Connect program that feels right.

Your place to Believe. Connect. Shine. starts here.