friendships, fun & new skills
Sunflower Day Program
A welcoming group program where participants build everyday skills, try new activities and grow real friendships — in a supportive space designed around what they enjoy.
The Details:
Days:
Monday to Friday
Times:
9am to 3pm
What To Bring Daily:
Comfortable clothing, a labelled water bottle, a packed lunch or money for lunch out in the community + any regular medication and your support plan (if applicable).
If you are attending cooking classes, lunch is provided!
what we do in the week
Everyday Is Something Amazing
Monday Cooking Class
We develop new menu's every week so each session is never the same. We focus on engagement and independent living skills.
Learn More >
Tuesday Arts & Crafts
Every Tuesday is a new project to express everyone's creativity at their level. We focus on catering to each participant.
Learn More >
Wednesday Community Outings
Each week we go somewhere new in the community together focusing on socialisation and engagement within Melbourne.
Learn More >
Thursday Sensory Wellness
Every week we do something new to encourage sensory stimulation and implement some wellness & grounding activities.
Learn More >
Friday Fun Day!
We love hearing our participants suggestions on movies, crafts, games and socialising with friends. We share ideas and implement suggestions.
Learn More >
Not Sure What Fits Best?
Give us a call and we can help you better identify what days would be best for you or your loved one!
Monday Cooking Class
We develop new menu's every week so each session is never the same. We focus on engagement and independent living skills.
Learn More >
Tuesday Arts & Crafts
Every Tuesday is a new project to express everyone's creativity at their level. We focus on catering to each participant.
Learn More >
Wednesday Community Outings
Each week we go somewhere new in the community together focusing on socialisation and engagement within Melbourne.
Learn More >
Thursday Sensory Wellness
Every week we do something new to encourage sensory stimulation and implement some wellness & grounding activities.
Learn More >
Friday Fun Day!
We love hearing our participants suggestions on movies, crafts, games and socialising with friends. We share ideas and implement suggestions.
Learn More >
Not Sure What Fits Best?
Give us a call and we can help you better identify what days would be best for you or your loved one!
your goals, but fun!
What We REALLY Do Everyday
PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE IN DAILY LIVING:
The program is designed to build practical life skills that enable participants to function
more independently in their day to day lives. Through structured activities such as meal
planning, cooking, hygiene routines, personal organisation and transport training,
participants will learn to manage tasks with increasing autonomy and confidence. The
ultimate goal is to reduce dependency and equip individuals with the tools they need to
live more self directed lives.
FOSTER SOCIAL INCLUSION AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION :
Social isolation remains a significant barrier for many people with disabilities. This
program aims to break down those barriers by facilitating safe, supported opportunities
for social connection both within the program and out in the wider community.
Participants will engage in group based interactions, community excursions, volunteer
placements, and collaborative projects that promote belonging, social confidence and a sense of purpose.
SUPPORT EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL WELLBEING:
Understanding the close connection between emotional wellbeing and quality of life, the
program integrates supports that help participants develop emotional awareness, self
regulation skills and resilience. Activities are delivered in a trauma informed, supportive
environment with predictable routines and clear communication. Participants are
encouraged to express themselves creatively, connect meaningfully with others and
develop coping strategies that contribute to overall mental health.
ENCOURAGE SKILL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING:
The program recognises that many adults with disabilities benefit most from learning by
doing. Therefore, sessions are designed around experiential, sensory and hands on activities that
teach real world skills in practical and engaging ways. These include cooking classes,
budgeting simulations, digital literacy sessions, and creative arts each with a focus on
reinforcing communication, problem solving and decision making skills.
ENHANCE PERSONAL AGENCY AND GOAL ACHIEVEMENT:
A core aim of the program is to support participants in identifying, pursuing and
achieving personal goals. Each individual’s interests, strengths, and aspirations are
incorporated into their participation plan and progress is regularly reviewed in
collaboration with families, carers, and support coordinators. Whether a participant’s
goal is to make a new friend, join a gym, volunteer locally, or develop independent
travel skills, the program provides the tools and guidance needed to take tangible steps
Forward.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The program will run from Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and is structured around five core thematic days each week, incorporating the 8 key development areas mentioned above to ensure a holistic approach:
Day 1 – Independent Living Skills Focus: Practical skill building in cooking, hygiene and technology use.
Day 2 – Health, Wellness, Creativity & Self-Advocacy Focus: Health education, arts, mindfulness, understanding and regulating emotions and self advocacy practice.
Day 3 – Community & Social Participation Focus: Group outings, social skills development and creative expression.
Day 4- Dancing, Sensory and Wellness focused on moving the body and calming the mind
Day 5- Social and Recreational Activities, Cultural and diversity awareness, monthly events
SAFETY, COMPLIANCE AND WELLBEING
- Adherence to NDIS Practice Standards and Australian health and safety legislation
- Stringent hygiene protocols, particularly during food preparation and outings
- Risk assessments for all activities and community excursions with emergency procedures in place
- First aid trained staff on site at all times
- Emotional wellbeing promoted through mindfulness practices, access to quiet spaces and sensory rooms.
STAFF AND RESOURCES
- Qualified Staff: Day Program Coordinator, registered support workers, occupational therapists and peer mentors collaborate to deliver the program.
- Resource Investment: Kitchen facilities, technology devices, visual aids and materials for creative activities.
- Partnerships: Collaboration with local businesses, community centres and health providers to enrich the program and create pathways to employment or further education
PROGRAM STRUCTURE BY KEY DEVELOPMENT AREAS
I have sectioned the Day Program Services into themes:
The key development areas, these include:
- Life skill development
- Social and recreational activities
- Vocational and employment readiness
- Health and wellness programs
- Community access and participation
- Technology and communication skills
- Cultural and diversity awareness
- Personal development and self advocacy
- Monthly Events (example: Autism Awareness Month, Christmas etc)
smiling faces at sunflower
What Our Day Program Looks Like!
