Building your circle
We all have days when life feels overwhelming. Whether it’s the stress of daily routines, navigating a new challenge, or simply needing someone to listen, one thing becomes clear: no one should have to face it alone.
That’s where your support network comes in.
A support network is a circle of people you can rely on. They’re the ones who offer encouragement when you’re unsure, lend a helping hand when things get tough, and celebrate your wins, no matter how big or small! It’s not just about having help. It’s about having belonging.
What Can a Support Network Look Like?
Support networks aren’t one-size-fits-all. Yours might include:
- Family members who understand your journey
- Friends who check in
- Teachers, mentors, or colleagues who uplift and guide
- Professional services like therapists, social workers, or community organisations
- Peer communities who’ve faced similar experiences
Sometimes, support comes from surprising places like a camp buddy, a volunteer, or even someone you met at an inclusive event.
At Cahoots, we see this in action every day. Our camps, programs, and social outings create environments where friendships bloom, trust grows, and networks begin to form naturally.
Why Support Networks Matter
Having a strong support network can make life feel easier, safer, and a whole lot brighter. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 41 per cent of people with severe or profound disability have experienced mood disorders like depression which goes to show just how important connection really is.
Everyone deserves to feel supported, understood, and valued. Having people around you who care, whether it’s friends, family, carers, or community groups, can lift your spirits, help you through tough times and celebrate the good ones too. Support networks aren’t just helpful, they’re life changing.
Here’s how a support network can help you grow:
- They offer emotional and practical support
- They help you set and achieve goals
- They improve mental health and reduce stress
- They combat isolation, especially for people with disability
Most importantly, they remind you: you are not alone.
For children and young people with disability, a support network can be transformational. It provides stability, boosts self-esteem, and opens the door to opportunity and independence.
If you or someone you care about is looking for extra support, there are many professional services available to help you take that first step. There are free, confidential services available 24/7 such as Lifeline (13 11 14) for crisis support and suicide prevention, and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support around family, domestic, and sexual violence. You don’t have to go through things alone! Help is out there, and reaching out is a brave and important step toward feeling safer, stronger, and more connected.
How Cahoots Helps Build Support Networks
Cahoots is more than an organisation, we’re a community. Through our inclusive programs, we bring together families, volunteers, professionals, and participants to create lasting connections. Some ways we help include:
- Leadership and life skills programs that foster independence and self-confidence
- Family support services and community events that encourage togetherness
- Inclusive camps and social outings that create shared experiences
- Opportunities for volunteering, mentoring, and peer support
From first time participants to long time volunteers, everyone at Cahoots plays a part in building a bigger, kinder network.
You’re Not Alone!
Building a support network doesn’t happen overnight, and you don’t have to do it all at once. Start small. Reach out. Get involved. Every new conversation can be the beginning of connection.
If you’re unsure where to begin, Cahoots is here to help. Visit cahoots.org.au to explore programs, connect with our team, or simply learn more about creating your own support circle.
No one should walk their path alone and with the right support network, you never will.
