Suitable for ages

7-12, 13-17 years

Autism Friendly

Mainstream autism inclusive provider
NDIS Registered

Support Provided

Check with provider

Sensory Considerations

• May be some contact with others

This event is held outdoors

Location

Everything you need to know

Our program meets the current NDIS legislation and is eligible for coverage under NDIS plans.

Want to know more?

Our Social and Life Skills Program is:

• Based on the outskirts of Melbourne in the Yarra Valley

• Voluntary and aimed at participants aged between 7 and 17 years

• Operates throughout Victorian school terms

• Participation is 1 day per week from 9:30am-1:30pm

• Standard support is offered at a 2 participant to 1 staff ratio while individual support is 1 participant to 1 staff ratio

• Group sizes generally range between 6-8 participants

• The program is semi-structured and offers experiential learning

• Our therapeutic model focuses on 3 stages of change

• Healthy relationships, boundaries and safety

• Purpose, healing and connection

• Self and belonging

Participants of all levels of functioning come together at The Good Life Farm for a number of reasons. These may involve emotional and/or social challenges, personal growth, life skills development, or simply promoting general wellbeing.

A range of experiential learning opportunities take place throughout the term. These may include but are not limited to:

• Team building activities, tasks and games

• Animal observations, interactions and husbandry

• Building and construction

• Relaxation and nature-based activities and experiences

• Outdoor recreation

• Permaculture theory and environmental education

• Farm related numeracy and literacy

Through these experiential learning opportunities participants are supported with:

• Capacity building
• Relationship building
• Social engagement
• Social skill development
• Increased social and community participation
• Emotion regulation
• Self-awareness and self-care
• Independence, confidence and self-worth
• Resilience

The Good Life Farm Social and Life Skills Program is a unique therapeutic model which has been independently evaluated, (https://goodlifefarm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Good-Life-Farm-Program-Evaluation-2023.pdf).

The research findings concluded that the Life and Social Skills program supported participants presenting with a diverse range of challenges across developmental, behavioural and mental health domains to create positive change:

Improved mental and emotional health

• Improved sense of self
• Improved peer functioning
• Improved sensory functions
• Reduced negative and damaging behaviours

Provider Terms & Conditions

The Good Life Farm engages the services of qualified staff members to provide this service.

1 Day per week – throughout the Victorian School Terms – 9.30am – 1.30pm

The Good Life Farm will provide the following –

• Animal Assisted Learning
• Venue
• Livestock
• Program materials
• Activities
• Transport within program hours
• Morning tea & Lunch provided

Program fees are not refundable – once a commitment has been made to participate, payment for entire program is required.

If written report information is required, additional charges are applicable

Assessments are undertaken within the first 2 weeks of the program – additional charges are applicable if individual support is required. (another staff member is employed to provide 1:1 support within a group participation setting)