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Stay connected and social

Stay connected with loved ones and engage with your community. Explore new places, meet new people, and discover new hobbies.  

We can help you stay engaged and connected to others through a range of groups, programs and technology. Enjoy and make the most of all the things you’re passionate about.


What are you interested in?

Keep up to date with your friends and community while making new connections. Enjoy the interests and hobbies you love with social programs, services and support.

  • Meet and talk to other people with similar interests and experiences.
  • Discover a wide range of interest groups on diverse topics.
  • Receive help to use computers, phones, social media and other technology.
  • Listen to Vision Australia Radio content, including news and podcasts.
  • Open up a world of books, newspapers and magazines through the Vision Australia Library.
  • Get support for activities like social outings and sports (location dependent).
  • Access audio-described performances of the latest musicals and plays. 
An older woman in a purple top knits with purple and white yarn. A man in the background weaves a basket.

Social and recreation groups

Social and recreation

Social and recreation groups are all about bringing people together, whether you share a hobby or simply want to connect with others.  

With both in-person and virtual options, you can join us at one of our locations, out in the community or from the comfort of your home. We offer a wide range of interest-based and social groups that encourage an active lifestyle and support you and your goals.  

The sessions last anywhere from 60 minutes to 5 hours. You can choose from one-off events, or join us weekly, fortnightly or monthly.  

Explore our social and recreation groups

Telelink

Social and recreation

Telelink brings together people with shared interests through hour-long telephone or video conferencing sessions. Offering a wide range of engaging programs, Telelink provides opportunities for meaningful connections and enjoyable interactions.

Depending on the program, sessions are held weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

Enjoy the convenience of connecting from home while expanding your social circle and pursuing your interests. 

Explore Telelink programs

“I really love the program. I’ve enjoyed every time I learn new things, getting new information, getting support. It’s been fantastic.”

— Tracy, Vision Australia client

Wellbeing

Quality Living Groups

Quality Living Groups bring people together who truly understand the journey of vision loss. These groups offer a welcoming space to connect, share, and grow within a supportive community.  

It’s a safe, encouraging environment to ask questions and explore new ways to stay engaged in the activities you love. 

Explore Quality Living Groups

Check in and Chat

For adults over 65 years

There’s no right or wrong way to process a new diagnosis of vision loss.  

Check in and Chat is a telehealth program that helps to build optimism and boost self-esteem while adjusting to the daily impact of vision loss.

Developed by experts and run by trained Wellbeing Officers, the program is designed to support you in your emotional wellbeing while adjusting to vision loss. 

Learn more about Check in and Chat
A smiling older woman sits on a bench, petting a white and brown dog. A white cane leans beside her.
Brittnee, a young woman with long dark hair, sits outdoors with a black guide dog, surrounded by plants and a dreamcatcher.

“It honestly made me feel there was life after blindness.”

— Brittnee, Vision Australia client

Real stories

How Brittnee got her groove back

For Brittnee it was the shock of the early onset of her vision loss that caused the most distress.  

“When you are 22, you don’t think you are going to get the diseases of an 80-year-old,” she says. “My darkest point was Australia Day 2017. I woke up in the morning and I was totally blind. The morning that I woke up with no sight, I then lost my job, I lost my career, my boss told me there was no point in me coming back. And that was probably the time I did lock myself in the house for about a week.”  

Brittnee contacted Vision Australia and learned about the Quality Living Groups. The groups helped Brittnee cope with her vision loss.  

“I honestly didn’t think the groups would be so much fun, I laughed more than I cried in these groups,” she says. “It honestly made me feel there was life after blindness.”  

Listen to Brittnee’s story

Technology and products 

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Enhance your wellbeing with the latest assistive technology and products, designed to support you in continuing to do the things you enjoy and enabling you to live more independently.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, services provided by Vision Australia do incur a cost. There are several ways you can fund the support, services and products you need We can support you with your funding applications. Please give us a call on 1300 847 466 to discuss your options. In some circumstances, a service will require a minimal client contribution.

Our clients have told us they have gained many benefits from the support they receive via our groups and programs, including the confidence to take on new challenges, learning new ways to complete everyday tasks and developing a social support network.

Quality Living Groups focus on the emotional and practical impacts of vision loss. Telelink connects like-minded people through hobbies and shared interests. Both groups are a valuable way to develop your social support network and connect with others with similar experiences. 

Crisis support

If you have found any of this information challenging, you can seek support through organisations such as Beyond Blue. For immediate support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Visit Beyond Blue