Community participation and life skills supports help many NDIS participants stay connected, build confidence and do the things that matter to them. With funding for these supports being reset as plans are created, reassessed or renewed from 1 October 2026, it makes sense to think ahead about how you'd like to use your supports. This guide shares practical ideas. It's general information, and every plan and person is different.
If you haven't read it yet, start with our summary of the NDIS funding changes from 1 October 2026, which explains what's changing and what isn't.
Start with your goals
Your plan is built around your goals, so they're the best guide to what to prioritise. Think about which activities make the biggest difference to your week, whether that's seeing friends, getting out into the community, keeping up a hobby, or building skills like cooking, budgeting or using public transport. Writing these down before your plan reassessment or renewal makes those conversations easier.
Know what you actually use
Many people don't spend their whole budget, so look at what you've been using rather than just what's allocated. Your plan manager, provider statements or the my NDIS portal can show your spending. That gives you a realistic starting point for planning.
Consider a mix of group and one-to-one support
Group programs such as day programs and skill building programs are priced differently from one-to-one support under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements, and they also offer something one-to-one support can't: time with peers and the chance to build friendships. Many participants use a combination, with group activities for social connection and one-to-one community access for goals that need individual attention.
Build skills that last
Improved daily living skills supports are designed to build independence over time. Focusing on specific, practical skills, like preparing a meal, catching a train or managing a weekly budget, means the progress stays with you. Our life skills program works with participants on goals like these.
Remember what isn't affected
Supports in employment are not affected by the reset. If work or study is one of your goals, speak to your provider or Support Coordinator about employment supports. Supports in the home, like personal care, are also not affected.
Talk to your providers and Support Coordinator
Your providers should be able to explain how your supports could be arranged within your new budget, and your Support Coordinator can help you compare options. If your needs have genuinely changed, for example a change in where you live or the support you get from family, you can ask the NDIA about a plan variation or reassessment.
How Tenax Supports can help
Tenax Supports runs day programs, community access, life skills and employment programs from Tarneit and across Melbourne's west. We're happy to talk through what your supports could look like, with no obligation to change providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my community participation supports stop on 1 October 2026?
No. The funding reset is applied when your plan is created, reassessed or renewed over the following 12 months. Until then you can keep using your current plan and supports.
Are group programs a good option?
For many participants, yes. Group programs are priced differently from one-to-one support and offer social connection with peers. Many people use a mix of group and one-to-one supports based on their goals.
Are employment supports affected by the changes?
No. Supports in employment are excluded from the funding reset.
Who can help me plan my supports?
Your providers, plan manager and Support Coordinator can help. If your needs have changed significantly, you can also ask the NDIA about a plan variation or reassessment.
Want to explore day programs, community access or life skills support in Melbourne's west? Contact Tenax Supports on 03 7018 8666 or through our enquiry page.