Getaways 

Your plan could include taking a break, social outings and holidays by accessing Getaways by The Bridge Connects. Activities are available for groups or individuals and are always lots of fun!

Individual in-home or tailored community-based support can also be provided. Many of these services have certain criteria that need to be met, which may include:

• living in a particular Local Government Area

• having a carer over the age of 60.

Getaways can send you regular information so that you’ll always know what exciting trips are coming up next.

Getting out and about

Getaways also provides outings, for example:

• going to the movies
• going to dinner dances and live shows
• trips to the city
• going fishing on the bay
• AFL football games.

This is a great way to have a fun day out with others. We are always looking for new things to do, so please let us know your ideas!

Having a weekend away

If you feel like a little more relaxation and excitement… our very popular weekends away take you on adventures far and wide, giving you amazing experiences and fun times.

In the past we’ve gone to:

• Ballarat
• The Great Ocean Road
• Ocean Grove
• Venus Bay
• Wilson’s Prom
• Bendigo.

And we’re adding new destinations all the time. Let us know where you would like to go!

Michelle’s story

I was a bit worried when my Mum and my family started talking about me going away overnight with Connects, as I had only ever been away with my sisters and parents. Mum was also worried about how I would cope being away from the family, as well as the people supporting me on these trips.

Once I went away for the first time I enjoyed myself so much that I was looking forward to the next time. People who know me well say that my confidence has improved remarkably and I have become more outgoing. I always come home and have lots of stories to tell the family about my time away. It has also benefited my family because it has given them the confidence that I will be OK and cope when the time comes that my parents can no longer look after me and also giving them time to do their own things knowing that I am having a great time.

I have enjoyed every activity I have been on; I don’t know which my favourite is. The weekends away are so much fun and the support workers are fantastic and it pleases my family to see me so happy and relaxed. I wonder where my next weekend away will be.