NDIS Social Circle Group Sessions in Bairnsdale
NDIS social skills groups for young people in Bairnsdale, East Gippsland
Our Social Circle Sessions are NDIS-funded group programs designed to help young people build real friendships, develop social skills, and feel genuinely part of their community - in a space that was purpose-built for them.
Enquire about Social Circle →
Community participation support through shared interests
Social Circle is ESports Collective's dedicated NDIS group program, running from our purpose-built gaming facility on Macleod Street, Bairnsdale.
Sessions are small, peer-supported and ongoing year-round - giving participants a consistent, welcoming space to connect with others who share their interests. This isn't clinical. It's not an appointment. It's a community.
Gaming is the hook that brings young people together. What happens next - the conversations, the teamwork, the friendships - is the whole point.
Who are Social Circle Sessions built for?
Social Circle is designed for NDIS participants in their teens and young adult years who want to build social connections in a low-pressure, interest-led environment - including young people who are neurodivergent (autism, ADHD, anxiety and more) and thrive with structure, consistency and shared interests.
It suits anyone working toward social and communication goals in their NDIS plan, in an environment that doesn't feel like therapy - whether you're brand new to group settings or ready to take the next step toward independent community participation. If someone in your life finds traditional social settings overwhelming but lights up around gaming, this is the program for them.
Small groups. Peer support. Real connection.
Sessions run year-round, including school holidays, so participants keep the routine and consistency that matters most. Get in touch about session times - we run groups at a range of times across the week and we're flexible, so tell us what suits and we'll find the right slot.
Peer support workers who get it
Our support workers understand both gaming culture and disability support needs. They're here to facilitate - guiding communication, supporting emotional regulation, drawing out the quiet ones, and celebrating everyone's progress.
Private sessions in a real community space
NDIS group sessions are held privately, separate from our public venue hours, giving participants a safe, predictable space to build skills. As confidence grows, participants are encouraged to visit during public hours - natural steps toward independent community participation in the same familiar environment.
Activities designed around real goals
Cooperative gaming for teamwork and communication, social and tabletop gaming for reading cues and turn-taking, creative collaboration projects, and friendly competition for emotional regulation and sportsmanship.
What outcomes can Social Circle support?
Sessions are designed to generate evidence for plan reviews and progress toward these goal areas.
Social & community participation
Building the confidence and skills to participate in community life, with genuine peer relationships that extend beyond the program.
Communication & social skills
Practising verbal and non-verbal communication in real group settings - navigating conversations, reading the room, resolving conflict.
Emotional regulation & self-management
Developing resilience and frustration tolerance through activities that naturally bring up real emotional moments - with safe space to work through them.
Community connection & belonging
Experiencing genuine inclusion in an environment built for neurodivergent success - and confidence that carries into everyday life.
Social Circle questions we hear most
Straight answers for families and coordinators.
What is the Social Circle program at ESports Collective?
Social Circle is ESports Collective's NDIS-funded group program in Bairnsdale - small, peer-supported group sessions built around gaming and tabletop play, where young people develop communication, emotional regulation and social confidence through activities they genuinely enjoy.
When do Social Circle sessions run?
Sessions run at a range of times across the week, year-round including school holidays, and we're flexible - get in touch and tell us what days and times suit, and we'll find the right group. Sessions are held privately, separate from public venue hours.
Who is Social Circle for?
NDIS participants in their teens and young adult years, particularly neurodivergent young people working toward social and communication goals in their plan. You don't need to be a confident gamer - just willing to show up.
Can participants from outside Bairnsdale join Social Circle?
Yes - young people travel to Social Circle from Sale, Maffra, Stratford, Lakes Entrance and Orbost, with transport to our Bairnsdale hub arranged as part of their supports.
How is Social Circle funded?
Social Circle can be funded under Core supports such as Assistance with Social and Community Participation, Capacity Building supports such as Increased Social and Community Participation, or other categories aligned to the participant's goals and plan. Contact us and we'll help work out the right fit.
Find their people
If group settings have never worked before, this one's built differently. Get in touch and we'll find a session that fits.
Make an NDIS referral →or call 0468 009 660