Neighbourhood Supported Living Networks are a successful model of social inclusion for people with disabilities, people with mental illnesses, vulnerable young people and others in need of supported living.

As a working carer this is a model of support that may be helpful to you as the person for whom you care might be able to be supported by others as well as by yourself.

Imagine being embedded in a local community where people knew you, wanted to help you and made you feel connected, supported and included.

Well that is the silent grassroots revolution that is happening right now.

A Network consists of about 10 houses or flats in the same neighbourhood, within walking distance of each other.

The tenth home is a residence for a Network volunteer or worker who lives in the same neighbourhood and acts as an anchor for the group, providing support on a flexible basis. This arrangement enables the Network to build layers of support around the network members and with others in the neighbourhood.

The demand for Supported Living Networks across Australia is huge. Thousands are needed, as a matter of urgency.

A national steering group to co-ordinate the development of Networks was convened in Melbourne last month at the Community Building and Social Inclusion Conference.

The group's goal will be to facilitate the development of 50 Supported Living Networks around Australia by the end of 2010, and many more by the end of 2011.

To register your interest in Supported Living Networks use this online form:
http://www.civilsociety.org.au/SupportedLivingNetworks.htm

The Network connects community initiators and leaders, support practitioners, researchers, policy makers, and others who are interested in authentic community building work.

Ideas and experiences, papers, project reports, case studies of local and overseas innovations, and progress reports in advocacy are posted online and shared.

There is no cost.

You can get more information about this project by phoning the steering group on 03 9824 4713 or email Liz Stewart on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it