Going to the pub, surfing at the beach, escaping to a new city, and going to your favourite band’s gig are all weekend activities we most likely take for granted, but for young people with disabilities, those opportunities aren’t a given.
Passionately breaking down those barriers, Stellar Experiences provide social, recreational and community participation opportunities for young people between 16-35 years old with mild to moderate disabilities and mental health conditions.
Smashing the stereotypes, Stellar aims to give real-life experiences to their guests who may not have been given the access to make friends, connect with their community, and take part in amazing activities.
These activities include Stellar sessions, socials, short breaks, and extended breaks, along with experiences like music festivals, adventures in the Blue Mountains, a day out at the cricket, and heading to the zoo – there’s so much on offer.
Hallam Young, 30, says he loves being involved with Stellar Experiences, especially going on all the trips across Australia.
He says he “had a ball” staying in Bathurst right by the racetrack, has visited a dolphin sanctuary in Townsville, recently went to Port Macquarie, had an epic time at the theme parks on the Gold Coast, and loved seeing Byron Bay.
“I’ve been everywhere. Stellar Experiences are really good, the support is outstanding, and they’re just fantastic. I had my first plane ride on my own this year when we went to Townsville, and that was pretty cool,” says Hallam.
“I think people should come and join Stellar; I really think people here in Canberra would love it. It helps me meet more people and make more friends, and that’s the reason I got into it. It’s also good because I can go to places that I’ve never been to before.”
Member of the Stellar Experiences team in Canberra, Isabelle Cooney, says she absolutely loves her job, and it feels so rewarding to be a part of such an important service.
“For people that do live with disabilities, to have the same opportunities as everyone else is just so important. I absolutely recommend people come and join; the more the merrier – it’s just a big party,” Isabelle says.
“We have so much fun. For instance, today we did some bowling, we did some dancing and now we’re just hanging out having a meal and a drink. It’s a good day’s work – what a fun job to be a part of!”
Recently launching in the ACT, Stellar Experiences are looking to build up their Canberra team and to help empower young Canberrans with disabilities to live their best lives.
The Stellar Canberra team will be hosting a sunset cinema night on 14 January 5-10.30pm and encourage any young Canberran with a disability to come along, make some friends and have a “stellar experience”.
Visit stellarexperiences.com.au or email [email protected] to find out more, and follow @stellar.experiences on Instagram for upcoming events.
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