We Belong is a community inclusion initiative by The Flagstaff Group, proudly funded by the Australian Government through the Information Linkages and Capacity Building program.

We Belong empowers people with disability to access community groups and clubs, and to share their personal stories about the barriers they face when trying to participate in community activities. Co-designed with people with disability, the project puts lived experience at the centre, giving participants the freedom to choose how they share their story, whether through video, podcast, blog, accessible article or presentation.

Through storytelling, mentoring, workshops and education, We Belong is building a community that listens, responds and says yes to inclusion. A key goal of the project is building resilience in people with disability, helping them gain confidence, overcome challenges and develop the strength to engage fully in the activities and communities they have always wanted to be part of.

We believe that real change happens when everyone, including individuals, families, carers, businesses, clubs and organisations, comes together to create a more welcoming and accessible community for people with disability.

We Belong is about more than awareness. It is about creating opportunities, opening doors and taking meaningful action so that every person feels connected, safe and free to participate in the things they have always wanted to do.

Together, we can build a community where everyone belongs.

We Belong provides:

• Online learning courses  –  Free, self-paced courses on disability awareness and inclusive sport
• Workshops and programs  –  Group activities that build skills and confidence
• Resources and fact sheets  –  Practical guides for individuals, families, clubs and organisations
• Lived experience stories  –  Real stories from people with disability sharing their journeys

We Belong is for:

• People with disability  –  Build your confidence, learn new skills and find ways to get involved in your community.
• Families and carers  –  Find resources and support to help your loved ones participate fully in community life.
• Sports clubs and coaches – Learn how to make your club welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
• Community organisations – Get practical tools to create more inclusive programs and services.
• Support workers  –  Access training and resources to better support people with disability

We believe everyone has the right to:

• Be included in their community
• Make choices about their own life
• Learn and grow in a safe, supportive environment
• Share their story and be heard

We work with people, not for them. Our programs are co-designed with people with disability to make sure they meet real needs.

Co-designed by people with disability and lived experience, “We Belong” encourages individuals to talk about the barriers or challenges they have in joining groups or activities in the community. By learning from past experiences, We Belong focuses on a person’s strengths to build confidence, develop life skills and feel connected to their community.

 

We Belong assists Businesses, Organisations and Groups to provide inclusive spaces. Flagstaff partners with Illawarra, Macarthur and Shoalhaven regions to better understand barriers that may exist in their current practices. Together, we provide support and share resources to help make art, sport, culture or recreational spaces welcoming and inclusive for people with disability.

With 60 years of experience, Flagstaff can help to:

• Start conversations about disability awareness.
• Improve accessibility in community and workplace settings.
• Create welcoming and inclusive environments for all to join.