Skip to content

Community Support Sydney

Join Sydney's support communities

Club Human

Club Human

Thu, Jun 25, 7:30 AM
From Club Human

**This is a drop-in gathering currently on Thursday evenings.** **We have been experimenting with the start time. Either 5 pm or 6 pm, depending on what is best for those who wish to attend. If there is a collective interest in another more suitable day/time happy to explore.** **Lineage:** At the club, we move through practices borne out of the legacy of [Joanna Macy](https://www.joannamacy.net/main "https://www.joannamacy.net/main"), 'environmental activist, author and scholar of [Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism"), [general systems theory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_theory "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_theory") and [deep ecology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_ecology "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_ecology")'. That came to me via [John Seed](https://johnseed.net/ "https://johnseed.net/"). I integrate with these non-carceral peer-support modalities ([Alt2su](https://alt2su-nsw.net/ "https://alt2su-nsw.net/"), [Emotional CPR). And the practice of 'accompanying' from 'Spiritual Care', often called 'Chaplaincy' or 'Pastoral Care'.](https://www.nswccpe.edu.au/mental-health-cpe-centre "https://www.nswccpe.edu.au/mental-health-cpe-centre") As someone involved in the [psychiatric survivors movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychiatric_survivors_movement). A person with lived experience of harm within the context of accessing mainstream mental health services. And also a family member of multiple family members who have suffered in the same context. The practices at Club Human are **ever evolving** out of a **mutual learning process**. At the moment they look like: **We re-member our wider body** (10mins) Asking questions like, Where do I land? What carried me here? Where am I at home? Where do I feel myself held? Where do I feel connected? A part? -To ground. -To counter anthropocentrism by reminding us of our sense of belonging and interconnectedness. -To address the loneliness epidemic. **We honour our pain** (10 mins) A practice to honour whatever pain we carry that has not been allowed, or given enough space and time to be felt, seen, heard. It is a practice of fierce vulnerability. Both during the time in which we are honouring our own pain, an act of caring for ourselves, whilst being cared for by others. As well as when we are in the position of caring for others, honouring their own pain, whilst caring for ourselves. It is both an unlearning, and remembering of how to care without judging, fixing, solving, making better, saving face... etc., all forms of repression/suppression. -To heal the epidemic of sickness, disempowerment and apathy. -To counter the loss of how to be with each other in a world of technology. -To counter the pathologisation of human experience. -To counter the medicalisation of human experience. -To counter the stigma of distress. -To accept and embrace that which we would reject, repress, compartmentalise, numb through psych [drugs...etc](http://drugs...etc/) -To re-associate with what it is to be human, to feel. -To remember how to be real with each other. -To rediscover trust and faith that no harm will come from expressing ourselves fully. To address the fear of vulnerability. -To rediscover trust and faith that no harm will come from supporting each other sincerely. To address the loss of trust in each other. -Honouring the truth that harm does happen. And learning how to be safe with each other, reducing harm, and, when we inevitably make mistakes, learning how to repair. -To make space for experiencing community to come out of isolation. -To do so without so-called 'experts', recognising each other's wisdom. **We cultivate mutual care** (10mins) A practice that welcomes being with stillness, being with silence. Cultivating a heart of loving kindness. So we can respond to pain with compassion and love. ***Guided meditation is offered.*** -To listen to our needs and respond with care. -To extend this care beyond ourselves. **We collectively resource how we see with new eyes** (10mins) A time for both wise reflection. Looking into our recent experience to recognise how and when our view has shifted towards understanding and wisdom. As well as engaging in mutual aid and generosity. Pooling and gifting what we have come to know for the benefit of others' journeys. -To participate in what Joanna Macy called the "[Great Turning,](https://workthatreconnects.org/dimensions-of-the-great-turning/)" a shift from a life-destroying society to a life-sustaining one. **We recollect the good qualities that allow us to go forth** (10mins) Giving space and time to recognise and celebrate the good qualities we have cultivated and developed. Giving rise to faith in humanity, the capacity to act responsibly, and out of love. Here we have the means to see our progress. And know that all is not lost. **We rejoice in others' welfare/ wellbeing** (10mins) [Ajahn Nisabho](https://cloudmountain.org/profile/nisabho-bhikkhu/), shared that the Buddha defined 'Mudita' as 'the cure for discontent'. I err towards altruistic joy as an English translation. Mudita is a practice of delighting in others' welfare. Others' well-being. Happiness that isn't based on getting something in a world that doesn't belong to us. Happiness that isn't based on someone's or some being's expense. An antidote to inequality. -To uplift the mind. -To counter misery, melancholy, desolation, etc., -To counter hyper-individualism, competitiveness, greed, and conceit. -To grow communities of mutualism. **CLUB HUMAN** **is given freely**. No one is required to pay to attend. It is **non-transactional**. Instead, everyone is invited to remember what it was like before everything became commodified. To remember what it was, to be in a reciprocal relationship that creates sustainability for all. To be part of a natural ecosystem of generosity. Therefore, **giving in whatever form isn't disallowed.** These practices cultivate and develop generosity. Generosity is supported, in whatever direction people choose. The purpose of these events is to grow wholesome qualities like generosity in the community. The purpose of organising these events is not the material gain of the organiser. I have **a policy of full financial transparency**. Please feel welcome to ask to see my overall finances. What the costs are associated with hosting, I'm happy to direct you to those. **ACCESSIBILITY AND SAFETY**: I am trained in numerous mental health modalities. [Alt2su](https://alt2su-nsw.net/upcoming-training/), [Emotional CPR](https://emotional-cpr.org/), and Spiritual Care ('[Mental Health Ministry' intro and CPE1](https://www.nswccpe.edu.au/mental-health-cpe-centre)'). I am an Autistic identifying trauma survivor living with complex trauma. The Abbotsford Sea Scout Hall is wheelchair accessible, including the toilet. This will be, for the most part, electricity-free, a no-bright-lights event. There is a bus stop with [bus no. 438x](https://transportnsw.info/routes/details/sydney-buses-network/438x/74438-X) coming to and from the city regularly. Abbotsford Ferry Wharf is outside with the [F3 Circular Quay to Parramatta service](https://transportnsw.info/routes/details/sydney-ferries/f3/090f3). Email [mudita4all@proton.me](mailto:mudita4all@proton.me) for any further access needs, and I will do my best to accommodate.5

  • Photo of the user
2 attendees

Parramatta Support Group

Wed, Jun 24, 1:00 AM
From Strong and Social - Mutual Support Groups
4.6
1 attendee
Weekly Coffee Catch Up

Weekly Coffee Catch Up

Wed, Jun 24, 10:00 PM
From Code.Sydney
4.8

**Everyone is welcome!** Whether you’re part of a local community group that’s struggling with admin friction or you’ve just started "vibe coding" and want to build something that actually matters, come grab a coffee. We are currently collating **Bluehex Blocks**—standalone tools that solve real problems today and will eventually dock into our single 1-stop solution for Australian non-profits, charities and communities. We’re all about open doors and high-energy builds—it’s simply a chance to lean in with your skills (or your community insights) and create real impact for the public good.

  • Photo of the user
1 attendee

The Cook Up - Men's Social Connections Group

Mon, Jun 29, 9:00 AM
From Thrive Together
4.6
1 attendee

Adult ADHD Support Group

Wed, Jul 8, 12:00 AM
From Social Group for PWD

Join us for an insightful and exciting event specifically focused on individuals with ADHD under NDIS. This event aims to create a fun and supportive environment where participants can enjoy a variety of activities, connect with others, and gain valuable insights from real-life experiences. **Variety of Activities:** Enjoy a selection of board games, and card games suitable for all skill levels. **Team Activities:** Participate in team-based games that encourage collaboration and communication. **Personal Stories:** Hear inspiring stories from individuals with ADHD and their families. **Supportive Environment:** Engage in a safe and supportive setting where everyone feels welcome and included. Who Should Attend: * Individuals with ADHD. * Parents and family members of individuals with ADHD. * Designed for LAC, Case Workers and support coordinator. This event is free to attend, but registration is required to ensure we can accommodate all participants.

1 attendee

Hornsby Under 35s + Families/Carers - Cafe, Walk, Talk

Sat, Jul 11, 12:30 AM
From Strong and Social - Mutual Support Groups
4.6
3 attendees
430kMonthly events
calendar icon
60mMembers
people1 icon
4.5App store rating
appStore icon
200kGroups
people2 icon

Frequently asked questions

Meetup is designed to help people find and join groups that share their interests, participate in local events, and meet others in their community. Whether you're new in town or looking to expand your social circle, Meetup facilitates connections through group activities and events.

To find support groups in Sydney, use the Meetup search feature to look for keywords related to your interests or needs. You can browse various groups and events happening around Sydney, and choose to join those that resonate with you.

Yes, Meetup provides options to attend events both in-person and online, depending on the group and organizer preferences. This flexibility allows you to participate in events regardless of your location or current situation.

To RSVP for an event, log into your Meetup account, navigate to the event's page, and click the RSVP button. This lets the organizers know you're attending. Keeping your RSVP updated is appreciated to help hosts manage guest numbers effectively.

Meetup offers a range of social events in Sydney catering to diverse interests. By searching with relevant keywords, you can locate and join activities that align with your social interests, such as gaming nights, book clubs, or networking events.

Meetup is free to use for searching and joining groups. While some event organizers might charge a fee to cover costs, you can often participate in numerous groups and events at no cost, depending on the organizer's details.

From entertainment and arts to personal development and career networking, Meetup offers a plethora of group types in Sydney. Whatever your interests, there's likely a group for you to explore and meet individuals who share your passions.

While Meetup is designed to bring people together, it cannot guarantee the formation of friendships. Building connections depends on active participation and engagement in events, so attend regularly to increase your chances of meeting like-minded individuals.

If the local community does not have a group for your interest, consider starting one. You'll need a Meetup account and a clear idea of your group's theme. Once ready, you can set up a page, outline your expectations, and begin inviting others to join.

Meetup relies on community member initiatives, so not all interests may currently have active groups in Sydney. If you can't find a group matching your interest, it's a wonderful opportunity to create one yourself and attract like-minded people.

Meetup connects you with groups that match your hobbies. For Sydney residents, this means opportunities to participate in potentially varied events from arts and crafts workshops to sports and fitness activities, broadening your potential network and skills.

Indeed, you can join as many groups as you wish, enabling the exploration of diverse interests. Being a member of multiple groups expands your social and activity choices, making it easier to meet a variety of people and engage in different events.

Yes, Sydney boasts numerous support communities on Meetup. These range from mental health support to professional development, providing platforms to share experiences and find help among peers with similar circumstances.

Meetup itself does not organize events; instead, individual groups and their hosts plan the gatherings. As such, the quality and frequency depend on the hosts' dedication. Engage with active groups for a vibrant experience.

Absolutely, experiences can vary widely depending on group organizers and attendees. Some groups meet frequently with active participation, while others may organize events sporadically. Consider attending a few events to find the right fit for your needs and interests.