About Us
Belonging Matters was developed in 2003 by individuals with a disability and families who believe that all people should be valued, included and contribute to their local community.
Belonging Matters is a not-for-profit, grass roots organisation that provides information, resources and training together with mentoring and advice about social inclusion and belonging.
We aim to inspire and extend the knowledge of people with a disability, their families and allies to enable people with a disability to have opportunities and pathways typical of other citizens in the community - lives that are personally fulfilling, unique, socially inclusive and empowering.
CEO Deb Rouget provides a summary profile of Belonging Matters.
Why is Belonging Matters important?
Belonging Matter’s believes that people do better when they experience:
-
The same opportunities and rights as their fellow citizens
-
Belonging and social inclusion in the community
-
Valued social roles
-
Lifestyles that enhance their individuality & uniqueness
-
Self-determination & empowerment
-
Their strengths, abilities, interest and passions are at the forefront
-
Freely given relationships from people who love and care about them
-
Respect, self-worth, dignity & self esteem
-
Compassion
-
Welcoming environments and people in them
-
Responsive, flexible and creative supports and opportunities
-
Support processes that are people friendly
Belonging Matter’s believes that people do better when they experience:
-
Hold a positive vision for an inclusive life
-
Have typical opportunities and experiences and lead an inclusive life
-
Build informal networks and relationship
-
Self-direct your lifestyle including having control over resources and services
-
Plan and implement ideas
-
Learn from the experience of others who have much wisdom to share
-
Pursue mentoring and leadership roles
-
Reflect and renew
We do this by providing:
-
Events and learning opportunities, for example, online webinars, workshops, conferences and podcasts.
-
A range of resources such as books, videos, and articles
-
Information, mentoring and advice via the phone and through personalised consultation
-
Circles of support facilitation
-
Information and advice via the phone and mentoring
Belonging Matters is a member of the National Alliance of Capacity Building Organisations (NACBO). You can visit the NACBO website for further information https://www.nacbo.org.au/
Visit our websites for more information
Belonging Matters www.belongingmatters.org
Talks That Matter www.talksthatmatter.net
19 Stories of Social Inclusion www.19stories.org