Social Support Groups
Join one of our inclusive social groups to:
• Build connections
• Learn new skills
• Have fun with your community
New members are always welcome!
These social groups are being supported by the SA Government.
Current Groups
Art Groups
We offer several art groups that meet regularly at our Community Hall within our Gilbert Street Hub in Adelaide.
Why join?
- Learn new creative skills
- Express yourself through art
- Make friends and reduce isolation
- Improve your wellbeing
Buena Amistad (Spanish-speaking Art Group)
- Meets: Every second Monday, 10am-1pm
- Members from: South America and Spain
- Coordinator: Patricia Rios, president of Hispanic Women’s Association (HWASA)
- Current focus: Mosaics
- Light refreshments provided
Buena Amistad began in 2015 with a clay mural project exploring themes of belonging and inclusiveness. This mural now proudly hangs in our reception, symbolising the group’s journey from feeling isolated to finding a welcoming community in Adelaide.
Members explore various art mediums including clay, wool crafts, weaving, and mosaics – fostering creativity and cultural connection.
Russian Art Group
- Meets: Every second Friday, 10am-2pm
- Current focus: Silk painting
- Instructor: Alla Tolmacheva, experienced artist
- Members bring lunch to share
Starting with collages and Christmas decorations, this group has explored various art techniques, including painting. Under Alla’s skilled guidance, members now create beautiful silk paintings in a warm, social atmosphere.
Korean Art Group
- Meets: First Friday of each month, 9:30am–12:30pm
- Started: 2016
- Current Focus: Traditional Korean painting
This group evolved from a woodcarving class that held South Australia’s first Korean woodcarving exhibition. Now, members explore the delicate art of Korean painting, fostering harmony and self-expression among participants.
Armenian Art Groups
- Meets: Every Sunday, 10am-1pm
- Workshops: Armenian Miniature Painting (fortnightly), Armenian Polymer Clay Art (fortnightly)
- Coordinator: Lena Gasparyan, president of Armenian Cultural Association of SA
- Open to: Participants from all countries
- Skill level: All levels welcome, from beginners to experienced artists
The Armenian Miniature Painting workshop, started in 2018, explores traditional techniques rooted in ancient cultural heritage. Participants learn about intricate details and symbolism in Armenian art. The newer Polymer Clay workshop offers a modern twist on Armenian-inspired art.
Both groups provide opportunities to discover Armenian ornaments and architectural motifs, incorporating them into unique creations. Members learn technical skills while exploring the rich historical significance of Armenian art, fostering creativity and cultural connection.
English Classes
- When: Every Wednesday morning, 10am-12pm
- Cost: Free
- Suitable for: All English skill levels
Our welcoming English classes help migrants with limited English proficiency integrate into the South Australian community. We provide a warm, accepting environment to practice and improve your language skills.
Social Soccer Sessions
- When: Every Monday, 4-7pm
- Where: Kilburn
- Ages: 18+
- Coordinator: Contact Ukash Ali Ahmed at [email protected] for more information and to join
What Australians call soccer is known as football in most other countries. We use the universal love for this “world game” to bring people together in a fun and inclusive environment. Our weekly matches offer a great opportunity to stay active, meet new people, and share in the joy of the world’s most popular sport. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, you’ll find a welcoming community here.
Russian Social Support Group
- When: Every second Friday, 9am – 1.30pm
- Cost: Free
Russian Seniors Group “Together” was formed to support isolated Russian-speaking seniors in South Australia. It offers two main activities: “Meet Together” for discussions and documentary viewing, and “Write Together” for memoir and short story writing. The group meets fortnightly.
Arabic-speaking Women’s Group
- Host Project: Flourishing in Australia
- For: Recently arrived Arab-speaking women
- New members welcome!
Flourishing in Australia is a comprehensive program supporting Arabic-speaking women as they settle into their new lives. We offer wellbeing sessions including yoga and meditation, stress management workshops, and cultural activities like crafts and storytelling. Participants can learn about Australian systems, develop leadership skills, and connect with a supportive community. Our holistic approach aims to empower Arabic-speaking women and ease their transition to life in Australia.
Past Groups
Art and Movement Project
This project was the foundation for many of our current art groups. It combined creative expression with physical activity, promoting holistic wellbeing for participants. The success of this initiative led to the development of our diverse range of art groups, each catering to different cultural communities and artistic interests.
Free Yoga Classes
We offered accessible, inclusive, free yoga classes on Thursday evenings for CALD community members and recent immigrants in the City of Adelaide. These classes aimed to foster connections and promote healthy lifestyles.
Korean Wood Carving Group
This group, founded in 2016, explored Korean cultural heritage through wood carving. Intergenerational members, aged 50 and over, progressed from beginners to skilled artists, creating South Australia’s first ever Korean woodcarving exhibition in 2017. The rhythmic sounds of carving and laughter filled our hall as participants discovered this traditional art form. Their passion led to at-home practice, resulting in increasingly skillful and harmonious creations.