Programs designed for your child to shine

At Friendship Circle of Melbourne, every member of your family completes our circle, Including your child with special needs. We pair caring teenage volunteers with your child to offer friendship, fun, and meaningful connection. Our dedicated team supports families and volunteers to help your child feel included, valued, and surrounded by lasting friendships.

Programs designed for your child to shine

Our programs

Boy smiling while doing a science or craft activity with two teenage mentors.

Sunday Circle

Every Sunday, participants join us for two hours of fun, friendship, and engaging activities. With crafts, games, music, and exciting incursions, they enjoy the things they love while spending time with friends in a warm and inclusive environment. Sunday Circle creates meaningful connections and gives every participant a space to shine, feel supported, and look forward to each week with joy.

A large group of young people cheering and waving in front of a theatre marquee that reads 'BE OUR GUEST'. Many are wearing 'The Friendship Circle' attire.

WOW Events

WOW Events run four times a year and take participants on unforgettable outings filled with excitement and adventure. From Broadway-style shows to Luna Park and other incredible trips, each event is designed to create joy, build friendships, and make every participant feel celebrated and included. These shared experiences leave lasting memories and give everyone something extraordinary to look forward to each term.

Two young people wearing purple 'The Friendship Circle' t-shirts. One in the foreground is concentrating on making large bubbles with a wand and tray, while the other watches.

Camp Bluma

Camp Bluma runs twice a year as a week-long holiday program packed with fun, adventure, and meaningful connection. Each day offers an exciting excursion, a full morning of activities, and delicious lunch and snacks, creating an environment where participants thrive. Camp Bluma provides structure, friendship, and memorable experiences that make school breaks enjoyable, enriching, and something everyone eagerly anticipates.

A close-up of three smiling young women outdoors. The middle girl is wearing a red helmet, and the girl on the left has 'Sara' written on her name tag.

Retreats

Our retreats are returning this year with an exciting multi-night experience designed to give participants an unforgettable adventure. With engaging activities, excursions, and opportunities to bond, they enjoy days filled with fun while parents receive well-deserved respite. The retreat provides a supportive environment where participants grow, create lasting memories, and enjoy one of the most anticipated highlights of the year.

Group of parents socialising during a support meeting in a modern kitchen space.

Parents Support

Our Parent Support initiatives are dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the incredible parents in our community. With programs for mums, dads, and parents together, we offer opportunities to relax, learn, connect, and build meaningful friendships. These sessions provide a supportive space to share experiences, recharge, and enjoy time with others who understand the journey, ensuring every parent feels valued and appreciated.

A group of young women, mostly teenagers, smiling and holding up small painted canvases in an art studio setting with easels and various artworks on the walls.

Volunteer Training & Appreciation

We deeply value the dedication of our volunteers and proudly host four appreciation and training events each year. These evenings offer fun, recognition, and opportunities to connect as a community. All volunteers and staff also participate in comprehensive First Aid training annually, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and confidence to support every program safely, responsibly, and with genuine care.

A bearded man, a Rabbi, in glasses smiling while holding an etrog and lulav with three young women, one of whom has the name 'Libby' on her shirt, in a sukkah

Family Events

Our Family Events bring together parents, siblings, and relatives to celebrate Jewish holidays and milestones throughout the year. These gatherings create a warm, fun, community-focused atmosphere where families connect, build memories, and enjoy meaningful experiences. Each event strengthens relationships, fosters belonging, and brings joy. These celebrations let families feel included.

hild painting a blue picture with watercolors at a craft table.

Little Circle

Little Circle is a new program launching in 2026 for children aged five and under. Held on the first Sunday of each month, it offers interactive music and movement led by rotating facilitators, along with sensory-play stations supporting early development. This warm, engaging environment helps young children explore, learn, and connect with others. Families enjoy a nurturing space that supports growth, builds confidence, and creates warm early experiences.

Young Adults Social Circle

Young Adults Social Circle is a new program launching in 2026, designed for young adults to meet friends and enjoy meaningful time together. Each session offers relaxed, enjoyable activities like BBQs, sports, art, and more, helping build confidence, social skills, and lasting friendships in a supportive, fun, and inclusive environment.

Through inclusive social experiences, skill building opportunities, volunteer development and community events, each initiative fosters belonging, joy and empowerment for all.

favicon

Our programs are thoughtfully
designed to benefit every member
of the family

We support individuals with special needs

Getting involved is easy and welcoming. We offer programs for children, teens, and adults with special needs. Fill out an EOI or contact us to be matched with programs that suit your child’s interests and needs.

We support parents and families

We provide guidance and support, run events for parents and families, and create opportunities to connect and be part of the community. Families see their children thrive in a safe, inclusive environment.

We support staff and volunteers

Our staff and volunteers receive full training and support to confidently engage with participants, build meaningful connections, and contribute to a welcoming community.

Join the Circle, where Friendship becomes family, through inclusive social experiences, skill building opportunities, volunteer development and community events, each initiative fosters belonging, joy and empowerment for all