Somerville Community Services

02/04/2026

Today, we join the global community in celebrating neurodiversity and raising awareness about autism. At Somerville, we are proud to support individuals and families through services that empower choice, independence, and meaningful participation in the community.

This day reminds us to listen, learn, and celebrate the strengths and contributions of people on the autism spectrum. Every person deserves respect, understanding, and the opportunity to thrive.

Join the conversation and show your support for autism awareness today.

30/03/2026

Our team came together in Palmerston for a dedicated Planning Day, a valuable opportunity to reflect, connect, and look ahead.

Grounded in our mission and values, the day focused on strengthening how we deliver high-quality, person-centred supports across all of our services. We explored how we can continue to grow, innovate, and improve outcomes for the people we support. We remain committed to walking alongside individuals, families, and communities, listening, learning, and adapting to ensure we meet evolving needs.

A big thank you to our passionate team for their insights, energy, and dedication. The future is something we build together 💙

25/03/2026

💜 Epilepsy Awareness Day 💜

Today, we stand together to raise awareness, understanding, and support for people living with epilepsy.

Epilepsy affects millions of individuals and families worldwide, yet it is often misunderstood. At Somerville, we are committed to fostering inclusive communities where people with epilepsy feel safe, supported, and empowered to live full and meaningful lives.

Let’s take a moment to:
✨ Learn more about epilepsy
✨ Challenge stigma and misconceptions
✨ Support those in our community living with epilepsy

Together, we can make a difference, through awareness, compassion, and action.

22/03/2026

On Friday the 13th, the Alice Springs Leadership Team came together for our annual Team Planning Day.

This year’s theme was “From Firefighting to Foresight”, with the team exploring the balance between reactive leadership and proactively planning ahead to better support both participants and staff.

Throughout the day, we had some great discussions around recognising patterns, making more intentional decisions, and how foresight can improve stability across our service.

We were also joined by Sophie Staughton from Veritable, who facilitated a reflective practice session, taking the team through both the theory and practical application of reflective practice in our day-to-day roles.

It was a really positive day with strong engagement, open conversations, and a good opportunity for the team to connect.

21/03/2026

💙💛 World Down Syndrome Day 💛💙

Today, we stand with people with Down syndrome, their families, and communities across the world to celebrate inclusion, diversity, and the incredible strengths each individual brings.

At Somerville, we are proud to support people to live fulfilling, independent, and connected lives. Through personalised services, supported accommodation, and dedicated support coordination, we walk alongside each person on their unique journey, championing choice, dignity, and opportunity.

This year’s World Down Syndrome Day is a reminder that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. Together, we can build communities where differences are not just accepted, but celebrated.

Join us in recognising the contributions of people with Down syndrome today and every day. 💙

20/03/2026

🌏 Happy Harmony Day! 🌈

At Somerville, we celebrate the richness of diversity and the strength that comes from inclusion. Harmony Day is a reminder that everyone deserves respect, connection, and the opportunity to belong, values that guide everything we do.

Today, we honour the courage, resilience, and contributions of all individuals and communities we work with, and we reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels valued and heard.

18/03/2026

March 18 is 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲, a day to raise awareness of dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), which affects over 1 million Australians.

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 500–700 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐲?
It’s something most of us take for granted, but for those living with dysphagia, swallowing can be a daily challenge.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐲𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐚?
Dysphagia is any difficulty with sucking, swallowing, chewing, eating, drinking, controlling saliva, taking medication, or protecting the lungs from food and drink entering the airway. If not managed properly, dysphagia can lead to serious health issues like pneumonia.

The Role of Speech Pathologists Speech pathologists are the key to diagnosing and managing dysphagia. They help individuals participate in meals safely while maintaining dignity and quality of life.

At Somerville Community Services, we work closely with speech pathologists to ensure that those living with swallowing difficulties can enjoy their meals safely and confidently.

https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/News-media-campaigns/Campaigns/Swallowing-Awareness-Day.aspx

Let’s work together to spread awareness and support those with swallowing difficulties.

13/03/2026

What a beautiful day exploring NT culture, art, and natural habitats with Somerville in Darwin.

Chelsea’s eyes said it all, full of wonder and curiosity. She giggled at the dinosaur bones and was mesmerised by the birds and butterflies' exhibit.

Moments like these remind us how joyful learning can be. 🦋🦖

11/03/2026

Understanding your rights is important.

Know My Rights is a free platform with short, practical lessons to help NDIS participants, families, and providers learn what to say and do in real situations.

Explore it here: www.knowmyrights.org.au

Your rights, made simple. Learn what you are entitled to and practice speaking up in a safe space.

Know My Rights is a free national platform designed to make understanding NDIS rights clear and accessible for participants, families, and providers.

It was co-designed with people with lived experience.

The platform includes:
• short 5-minute lessons designed for mobile
• no sign-up needed
• information to learn what to say and do in real situations.

Know My Rights was developed by Ausmed supported by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and co-designed with Inclusion Australia.

Start learning today!
www.knowmyrights.org.au

08/03/2026

Our thoughts are with everyone in the Katherine community affected by the recent flooding.

At Somerville, we are incredibly proud of our Katherine team who have gone above and beyond to support our participants during this challenging time, working tirelessly to ensure people remain safe, comfortable and supported.

Their dedication and care truly reflect the values that guide everything we do.

We stand with the Katherine community and are thinking of everyone impacted as recovery begins. 💙

05/03/2026

We were thrilled to visit the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) in Darwin! 🌟

Our Somerville team gained valuable insights into how supports communities during health emergencies, including both national and international responses. It was inspiring to see the expertise and dedication that go into disaster preparedness and emergency care.

A big thank you to the NCCTRC team for hosting us and sharing their knowledge, it’s experiences like these that help us better support the people with disabilities, families, and carers across the . 🤝