Join us for an interactive workshop where we’ll explore friendships, relationships, communication,
respect, boundaries, social media and speaking up.
Dates
Date: Saturday 10 October 2026
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (VIC)
Location
Jean McKendry Neighbourhood Centre, 91–111 Melrose Street, North Melbourne
Accessible by car and public transport.
Cost
Free.
About the event
Through activities, real-life scenarios and group discussion, participants will build the knowledge, confidence and skills to develop positive relationships and make choices that feel right for them.
This is also a great opportunity for parents and carers to come along, learn alongside participants, connect with other families and meet Imogen Kinnear, DSV’s new Adult Support Manager.
Some parts of the workshop will bring everyone together, while other activities will give parents and carers the chance to meet one another, share experiences and explore practical tools and strategies to help navigate these conversations when they come up at home.
This workshop will be delivered by Melba support Services, with the assistance of DSV’s very own Jack Williamson, who will share his knowledge, experience and perspective to help make the session engaging, relevant and meaningful for everyone.
In this workshop, you will learn about:
- different types of relationships and how they are different from each other
- what respectful behaviour, feelings and touch are in different relationships
- the positives and negatives of the internet and social media
- the signs of healthy and unhealthy friendships and relationships
- how to communicate respectfully, listen to different viewpoints, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is for adults with Down syndrome, as well as their parents, carers and family members. Adults with Down syndrome do not have to bring a support person to the workshop unless they wish to.
We encourage parents and carers to attend and take part in the afternoon. It is a great opportunity to connect with other families and learn practical strategies to support conversations about relationships, communication, respect and boundaries at home.
To register
To register, please visit our online registration page.
Presenters
Kate Taylor, Melba Support Services
Kate has extensive experience designing and delivering workshops on intimacy, relationships, consent, and boundaries for people with disability, families, and their networks, ensuring content is practical, respectful, trauma aware and accessible. Kate supports participants to engage at their own pace and in ways that feel safe and affirming.
David Glazebrook, Melba Support Services
Dave has worked in the disability sector for over twenty years. He loves a world that celebrates diversity! Leading workshops comes naturally to Dave: as a qualified secondary school teacher, he previously ran a theatre education company in primary and secondary schools across Victoria. Dave is also a parent of two children with disability.
Dr Anneke Jurgens, Melba Support Services
Anneke is the Head of Practice Innovation and Senior Practitioner at Melba Support Services. She has a background in behavioural science and a passion for inclusive service delivery. As as a registered psychologist and positive behaviour support practitioner, Anneka has worked directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (children and adults) in designing strategies and plans, and implementing structured programs and curriculums.
Jack Williamson, Down Syndrome Victoria
Jack is passionate about being himself and achieving life goals. Jack has a Cert III in Hospitality, and he juggles a very busy schedule of supports, activities and work, including two days a week as a Compliance Officer and Office Assistant. Jack is also a staff member of DSV’s Advisory Network, as well as representing Victoria as part of the Down Syndrome Australia Advisory Network. Jack hopes to share his experiences and inspire others with disability to know that they can have meaningful work, intimate relationships and be active contributors in their communities.
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