Support isn’t just about what’s essential. It’s about what makes life worth living.
When people hear the word “support,” they often think of the basics: cooking, cleaning, appointments, medication, therapy. All important. All valid.
But if those are the bones of a good life… fun is the heartbeat.
🎉 What Do We Mean By “Fun”?
Fun doesn’t mean clown wigs and party poppers (unless that’s your thing).
It means:
- Doing something just because it makes you smile
- Laughing with your support worker over a shared playlist or burnt toast
- Painting a birdhouse, even if you don’t have a bird
- Spending 10 minutes in a paddock with a mini horse who doesn’t care if you’re having a low day
- Grabbing a coffee after a doctor’s appointment because it’s Tuesday and you deserve a treat
Fun = freedom. It says, “I get to choose what feels good, not just what’s functional.”
☕ Even the Boring Bits Can Be Better
Sure, it’s easy to have fun doing horse therapy or music sessions. But what about the boring stuff?
At Heartfelt, we try to build little bits of joy into even the everyday parts of support — like:
- Turning a doctor’s visit into a social outing by grabbing coffee afterwards
- Taking the scenic route when you’re heading to an appointment
- Stopping at the op shop on the way back from grocery shopping
- Having a mini dance party while cleaning the kitchen
Small moments. Big difference.
💬 “I haven’t seen her smile like that in years.”
– Abby R., parent of participant
“My daughter was in and out from the doctor very quickly and there was still 40 minutes until her physio, so her support worker ducked by the Heartfelt Equine Centre and she met the ponies. They sent a photo and I have not seen her smiling so big for years.”
That wasn’t planned. It wasn’t funded as therapy.
It was just support done well.
And it meant the world.
🧠 The Psychology Behind Joy
Having fun isn’t fluff. It’s therapy in disguise.
Laughter, creativity, movement — these things boost:
- Mood and motivation
- Self-regulation (especially for people with trauma histories)
- Social engagement
- Resilience when life gets tricky again
Even the NDIS recognises that community participation, creative therapies, and personal development activities are valid — because they promote real wellbeing.
📎 Want the facts? This article from Psychology Today explains how fun improves brain function and resilience.
(Author: Eva Selhub, M.D., via Psychology Today)
🚌 Some Days Are Designed to Be Fun
We don’t just sprinkle fun into other supports — we also create whole experiences around it.
Our Heartfelt Happy Days program takes groups of participants on social outings that are all about connection, laughter, and new experiences.
Whether it’s a visit to a farm, a board game café, or a day trip with music playing and snacks packed, these trips aren’t just enjoyable — they build confidence, community, and joy that lasts longer than the day itself.
Because sometimes, the most therapeutic thing you can do is laugh with people who get it.
🎨 What “Fun Support” Looks Like at Heartfelt
At Heartfelt Support, we treat fun as fundamental — not extra.
That might mean:
- Art or music therapy sessions that encourage pure expression
- Visiting a local market with your support worker instead of a formal program
- Grooming a horse while having a casual chat with your recovery coach
- Planning a picnic or jam session instead of another goal review
- Finding joy in the in-between moments — not just the structured ones
The best parts of support often happen between the scheduled items on your calendar.
🐴 Real Story: Fun Meets Therapy (and Nobody Notices)
One of our participants loved horses but was only funded for social work.
So, we got creative. We combined their support goals with horse time, and had a social worker lead the session in the paddock.
They got emotional support, connection, and meaningful therapy — all through something they genuinely enjoyed.
That’s support. That’s fun. And that’s Heartfelt.
✅ Does Your Support Include Fun?
If your current support feels flat, overly clinical, or all about checklists — you’re allowed to want more.
📞 Contact us
Or explore our creative and outdoor therapy options — we do serious support, with joy built in.