Challenge Community Services

We all have dreams. Whether it’s to land a good job, live independently or be part of a secure, loving family, we all want to belong.

That’s why Challenge Community Services has created one inclusive community. We’ll help raise you up to meet your goals. We’ll be there to support you when life gets tough.

Take a look around our site and see for yourself the multitude of activities and services we offer. You’ll find a Challenge community in 68 locations across New South Wales.

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What's on

Thu Nov 22 Challenge Community Services Art Competition

The Challenge Community Services Art Competition is open to people with a disability and foster care children throughout New South Wales. The theme for this year's competition is "Australian Country"....

– Tamworth more info

Sat Dec 1 IDPWD Bush Dinner Dance

The Singleton Bush Dinner Dance will celebrate International Day for People with a Disability with a twang! The Bush Dinner Dance will be a great event bringing the community together for a night of ...

6:30pm – Singleton more info

News & Stories

13 November 2018 A safe haven: grandparents step into the breach A safe haven: grandparents step into the breach

Having brought up three children, Doug and Nancy weren’t expecting to have a second family. But when their son and daughter-in-law separated around seven years ago, they were ever ready to help their two grandchildren.‘We started getting more and more calls from Katie, who was four at the time...

26 October 2018 Navigating life, and the NDIS, after school Navigating life, and the NDIS, after school

With the HSC exams in full swing, many Year 11 and 12 students are starting to consider their life beyond school. If you are a young person with a disability, it might be the first time you have considered how the NDIS can help you achieve your personal goals. Thankfully, there are plenty of places ...

19 October 2018 Earning their trust: how to help a child in care feel secure Earning their trust: how to help a child in care feel secure

When you’ve opened your home and your heart to a child or young person in need, it may be hard to understand why they might have trouble trusting you at first. They may shrink back or push you away when you try to comfort them. They may withdraw and not want to talk to you. They may be defiant or ...

18 October 2018 Challenge Community Services celebrates 60 years after it began in Tamworth Challenge Community Services celebrates 60 years after it began in Tamworth

DETERMINED parents desperate to create education and employment opportunities for their children met 60 years ago to make it happen. Gathered at the Tamworth Town Hall, these parents would do anything to stop their children with disabilities going into institutionalised care. That group is t...

17 October 2018 Brisbane move the right fit for Glen Brisbane move the right fit for Glen

Moving to Brisbane has been a healthy change for one Challenge Community Services client, who is finding his feet, and friendship, through fitness.Two months ago, Glen moved from Newcastle NSW to his new home in Brisbane where he is living in supported accommodation run by Challenge Disability Servi...

26 October 2018 Navigating life, and the NDIS, after school Navigating life, and the NDIS, after school

18 October 2018 Challenge Community Services celebrates 60 years after it began in Tamworth Challenge Community Services celebrates 60 years after it began in Tamworth

17 October 2018 Brisbane move the right fit for Glen Brisbane move the right fit for Glen

25 September 2018 Young entrepreneurs get opportunity of a lifetime Young entrepreneurs get opportunity of a lifetime

If you are under 35 with an intellectual disability and you have a great idea for a business, a new community program could be your perfect launch pad.Applications are now open for Challenge Community Services Start Up Program, designed to give young adults the tools they need to establish their own...

25 September 2018 Karen shares her three steps to success Karen shares her three steps to success

Karen Laws knows what it takes to juggle work, study, and a social life.She has successfully completed hospitality certificates at TAFE, runs her own cafe, secured work experience at the local pub, and still finds time to plan a trip to Newcastle to see Cher in concert.With support from Challenge Co...

13 November 2018 A safe haven: grandparents step into the breach A safe haven: grandparents step into the breach

9 October 2018 5 steps to becoming a foster carer 5 steps to becoming a foster carer

Becoming a foster carer is a big decision. But it’s likely to be one of the best things you ever do. Although it can be challenging at times, caring for a child or young person in need is hugely rewarding and can completely turn their life around.The first step to becoming a foster carer is to tal...

12 September 2018 Do you have what it takes to be a foster carer? Do you have what it takes to be a foster carer?

With images of global crises filling our TV screens, you may be surprised to learn that on our own doorstep in NSW there are 20,000 children at risk and in need of out-of-home care. These are children who have witnessed domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse or have experienced other traumatic ev...

6 September 2018 Giving young talent a start Giving young talent a start

Over 30 children have taken refuge over the past three decades in Shaun and Jane’s home. Some have been brought in the middle of the night escaping from a domestic emergency, others have stayed for a short time and some for almost 20 years.Starting life tough‘The home situations of the young one...

24 August 2018 Managing challenging behaviour: breaking the conflict cycle Managing challenging behaviour: breaking the conflict cycle

Children who are exposed to abuse and neglect, or who witness distressing scenes such as domestic violence, can find it difficult to trust or relate to others in a healthy way. They may find it difficult to manage their behaviour or to soothe and calm themselves. They may appear to always be on a sh...

19 October 2018 Earning their trust: how to help a child in care feel secure Earning their trust: how to help a child in care feel secure

22 June 2018 Daniel takes control with the NDIS Daniel takes control with the NDIS

When Daniel decided he needed to improve his mental health and behavioural issues, he enlisted the support of Challenge Therapeutic Services. Together, they have navigated financial hurdles and put in place strategies to improve Daniel's life.Tackling the financial hurdleDaniel first attended Challe...

18 May 2018 Planning to enjoy life Planning to enjoy life

A little planning and support can go a long way, especially if you have behaviours that keep you from achieving your goals.Challenge’s Therapeutic Services team help people living with a disability further develop their social skills and relationship skills, as well as help you to manage your emot...

23 March 2018 New service to provide psychological support for local NDIS clients New service to provide psychological support for local NDIS clients

If you or a loved one receives NDIS funding and has trouble with anxiety or behaviour management, a new service on the Central Coast could be the answer.Challenge Community Services recently opened a Therapeutic Services office in Tuggerah employing four psychologists. Two of the on-site psychologis...

6 February 2018 Building brighter futures together Building brighter futures together

Providing foster carers with a helping handFostering is hugely rewarding. Helping a child to grow and learn, seeing them smile, and playing a part in the development of their self-confidence are the greatest gifts of foster caring.In fact, as a foster carer, you will possibly form the closest relati...

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