ascend - by Blending Our Futures

09/10/2026

ASCEND PROGRAM UPDATE

Hello! With Term 4 just around the corner, we wanted to share an update on what's happening at Ascend by Blending Our Futures! We've been busy developing and expanding our programs to create more opportunities for people with disability to build confidence, develop skills, connect with others and work towards their individual goals. Here's what's happening in Term 4: Employment and Skill Development…...

Hello! With Term 4 just around the corner, we wanted to share an update on what’s happening at Ascend by Blending Our Futures! We’ve been busy developing and expanding our programs to c…

09/10/2026

🚀 LaunchLab is LAUNCHING 🚀

🕚 Thursdays 11am - 2.30pm
📍 24 Cowan Street, Gawler

What if your interests could become a pathway to greater independence and employment?

We are kicking the program off with a range of creative arts this term, including pottery, jewellery making and digital design.

ascend LaunchLab is more than a business program - it's a hands-on, supportive space where people with disability can discover their strengths, build practical skills, and explore opportunities for future employment or self-employment.

Whether you're interested in:
📸 Photography
🎨 Art or digital art
🖌️ Design and illustration
🧵 Crafts and handmade products
🍰 Baking
📱 Content creation
🎵 Music..or another creative passion

LaunchLab helps you explore how those interests could grow into a microenterprise, employment opportunity, or meaningful future pathway.

Throughout the program, participants will:
✅ Build confidence and independence
✅ Develop communication and teamwork skills
✅ Learn planning, organisation and problem-solving
✅ Explore marketing, branding and selling products or services
✅ Create portfolios and showcase their work
✅ Gain real-world experience in a supportive environment
✅ Work towards NDIS goals related to capacity building, skill development and employment.

No business experience is needed—just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to give it a go.

At ASCEND, we believe everyone has unique talents worth developing. LaunchLab is about discovering what's possible and giving you the support to take the next step.

💚 Ready to turn your passion into potential?

09/10/2026

Are you raising a young child with autistic traits or developmental delays?

The landscape is changing when it comes to young children and the NDIS and we know that can cause worry for parents and carers of children who need extra support.

Are you worried about the lack of services, long waitlists or where to turn for support? What does Thriving Kids mean to your family - Hope? Uncertainty? Questions about what comes next?

We’d love to hear what support you feel is missing and what would make a difference in these early years. 💛

Ascend Play’n’Grow offers an extra layer of support as your family navigates this journey.

It’s a welcoming playgroup where children can explore, connect and build developmental skills at their own pace, while parents and carers connect, share experiences and information, and explore navigating the early years together.

📅 Mondays from 19th October
⏰ 10am–11.30am during school terms
📍 24 Cowan Street, Gawler
🌈 $5 per child per session

Parents and carers stay and play.
Bring a snack that your child enjoys for shared meal time.

What would help your family feel more supported? Share below or send us a private message.

Register your interest:
https://blendingourfutures.com.au/ascend-programs/

29/09/2026

Healthier Relationships – Bringing the Shark Cage Metaphor to Gawler 🦈

🦈 Why use the Shark Cage Metaphor? The Shark Cage Metaphor is a practical and visual way to explore personal safety, healthy relationships, boundaries and individual rights. It can be especially helpful for people with trauma, neurodivergence or disability who may have experienced difficulties recognising unsafe behaviour, understanding social expectations, communicating boundaries or trusting their own judgement. The metaphor helps make complex relationship concepts easier to understand....

🦈 Why use the Shark Cage Metaphor? The Shark Cage Metaphor is a practical and visual way to explore personal safety, healthy relationships, boundaries and individual rights. It can be especially he…

23/09/2026

Come along to the Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club tomorrow from 10am - 2pm to find out how ascend - by Blending Our Futures can support you or someone you care about into employment ☀️

17/09/2026

☕️ Barista training is different with ascend - by Blending Our Futures ☕️

Our Barista Basics program provides people with hands on learning at a pace that suits them. No rushing. No pressure. Just guidance and support that helps them build the skills needed in employment ❤️☕️

Check out our website for program information.
Blendingourfutures.com.au

16/09/2026

🌱 Need your lawn mowed?

Ascend Garden Crew now offers affordable lawn mowing throughout the Gawler region, with services starting from just $40.

Every booking provides meaningful, hands-on workplace training for people with disability—building practical skills, confidence and employment experience while helping local lawns look their best.

✅ Lawn mowing
✅ Whipper snipping
✅ Available Tuesdays
✅ Thursdays coming soon

To enquire or book, visit:
blendingourfutures.com.au

04/09/2026

Delicious Greek Style Chicken with roast veg, chips and salad dishes up by Wednesday’s Cook & Create group 🍽️

03/09/2026

Art, chatting, laughing and connecting at ascend TEEN CONNECTIONS tonight 🎨🫟🧑‍🎨❤️