Community Mapping Exercises You Can Do Together

Will, EnableUs Community

Alright, welcome back to Onboarding Participants! I’m Will, and I’m here with Winter. Today, we’re diving into something that, honestly, I wish I’d known about years ago—community mapping. But before we get into the nitty gritty, I wanna start with this: onboarding isn’t just paperwork, right? It’s not just ticking boxes and collecting signatures.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Yeah, exactly. I mean, if you’ve listened to our earlier episodes, you’ll know we’re always banging on about how onboarding should be about building trust and connection. It’s about making people feel like they belong from day one, not just like they’re another file in the cabinet.

Will, EnableUs Community

Totally. And I think there’s a big difference between the old-school way—where you just run through forms and policies—and a strengths-based approach. Like, when you actually sit down and talk about what someone enjoys, what they’re good at, what they wanna do, it changes the whole vibe. I remember this one participant, let’s call her Jess. She came in, and instead of just asking about her medical history, we started chatting about her love for gardening. Suddenly, she lit up. The paperwork was still there, but it felt like we were actually welcoming her, not just processing her.

Winter, EnableUs Community

That’s such a good example. And it’s funny, because when you focus on someone’s interests or strengths, you see their confidence grow right in front of you. It’s like, “Oh, you actually care about who I am, not just what I need to sign.”

Will, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and honestly, it makes our jobs more rewarding too. I mean, I get way more out of those conversations than just ticking off a checklist. It’s a win-win.

Winter, EnableUs Community

So, let’s talk about community mapping. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s basically a collaborative, visual way to help participants see all the resources, people, and places in their lives. It’s not just a list—it’s like a living map that puts the participant at the centre.

Will, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and it’s actually pretty fun. You don’t need fancy tech or anything. Just a blank bit of paper, some markers, maybe a whiteboard if you’re feeling fancy. The idea is, you put “Me” or the participant’s name in the middle, and then you branch out to different areas—like home, transport, health, social stuff, whatever matters to them.

Winter, EnableUs Community

I love using coloured markers for this. Like, green for places or people they’re already connected with, and yellow for things they want to try or explore. Sometimes we’ll use stickers or little drawings—honestly, the more creative, the better. I remember working with a participant who was super visual, so we used emojis and post-its to map out her networks. She could literally see her support system and her goals on one page, and it made everything feel more possible.

Will, EnableUs Community

That’s awesome. And it’s not just about what’s already there, right? You can use the map to spot gaps or barriers. Like, maybe someone wants to join a local art group but doesn’t know how to get there, or they’re not sure if it’s accessible. The map helps you see those things early, so you can actually do something about it.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Exactly. And it’s so participant-driven. You’re not telling them what they need—you’re asking, “Where do you already go? Where do you want to go? What’s missing?” It’s empowering, and it really aligns with what the NDIS is all about—choice and control.

Will, EnableUs Community

And, just to add, it’s a great way to build rapport. Sitting down together, drawing, chatting—it’s way less intimidating than a stack of forms. You get to know each other, and the participant gets to see that you’re genuinely interested in their life, not just their paperwork.

Winter, EnableUs Community

So once you’ve got this map, don’t just shove it in a folder and forget about it. It’s meant to be a living resource. You can use it to set goals, track progress, and actually plan activities together. Like, if someone’s interested in volunteering, you can look at the map and figure out what’s nearby, what support they might need, and what steps to take next.

Will, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and it’s not a one-off thing. Life changes, right? So, you come back to the map every few months, update it, celebrate new connections. I had this one participant who, through mapping, realised there was a community garden just down the road. She’d never thought about volunteering there, but once it was on the map, it became a real option. Fast forward a few months, and she’s doing her first solo volunteering shift. That was a huge step for her independence.

Winter, EnableUs Community

That’s such a good story. And it shows how these little visual exercises can lead to real, meaningful change. It’s not just about feeling included—it’s about actually building the life you want. And as a provider, you get to see that growth and celebrate it with them.

Will, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and honestly, it makes onboarding feel like the start of something, not just a hurdle to get over. If you’re listening and you haven’t tried community mapping yet, give it a go. It’s simple, but it can totally transform the way you work with participants.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Alright, that’s probably a good place to wrap up for today. Thanks for joining us, and we hope you’re feeling inspired to try some community mapping in your own onboarding. We’ll be back soon with more ways to make onboarding meaningful and empowering.

Will, EnableUs Community

Thanks, Winter. Always good chatting. And thanks to everyone listening—catch you next time!

Winter, EnableUs Community

See you next time, Will. Bye everyone!