This Privacy Policy explains how Making Connections Toowoomba collects, uses, discloses, and protects your personal information when you use our website at www.makingconnectionstoowoomba.com.au . We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and complying with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) outlined in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). 1. What Personal Information We Collect We may collect personal information such as: Your name Email address Phone number Background information about our clients (if you choose to share it) NDIS or funding information (if you choose to share it) Details about services you enquire about or participate in Feedback, comments, or communications Any other information you voluntarily provide (e.g. via forms, emails, or phone) We may also collect non-identifiable data such as browser type, IP address, and usage statistics. 2. How We Collect Your Information We collect personal information directly from you when you: Submit an enquiry or intake form via our website Contact us by phone or email Sign up for programs, events, or services Join our mailing list or respond to a survey Engage with us on social media Our website may also use cookies and analytics tools to gather basic visitor data. 3. Why We Collect Your Information We collect and use your personal information to: Provide you with our services, programs, and supports Communicate with you regarding bookings, enquiries, or updates Manage billing, invoicing, and funding processes (including NDIS-related information) Improve our services and understand community needs Share program information, newsletters, or updates you (you can opt out at any time) 4. Disclosure of Personal Information We only disclose your information: To team members or contractors involved in delivering our services (on a need-to-know basis and according to our MCT Team Confidentiality Policy) To third-party service providers such as payment processors or email platforms Where you have consented When required or authorised by law We do not sell or rent your personal information to anyone. 5. Data Storage and Security We take all reasonable steps to protect your personal information. This includes: Secure digital storage with password protection and encryption Limiting access to authorised personnel only Regularly reviewing our security practices Please note that no method of electronic transmission is 100% secure, but we do our best to maintain a safe digital environment. 6. Access and Correction You have the right to request access to your personal information or request corrections if it is inaccurate or out of date. To do so, please contact us using the details at the bottom of this page. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days. 7. Cookies and Analytics Our website may use cookies to improve functionality and gather visitor statistics through tools like Google Analytics . You can manage or disable cookies via your browser settings. 8. Third-Party Services and Links Our site may contain links to external websites. Please note that we are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third-party sites. We also use third-party platforms such as (but not limited to): Mailchimp – for newsletters and email communication Xero – for invoicing and payment processing Google Analytics – for web performance and traffic data Where these services operate outside Australia, we take steps to ensure your data is handled in accordance with Australian privacy standards. 9. Complaints and Enquiries If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or believe we have breached your privacy, please contact us directly. We take all concerns seriously and aim to resolve them promptly. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) via www.oaic.gov.au . 10. Contact Us Making Connections Toowoomba Website: www.makingconnectionstoowoomba.com.au Email: fiona@makingconnectionstoowoomba.com.au Phone: 0492 954 085 11. Updates to This Policy We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most recent version will always be available on our website, with the effective date listed at the top.

The Importance of Catch Ups in Building Quality Friendships At Making Connections Toowoomba (MCT), our social skills programs focus on helping young people understand the characteristics of a quality friendship. One important element we teach is the value of catching up . Friendships, like all meaningful relationships, require effort from both people – and catching up in person plays an essential role in maintaining and strengthening these connections. Why Catch Ups Matter Catching up gives us the opportunity to share experiences, deepen trust, and reinforce the bond between friends . It’s during these moments that friendships are nurtured, mutual interests are explored, and memories are built. For neurodivergent young people, learning the purpose and benefits of catch ups can help make social connections more intentional, rewarding and long lasting. Understanding Individual Differences Catch ups come with an important reminder: just as no two friendships are identical, catching up looks different for everyone. Some people enjoy catching up weekly – or even more often – while for others, the occasional catch up is enough. It’s important to recognise that we all have different social needs and varying " social batteries. " Some young people recharge quickly and look for regular connection, while others need more time between social interactions. Pushing beyond our social limits can lead to fatigue, burnout and social avoidance, which can affect the quality of the friendship, and our ability to consolidate an emerging friendship. Making friends with people who respect our individual social thresholds helps build sustainable, quality friendships. It’s also important to remember that the way we catch up can look different too. For some, a catch up might mean doing activities together the entire time, while for others, simply sitting near a friend, sharing space quietly, is enough to feel connected. Both are valid ways of nurturing friendships. Catch Ups vs. Hanging Out It’s important to distinguish between "hanging out" and "catching up." Hanging out is often more spontaneous and casual, with no set structure or time limit. It usually relies heavily on ongoing conversation without a clear shared activity, which, while enjoyable for some, can sometimes feel overwhelming or stressful for neurodivergent individuals (not all, but often). In contrast, catching up usually has a more intentional purpose: connecting and spending time together, often through a shared activity around a common interest. Planning a catch up around something specific to do provides a natural focus for conversation and interaction, which can ease social pressure. For those learning to build friendships, an intentional, structured catch up can often be a more comfortable and successful way to strengthen connections — especially in the early stages of a new friendship. For catch ups to be successful, especially for young people learning these skills, it helps to have a few strategies in place: Plan ahead – agree on a time, place, and activity and communicate this clearly Choose an activity-based meet up – having something to do can ease social pressure (e.g. if you both like bowling, movies, or art/craft) Set time limits – keeping catch ups short can help manage social energy and have everyone leaving wanting more Have a backup plan – having a Plan B ensures there’s still something to do if things don’t go to plan or if someone gets bored At Making Connections Toowoomba, we believe teaching these strategies helps young people feel more confident in making and keeping friends. If you want to learn more about how to support your child, teen, or young adult in developing meaningful friendships, explore our social skills programs: Prep and Grade 1: PEERS for Early Years Primary School Grades 2 to Grades 8: Social Skills Program Teens 14–18: PEERS for Teens Young Adults 18–30: PEERS for Adults

Neuroaffirming Approach to Learning About Making & Keeping Friends

4-Day Holiday Program for Neurodivergent Children & Teens!

Preparing Neurodivergent Youth

A Message to Our School Leavers

Join Us for Mental Health First Aid Training!

A Gen X Perspective on Neurodivergent Support

They're not 'too old'!