What is Forge & Quest?

Forge & Quest is a social gaming program in Delacombe, Ballarat for NDIS participants aged 16+.

Our program is built around gaming, creativity, technology, storytelling, and shared interests — because we know genuine connection often happens naturally when people are doing things they actually enjoy.

We support people to build:

  • Friendships and social confidence

  • Communication skills

  • Independence and life skills

  • Creativity and self-expression

  • Community connection

  • Confidence in themselves

But more importantly, we want people to feel safe, accepted, and genuinely excited to come here.

Our Space

One of the things we care about most at Forge & Quest is creating an environment that feels comfortable, welcoming, and genuinely enjoyable to spend time in.

We wanted the space to feel more like a community hangout than a clinical program setting.

Our Delacombe space includes:

  • A large shared lounge area for gaming, board games, movies, and group activities

  • Dedicated creative and multimedia rooms

  • Computer lab

  • Spaces for tabletop gaming and D&D campaigns

  • Quiet areas for creative projects and downtime

  • Outdoor garden spaces and raised garden beds

  • A kitchen space for cooking and shared lunches

We’ve tried to build a space that feels relaxed, home-like, creative, and flexible — somewhere people can settle in, feel comfortable, and naturally connect with others.

Some people love sitting around the table deep in a campaign or board game. Others prefer quieter creative projects, podcasting, gaming setups, gardening, or simply spending time in the shared spaces with the community around them.

We also know environment matters. Comfortable couches, shared tables, cosy corners, snacks in the kitchen, ongoing creative projects scattered around the place — those little things help make Forge & Quest feel like more than just a building.

It feels like ours. And we hope it feels like that for participants too.

Why Gaming?

Gaming creates natural opportunities for:

  • Teamwork

  • Communication

  • Problem-solving

  • Leadership

  • Creativity

  • Shared humour and connection

For many neurodivergent people, gaming feels like a more natural and accessible social environment. Shared interests help conversations happen more comfortably and friendships form more organically.

We believe those interests deserve to be celebrated — not discouraged.

Is Forge & Quest the Right Fit?

Forge & Quest is designed for NDIS participants who are interested in building social connection, confidence, friendships, and community through shared interests and group-based programs.

Our program is best suited to people who:

  • enjoy gaming, creativity, technology, or shared-interest communities

  • are looking for social connection and meaningful community participation

  • may experience social anxiety, isolation, low confidence, or difficulty finding social spaces where they feel comfortable

  • enjoy participating within a small group environment with a 1:2 support ratio

  • are generally able to regulate within a shared community setting

While we aim to provide a flexible, supportive, and neuroaffirming environment, Forge & Quest is not currently designed as an intensive 1:1 or high behavioural support program.

We’re always happy to chat with participants, families, and support teams to discuss whether the program feels like the right fit for someone’s goals and support needs.