Much like the freshly sown seeds in his promising garden, it hasn’t taken long for Craig to settle into his new environment and flourish.
Since moving into his North Brighton-based Home & Living Support (SIL) accommodation in January this year, Craig has already built strong and meaningful friendships with his three male roommates.
Never one to shy away from a conversation, Craig has had many great chats with his roommates and house staff over the past couple of months, as well as cracking his fair share of jokes.
These conversations aren’t exclusive to the four-walls of his new house, with Craig also no stranger to taking a stroll to INC Café to grab a coffee and have a chat with anyone willing to listen.
Tending to his flourishing vegetable garden is one of Craig’s many hobbies, with barracking for the Collingwood Football Club, attending expos and listening to 80s music also bringing him happiness.
Craig said he has enjoyed immersing himself in his new community. The location of the home has allowed him to access great social opportunities, as well as continue his work commitments.
“The house is great. I enjoy being able to talk to the people who live on my street and make friends.”
Disability support worker Tim Moorman said the move has had a positive impact on Craig, who has been able to achieve his goals of independent living and building strong connections with others.
“Craig wants to be as independent as possible. He catches the bus to travel to work during the week, and that skill has been very handy for him,” Tim said.
“When it comes to building friendships, he will often walk over to INC Café and Op Shop to chat with people there. He has already made friends with a few people by doing this.
“Strengthening the bond between his housemates is also important to Craig. Whether it is initiating chats, or even a simple fist bump, Craig actively works hard to improve these friendships.”
Craig said he often looks forward to Thursdays, which are used as his “social day”. After running all of his errands, he doesn’t mind grabbing a coffee and cake with Tim at a local café.
Craig proudly sporting his Collingwood gear at the front of his home.
It has been over six months since Craig moved into his North Brighton home, and his family could not be happier with the positive impact the new environment has produced.
Moving into a new home can be daunting, but after speaking with the helpful staff at Minda, Craig’s brother, Kym, said the family knew this was the best place for Craig to live his best life.
“The entire family have been over the moon with how the move has gone so far. Craig has settled into his new community and has built some meaningful relationships."
“From the very start, the staff have been unbelievable. They made all aspects of the move as smooth as possible. We have no questions that this is the best place for Craig.”
Minda’s Home & Living Support (SIL) can help you find the right house that’s suitable to your needs and preference, with housemates that have shared interests and with the support you require.
If you have any questions about Minda’s Home & Living Supports (SIL), or the application process, please call 1800 164 632 or complete the contact form here.
Visit our Home & Living Supports page to view all the current SIL vacancies Minda has available.