Supporting a life-changing goal
Like most young people, Blake was nervous about leaving his family home, but he wanted to be more independent. Moving into a Northcott supported disability home has given him more independence than he ever imagined.
Blake started accessing Northcott services around 8 years ago, looking for support to gain skills to find a job and build his confidence. He also accessed Northcott’s Recreation Service and was supported to do more in his local community. Later, Blake became more involved in Northcott’s activities, volunteering in the Wollongong office and representing other people with disability on our Customer Advisory Group for the new Dapto Community Hub. This year Blake also started producing his own podcast about living with cerebral palsy.
A huge life change
When Blake moved into Northcott’s Supported Independent Living (SIL) house in Kembla Grange, near Wollongong in 2022, he was eager to become more independent. After 26 years of his parents looking after him, taking him to appointments and helping him make decisions, he felt ready to be responsible for himself.
“Living here has completely changed my life,” he says. “My independence has grown a lot. I now have choice and control and when I want things done, I don’t have to rely on my parents or make sure they’re available to take me places. This is a fantastic feeling.”
Blake now makes all his own appointments and asks his support staff if the house van is available to take him wherever he needs to go.
“I can now decide when I want things done,” he explains. “I have great housemates and it feels like I have a community here who I can trust. I think I have achieved my goal of being more independent.”
Blake and his housemate Brandon have a wonderful friendship.
Support at home
Blake’s house is purpose-built for wheelchairs, with an open plan layout and large rooms. There are also features like accessible cupboards and large bathrooms which enable Blake to do more around the house by himself.
“I’ve got a bathroom bigger than most people’s bedrooms,” Blake jokes. “And the kitchen is very accessible. I can open every drawer, which increases my independence further.”
To ensure Blake and his housemates are safe, Northcott provides 24/7 care in the house. A team of support staff are always around.
“Three people come on of a morning, three people of an afternoon, and then it’s two staff to three customers on night shift, in case I need anything while I’m sleeping,” Blake explains.
“The staff support me with personal care, meal preparation and taking me to appointments or wherever I need to go. It’s a fun and supportive environment and I enjoy the camaraderie between me and my support workers.”
A fun and friendly atmosphere
For Blake, one of the most enjoyable aspects of his new living arrangement is the fun atmosphere. Blake and his housemates enjoy spending time together and the house has regular parties and celebrations.
“A personal favourite for me and my staff are our monthly Friday night dinners. I organise this with our families and my housemates at our local club. It’s a great way to get everybody together and we always have plenty of fun,” Blake says.
When asked what advice he would give other young people with disability who may be considering moving into a SIL house, Blake doesn’t hesitate with his response.
“I was uncertain at first. There will be ups and downs, but…just go for it. You could end up in the same situation as me, living independently and having heaps of fun parties!
“Living here is fantastic. It’s always a great vibe. Everybody gets along well and there’s never a dull moment.”
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