Project Co-ordinator Christine LaRive helps participants to work out a profile of who they would like to live with, and arranges for potential flatmates to meet and get to know each other.

Part of the project was to establish a “circle of support” for the pair, including family and support workers, to help them work out where they wanted to live, find suitable accommodation, and determine house rules.

The circle continues to meet to support Peter and Greg, and the pair also have some help with housework from the City of Kingston .  They go shopping together and take turns to cook, but otherwise continue with their own busy lives.

“I don’t have to worry about other people now; I can do what I want to do, when I want to do it,” said Greg, who believes the move has given him more confidence.

Peter, an enthusiastic cricket and football fan, says moving out was a good idea.  “It would have to happen eventually, and this way I can get used to living without mum and dad,” he said.

The pair encourage anyone with a disability to think about living independently.  “But you need to do it carefully, like we have with
DirectLife,” said Greg.

“It’s harder work, but it’s worth it,” added Peter.

More information about the DirectLife project is available by phoning Christine on 9564 1021.