Shannon and Carrissa at a festival.
All dressed up for Halloween!
Shannon is a person who knows what she wants. She loves cooking, she hates eggs and, for many years, she’s wanted to move out of the family home and live independently.
Six months ago, the 20-year-old from Hervey Bay achieved her long-term goal, moving into her own supported independent living home. And she couldn’t be happier.
Shannon’s mum Linda said Centacare had helped prepare Shannon to get her own place, giving her the right amount of support and encouragement to develop her confidence and discover her capabilities.
“Moving out of home was a big change for Shannon but the team at Centacare gave her the back-up she needed to feel confident about the step she was taking. They are just so kind and have made a world of difference for her,” said Linda.
Shannon joined the social and life skills hub at Hervey Bay in 2019 with a goal to improve her social and communication skills, meet new people and improve her mobility so could one day move out of home.
She attends three days a week and works closely with her support worker Leanne to build her personal skills and daily life skills. Gardening and cooking are two of her favourite activities. She is currently working alongside a couple of her friends in the group to build their own veggie garden and hopes to use the veggies in the stir-fries she makes.
“Shannon has formed a beautiful friendship with Carrissa, one of the other participants,” said her service delivery manager Amanda.
“They do all sorts of activities together and love getting out and about in the community as part of our Friday night social group. They go to dinners, festivals, movies, hold karaoke nights – they even walk Carrissa’s dog Pearl together.
Shannon and Carrissa at a festival.
All dressed up for Halloween!
“Developing mobility in her hands was something that was important to Shannon. She practices using utensils and engages in art and craft activities to exercise her dexterity and control. She creates some beautiful pieces and finds these activities really rewarding”.
What are your passions, aspirations and plans?
From meeting new people and making long lasting friendships to learning new skills and building confidence in the areas that matter to you most, we offer a range of social and life skills activities that can help you get there. Phone 1300 236 822 for more information about our social and life skills offering in Hervey Bay.