Life is Sweet

It’s been nearly two years since sports fan Gerard moved into his one-bedroom apartment at Minda Brighton – and life is sweet.

In fact, the avid cricket fan has had a ‘hat trick’ of success since moving out of home to live independently but with support.

Gerard said the three things he is enjoying most about Supported Independent Living is having independence, receiving good support from staff, and being able to follow his likes and interests.

And watching the summer cricket is one of his favourite hobbies.

Gerard follows the Australian cricket team with much interest and knowledge, and also loves AFL football. He even put a bet on who would kick the first goal of the 2019 grand final and won.

“I put a can of Coke on it,” he laughed.

As well as enjoying all types of sports, Gerard loves watching movies.

“Sometimes if I can’t sleep, I put a movie on. If I was at home, I would have to worry about the volume, but living independently means I don’t have to worry so much,” he said.

Gerard also loves a chat, and the regular social barbecues held for his apartment building are a highlight.

“Sometimes the staff come and sit with me in my apartment and have a chat, which I enjoy too,” he said.

“I like living independently and having peace and quiet.”

Minda Housing provides a range of diverse and flexible accommodation options, including purpose-built housing helping people with disability to live as independently as possible in a safe environment.

The type of accommodation available through Minda Housing includes independent living, one and two bedroom apartments, community homes with two to four bedrooms, and housing for people with exceptional needs.

Minda aims to contribute to the creation of a real home, where people with disability are supported to live the way they want to live.