Melissa & Gabbie go flatting

Melissa and Gabbie used to live at home, but as many young people do when independence beckons, both longed to go flatting. Their parents were reluctant to let them go, but persistence won the day.

They didn’t know each other at that stage, but Sarah Hobden, ConneXu Quality Practice Leader, brought them together for a coffee and a chat.The ladies enjoyed each other’s company from the outset, sharing laughter along with the coffee. Before leaving, they swapped phone numbers and began texting pretty well immediately.

Soon after, Gabbie and Melissa asked Sarah if they could go bowling, and that too was a great success. The ladies were eager to flat together, so a ConneXu staff member discussed possible living arrangements with them and their families to find out what they thought would work best. They were keen to share their own flat, with support from ConneXu, until they had learned the life skills they needed to be more independent. This exciting new living arrangement has now become a reality.

Gabbie and Melissa have set themselves the goal of learning to cook healthy, regular meals. They are becoming better at handling a budget and doing their own housework with help from supporters. They have also learned about making safe social connections and have taken on the challenge of learning to use public transport services so they can maintain jobs as well. Both ladies have voluntary work and are studying at Wintec to learn the skills they need for paid employment, Gabbie receives facilitation and oversight in this area by ConneXu and Melissa receives support from the Enrich+ team, whom ConneXu collaborate with.

Life skills include social skills too – when we share accommodation and friendships we have to make compromises that we may not have had to do in a family situation. The ladies have quite different personalities that, happily, have proved to be complementary. They enjoy a well-balanced friendship, sharing social and exercise opportunities together, but also attending separate kick boxing classes and making friends of their own.

Since Melissa and Gabbie left home and set up house together, the extent of their social development has been remarked upon by their supporters, and families. Everyone feels proud of the ladies successful adaption to their new way of life and their flexibility in accommodating each other’s needs.