Charlie is a young man in his twenties who is a professional dancer and the captain of the Onkaparinga Swimming Club. Charlie loves the Crows, cricket, theatre and going to quiz nights with mates. Charlie’s twin sister had moved out of home, and Charlie made it very clear that he wanted to do the same.
Charlie’s Mum Angela wanted a Circle of Support for Charlie to safeguard his future. The family was very particular with each person they asked to know Charlie through their different connections. Charlie asked a fellow dance colleague, his kindy teacher who also loves the Crows, a friend from the Swimming club, ex-worker, school friend, sister, cousin, Godparents, Aunty, Uncle and Mum.
The Circle formed a home-sub group that met regularly to grow Charlie’s vision for home. CLP’s Home and Living Advisor came to a Circle gathering to discuss what was possible. Together with Charlie, the group learned through hearing other people’s stories and networking with other families, and attending workshops, conferences and retreats. Circle members supported Angela through the NDIS SDA process, discussing support arrangements including housemates.
Charlie has recently moved into his own home and lives with two housemates that he went to mainstream school with. Circle members took pride in assisting Charlie to move into his own home and to make it his own.
Charlie’s Circle of Support have now formed a Safeguarding group and have carved out roles for the right people. Charlie’s ex kindy teacher has the portfolio of home, Godparent who is an ICU doctor has the health portfolio, Aunty with a financial background has taken on finances and NDIS and sister has taken on the role of social and community connections.
Circle members are taking it in turns to attend support meetings and more recently are enjoying Friday night dinners at Charlie’s home where he is supported in the role of host.
