Two months ago, he moved into supported accommodation run by Challenge Community Services and funded with his NDIS budget. While he works with a number of support workers, it is with Braydan Chong that Glen shares a particular bond: a love for the gym.

“Our relationship has developed really well, Glen trusts me and he knows I think about his best interests. It’s all brand new for both of us, so it is good to have a mutual interest in exercise that we can bond over, especially when it is something we are both quite passionate about,” Braydan said.

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The pair can often be found exercising, meal planning, shopping for healthy food, or learning a new recipe.

“My favourite thing to do is go to the gym to exercise,” Glen said. “I like doing sit-ups and shoulder presses the most. Most days we go down to a local park where there is some gym equipment for us to use. Braydan also takes me swimming, walking and shopping. I like to keep fit and Braydan is teaching me to cook good food.”

Each week, Braydan helps Glen to make a clean-eating meal plan so he can learn to budget and eat properly. Now when he gets groceries, Glen has a shopping list to remind him of his plan and budget rather than just grabbing what he wants. 

“We go shopping on Monday for my groceries and we make a plan for what I’m going to cook for the next week. I like cooking everything: sausages, pizza, omelettes,” Glen said.

Glen said living in supported accommodation allowed him to pursue his interests and career goals. Job hunting, holiday planning and life skills are Glen and Braydan’s current focus, with household chores, and learning how to read and write also high on the pair’s to-do list.

“We’ve been concentrating on building Glen’s independence, allowing him to learn how to do things himself and solve his own problems,” Braydan said.

“To begin with, he was relying on his support workers to deal with things for him, so we have been concentrating on helping him to do it for himself. We also encourage and support Glen to meet his commitments, like calling the doctor and making appointments, by being on hand if he needs it.”

Glen’s accommodation is covered by a supported independent living (SIL) budget in his NDIS Plan.

For more information on supported living and how you can increase your independence with the NDIS, contact Challenge Disability Services via email, disabilityservices@challengecommunity.org.au or phone 1800 679 129.