Accessing disability support services doesn’t always guarantee a perfect quality of life. Often, when you have a disability, it can be isolating and limiting—even with professional support. But when independence and individuality are prioritised in the creation of disability services, the impact can be transformative.
As 2024 comes to a close and we enter the new year, we reached out to some of our participants to hear stories about how they have made the most of the independence and individualised support that Space for Life provides. And this month, we spoke to Sean Cheyne.
How disability can compound mental health
People with disability experience many of the same factors that influence mental health for those who don’t live with disability. However, they can also be affected by additional social, economic, and health challenges, including ‘social exclusion, financial hardship, loss of independence, bullying, discrimination, and issues with self-acceptance’.
For Sean Cheyne, the last few years have been a difficult time for his mental well-being, with traumatic personal relationships and financial difficulties challenging his journey to recovery. But now, Sean seems to have found some stability.
As he reclines on the couch in his cosy Osborne Park apartment, Sean shares that he’s ‘taking life day-by-day’ but ‘thinking positively for 2025’. In the background, a warm December breeze gently stirs some windchimes while a carefully groomed ginger cat lounges on a rug.
Core relationships that foster positive change
Reflecting on his journey, Sean describes his support worker Kane as an amazing man, saying, “He’s stuck by me through hard, difficult times and some breaking points”.
Whenever Sean doesn’t feel sure about something, like a personal relationship, he either goes to his psychologist or asks Kane for advice. “We get along like a house on fire, he’s got a really good sense of humour. We caught up just this morning to have a coffee.”
As another one of his cats appears, sidling along the back of the couch, Sean becomes more serious. “Sometimes, when I’ve been in trouble with the law, Patrick’s been there for me”, he says, recalling how Space for Life CEO Patrick once provided a recommendation letter that ensured Sean was able to continue his healing journey within society.
“Since I met Patrick and Kane, I’m doing so much better,” says Sean, “If I won the lottery, I would give them a large portion for supporting me the way they have.”
Rediscovering meaning
Now, Sean has had the chance to pursue his own meaningful pathways in life. “I don’t believe in giving up” he says matter-of-factly, describing how he is planning to look for full time work in the new year. He has also recently re-joined a church, and it was there that he met Elizabeth, the woman who, as of next week, will be his wife.
Sean brightens when mentioning her, “Now she’s been in my life, I’ve realised what’s important. You can’t be negative all the time,” he says, “Even Patrick and Kane have said I seem happier, clearer, and more understanding”.
Real independence is found alongside others
According to an NDIS research paper, ‘One of the most basic needs of all people is to be valued and loved’ and therefore ‘relationships with people who care about an individual’ must be prioritised. The paper explains that independence should not mean complete self-reliance, as it is best found through an equal, valued partnership with others.
And as Sean holds up a pristine black suit with a white flower already placed in the lapel, and grins down at a small box holding a pair of wedding rings, this certainly seems true for him.
