Here, young people with additional needs, are learning the skills of independent living, developing their chosen vocations and creating a social hub to share with others. As a family, we developed a vision of how Jamie’s ‘best’ life could look and then we set about making it a reality. We sought a small, community-minded area. We found, in the inner northern Brisbane suburb of Banyo, a house by an
open space. It was ours in late 2016 and became Jamie’s home in January 2017. The Leija House comprises three separate living spaces and lots of shared areas for entertaining friends and outdoor activities. Jamie lives downstairs in the back house. Lach W has lived in the front house since June 2017 and is supported by Mercy. Lachie D has two respite nights each week with at the Leija House. In September 2020 Billy joined the house and lives in the upstairs apartment. For Jamie, Lach, Lachie and Bill, their days are spent with inspired young support workers committed to assisting them to reach their potential. The focus is on developing capacity for independent living, nurturing options for viable vocational pathways and facilitating social engagement. The house offers further great opportunities for development of other interests. There is a basketball hoop for fitness and skills development and a couple of raised garden beds with vegetables grown year round. The Leija House is ever evolving and developing as demands change and exciting opportunities present.
