Meet Lorraine and Dennis, who first crossed paths seven years ago. Like any couple, they share inside jokes, support each other through challenging days, and dream about their future together. What makes their story special is how our team at Forge Park (Kerry Disability Service) has supported them individually and as a couple, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to live fulfilled lives and maintain a thriving relationship.
The team at Forge Park remains committed to providing continued support for Lorraine and Dennis’s relationship, ensuring they both experience a meaningful and fulfilling partnership. We understand that relationships can present unique challenges for individuals, requiring patience, understanding, and support approaches.
Building Individual Identities within Partnership
Supporting Lorraine and Dennis involves giving respect, communicating clearly and patiently, and providing empowerment-focused assistance that helps them build strong individual identities within their relationship. While Dennis lives in the community and receives individual support from NOVAS, he spends weekends with Lorraine at her residential home in Forge Park.
Both partners regularly communicate their needs to their keyworkers, who help them navigate various relationship situations. When weekend visits presented some challenges due to their unique individual needs, our team worked collaboratively with the couple to explore their wants and requirements in a supportive environment where questions and concerns were always welcome.
Creating Solution Together
Through open dialogue and careful planning, we developed strategies to help both Lorraine and Dennis better manage their shared weekend time. This included important work around boundaries and consent—fundamental aspects of any healthy relationship.
Dennis brings his love of walks, conversations, radio, and gardening to the relationship, along with his wonderful sense of humour and hearty laugh. Lorraine values her privacy and has a passion for music and dancing. She takes pride in styling her own hair and has a particular fondness for anything in baby pink. Together, they enjoy sharing drinks and takeaways during their weekend time.
Combating Loneliness through Connection
Investing in their relationship addresses a significant challenge facing many people of our services: loneliness. This partnership has a profound positive impact on both individuals’ mental health, social connections, and overall quality of life.
Recently, Lorraine and Dennis celebrated Lorraine’s birthday—a truly special day that highlighted the joy their relationship brings to their lives. Looking ahead, they’re excited about upcoming “date days,” a new initiative we’re introducing to facilitate healthy relationship development through community engagement.