Chris is 45 and has an intellectual disability, ADHD and Fragile X Syndrome. Chris is supported by a team of mentors who assist him with shopping, errands and chores for several hours a day. One of Chris’ mentors is Marven, who has also become his co-resident.
When Chris first met Marven in late 2020, he was a bit unsure. “I was nervous about it – my walls were up a bit.”
But those walls came down and in February 2023 the two moved in together and started to develop shared interests, as well as a closer relationship.
Chris says, “It’s changed now. Changed big time now.”
Chris previously lived on his own with support from mentors. When he started showing signs of loneliness and put on significant weight, his family decided to try the co-resident approach. Marven’s interest in health and fitness made him a natural choice for Chris’ co-resident.
Chris and Marven share a villa in Perth. The costs associated with Marven’s accommodation are managed by My Place from Chris’ NDIS plan (separate to his mentor salary).
They each have their own bedroom, bathroom and toilet, but share the living room and kitchen. Cooking together has become a favourite pastime.
The guys also love their sport. Last year Chris and Marven went east on a “big sports trip”, taking in a State of Origin game in Sydney and AFL games in Melbourne. Back home, they also train together.
While Marven supports Chris as a mentor two to three days a week, the rest of the time they’re just typical housemates. Chris works four days a week and goes to bed early, giving Marven the space to do his own thing.
With Marven’s guidance and support, Chris’ weight and diet have improved in leaps and bounds. Chris has met his goals around fitness, weight loss and independence, and continues to improve his communication skills.
“Communication is still a work in progress – Chris might try to avoid calling his mentors or mum. But communication is very important if you’re going to live with someone, and we’ve both been able to communicate our needs and wants in a respectful way to the other person,” Marven says.
“You have to have a good attitude and be open to sharing,” Chris says.
Two years in, Chris and Marven – or Chris-o and Mario as they call each other – are firm friends who also get along with each other’s families. “We’re actually going to see my mum and the dogs on Sunday. Chris loves the dogs.”
In reflecting on the relationship, Marven remembers “I just kind of put my hand up not knowing where it would lead. Why not? I’ve enjoyed living with housemates.”
And now? “We’ve become like brothers. It’s a very nice home to come back to. I enjoy his companionship and the space we’ve created.”