Finding friendship and plenty of reasons to laugh: Thea’s story

Whether she’s tending to the community garden, searching the beach for something to turn into her next art project or experimenting with a new outfit, Thea likes to keep busy.

But ask her what she enjoys most about coming to selectability’s Ingham Clubhouse and the answer is simple.

“I really like being picked up by the bus, being happy and being greeted by everyone,” she said.

Thea moved to Ingham from Cairns seven years ago with her fiancé and two daughters, settling into a small house on her parents’ cane farm.

Life has changed considerably since then, with Thea’s husband moving into a local nursing home late last year and passed away a few months later.

Almost two years ago, Thea was referred to selectability through the Queensland Health-funded selectwellbeing program while looking for some support of her own.

Since then, the friendships she has made through the clubhouse program have become an important part of her life, along with the encouragement she receives to get involved, try different activities and keep exploring her local community.

At first, Thea describes herself as quite shy, although these days, that’s becoming increasingly difficult to imagine.

“I like listening, chatting with people, and having a laugh.

“I enjoy being part of a group and going on outings with the Clubhouse to explore new places. I like making friends and being somewhere that everyone is welcomed and accepted.”

The community garden is a particular favourite, combining her love of gardening with the chance to spend time alongside others.

Thea is just as happy cooking, catching up over coffee or heading to the beach and local trails to see what interesting materials might find their way into a future art and craft project.

Painting is another favourite, and more recently she’s added diamond dot art to her creative repertoire.

Then there’s fashion.

Thea loves experimenting with clothing, changing up her style and doing her makeup simply because it makes her feel good.

And while she may have arrived at Clubhouse as someone who was shy and still finding her feet, her friends now know to expect the occasional joke.

“I do like to be a bit of a stirrer and have a joke with friends.”

After almost two years, it’s perhaps that sense of belonging Thea values most.

She has made great friends, found activities she genuinely enjoys and, even through significant changes in her life, has a place where she knows she’ll be greeted with care.

Want to know about the services we provide in Ingham? You can find out more here.