Lorelle's Recipe for Confidence: Cooking with gas and serving up personal growth
For Lorelle, a 56-year-old NDIS participant living with a psychosocial disability, the kitchen once felt more like a battlefield than a place of joy. The thought of using a gas cooktop stirred up waves of fear and anxiety. But with time, patience, and the right support, she’s found not only confidence— but a renewed sense of independence.
Lorelle has been a part of the Harmony Social Services family for over three years. Early in her journey, she set herself a meaningful goal: to cook meals on her home’s gas stove. While it may seem simple to some, for Lorelle it represented something much bigger- autonomy, contribution, and the confidence to do something that once felt out of reach.
With gentle encouragement and consistent support from her team and Harmony support worker Robyn, Lorelle began to take small but impactful steps. Together, they started visiting the Harmony Homestead weekly, where Lorelle could prepare and cook meals in a safe, calm environment. These regular sessions became a space for learning, practising, and celebrating every milestone.
One of the first challenges was using sharp kitchen utensils, something that had caused a great deal of anxiety in the past. With the help of a specially designed kitchen tool that protects her fingers, Lorelle now feels safe preparing her own lunches at home. Her confidence has grown so much that she now enjoys cooking meals alongside Robyn at the Homestead. Her favourite? A fragrant chicken stir-fry with fresh vegetables and noodles. The smell alone is enough to bring people into the kitchen—it’s a dish that always draws compliments.
But Lorelle’s journey hasn’t stopped at the stovetop. As her confidence in the kitchen grew, so did her desire to contribute in other ways, saying “Like most people, I just wanted to do my part at home.” She now finds satisfaction in contributing to her household by feeding the four pets and helping with laundry.
Outside of the home, Lorelle has embraced activities that support her wellbeing. Long walks by the water help calm her mind, and she now attends the gym regularly to build physical strength and resilience. Recently, she even completed the 5km walk in the Gold Coast Marathon, an incredible achievement that reflects her ongoing commitment to personal growth.
Through it all, Lorelle says she’s grateful for the steady support and company of Robyn, who she describes as “really wonderful.”
Her advice to anyone facing something that feels overwhelming?
“Stay positive and try it at least once.”
And a gentle reminder she lives by: “Enjoy life.”
Lorelle’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when someone is supported to go at their own pace, take small steps, and believe in their own potential. At Harmony, we’re proud to walk alongside her and celebrate every win—especially the ones that come sizzling from the stove.
Inspired by Lorelle’s story? With the right support, you can achieve amazing things too. Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can help!