Samantha Moore laughs out loud as she twirls in the pool with Li-Ve Tas support worker, Hannah Strong.
The two visit the Launceston Leisure and Aquatic Centre every week because being in the water makes Samantha happy.
It also helps her keep fit, and it's been an important tool in her recovery from a long hospital stay.
"Samantha has an excellent team of support staff, and she and Hannah have a special bond," says Samantha's mum, Larna.
Out and about
"As soon as we met Hannah, I could tell that she and Samantha were a great match.
"Hannah was there for us when Samantha was in hospital. It was a scary time, and Samantha needed people she was close to," Larna said.
Hannah and the other members of her 24/7 Li-Ve Tas support team played a big part in helping Samantha adjust to living independently in her unit.
"Samantha's team support her to do the day-to-day things that anyone living independently needs to do, like grocery shopping," Larna said.
"They also take her to all her medical appointments to make sure her health needs are looked after."
Samantha enjoys a busy weekly schedule of activities. These are designed with Samantha's goals in mind - staying fit and healthy and getting involved in her community.
"Samantha loves getting out and about, so we often visit City Park and eat a café lunch after the pool," says Hannah. "It's great that she's fought her way back to good health and we can do the things she wants to do again."
Samantha uses a wheelchair to get out and about, but in the pool with Hannah and a pool noodle for support, her movements are fluid and confident.
Samantha also enjoys watching people - smiling as excited kids arrive at the pool for swimming lessons.
"Samantha is a people person," says Larna. "She gets endless entertainment from being around people and seeing what they're doing."
Positive difference
Hannah says: "Another favourite is time on the trampoline at home, for more exercise and for fun. Plus, we like to visit Glebe Gardens for live music. I love spending time with Samantha!"
Li-Ve Tasmania is all about making a positive difference, every day. All our workers share a sense of what's possible for each person and situation - that means it's easier and more fun to reach your goals. Li-Ve Tas has been trusted to support people living with disability, their families and the Tasmanian community for almost 70 years.
