Living with Epilepsy and Discovering New Possibilities: Ryan’s Story

Ryan’s journey with Enrych is a powerful example of how the right support can help someone rediscover their passions and build meaningful connections.

Before joining Enrych, Ryan who is 33 and lives with epilepsy faced challenges that limited his opportunities, but today he is thriving—expressing himself through art, building friendships, and embracing new experiences.

Ryan has been supported by Enrych for the past five years. He has a strong passion for creativity and enjoys art, cycling, gaming (especially car racing games), and music, with “Fallen Angels” by Black Veil Brides being a particular favourite. Before Enrych, he had fewer opportunities to engage in activities he enjoyed or connect with others who shared his interests.

He first got involved through boccia sessions at Christchurch, where he met others including Eric, Jason, and Mathew. These sessions became a key starting point, helping him build confidence and form friendships. Through Enrych, Ryan also connected with Adam and Sue, further strengthening his social circle.

With support from Enrych, Ryan was encouraged to explore his love for art more deeply. His support worker, Debby, introduced him to new creative opportunities, including connecting him with Creative Melbourne, where his talent was recognised. This led to a

volunteering role at a gallery, where Ryan now spends time developing his skills and showcasing his work. He keeps a record of his artwork and continues to grow in confidence. Along the way, he formed a strong friendship with Gilly from a local café, and they now attend art fairs together to sell their work.

Ryan has also continued takes part in boccia. Alongside this, he has built his confidence physically as well as socially, regularly cycling with another of his support workers, Sam. Sometimes even cycling all the way to Melbourne, a journey that takes over an hour!

The impact of Enrych’s support has been life-changing. Ryan now has his artwork displayed in a gallery and is actively involved in a creative environment. He has built lasting friendships, expanded his social network, and gained the confidence to try new things and push himself further.

“I really enjoy my art and going out to art fairs. It’s great meeting people and doing what I love.”

Looking ahead, Ryan is excited to continue developing his artwork, attending art fairs, and cycling regularly. With growing confidence and ongoing support, he is looking forward to exploring even more opportunities and continuing to do what he loves.