Preparing for Independence
Skills for life — built week by week
The leap from supported accommodation to independent living is one of the hardest transitions a care leaver faces. The C4U Homes Life Skills Programme is designed to make that leap achievable — building practical competence, confidence, and resilience over the course of a placement.
Programme modules
Cooking & Nutrition
- Meal planning on a budget
- Safe food handling and hygiene
- Cooking a weekly repertoire of meals
- Understanding nutrition for wellbeing
Money & Budgeting
- Opening and managing a bank account
- Creating a weekly/monthly budget
- Understanding rent, bills and direct debits
- Benefits entitlements as a care leaver
Health & Wellbeing
- Registering with a GP and dentist
- Managing prescriptions and appointments
- Mental health — recognising signs, accessing support
- Exercise, sleep and self-care
Home Management
- Cleaning and maintaining a home
- Laundry and household routines
- Reporting repairs to landlords
- Understanding a tenancy agreement
Employment & Education
- CV writing and cover letters
- Interview skills and preparation
- Apprenticeships, college and training options
- Rights at work as a young employee
Community & Independence
- Using public transport independently
- Registering to vote
- Digital skills — email, online banking, job applications
- Understanding rights and responsibilities
Emotional Resilience
- Identifying and managing emotions
- Coping strategies for stress and anxiety
- Conflict resolution skills
- Building and maintaining healthy relationships
Preparing to Move On
- Understanding housing options at 18
- Applying for social housing
- Private renting — deposits, references, agreements
- Pathway planning for the transition
Linked to the Pathway Plan
Every skill developed through our programme is recorded and shared with the young person's social worker, contributing directly to the statutory Pathway Plan review.
Find out more
Social workers can request a full copy of our Life Skills Programme curriculum and skills tracking framework.
Phone07717 034353
