Preparing for Independence: 5 Key Life Skills Every Young Person Should Learn

Leaving care or moving into your own place can feel exciting — and a bit scary. Here are 5 skills that will help you thrive:

1. Budgeting:
Learn how to manage money, track spending, and plan for essentials like rent, food, and bills.

2. Cooking simple meals:
Start with basics like pasta, rice, or stir-fry — being able to feed yourself well is a big win.

3. Cleaning & laundry:
Keeping your space clean helps your mental health and shows you’re ready for more independence.

4. Making appointments:
From GP visits to job interviews, get comfortable making and managing your own bookings.

5. Asking for support:
Independence doesn’t mean doing it alone. Knowing when to ask for help is part of being strong.

🛠️ Need help with any of the above? Your support team can work with you to build confidence in all of these areas.