Learning independent living skills

As you get older, you’ll need different skills to help you live by yourself or with others. These can include:

• cooking meals
• cleaning and looking after your home
• shopping for food and essentials
• handling money, budgeting and paying bills

These skills are useful whether you live with your family or move out.

Independent living also means knowing how to deal with incidents or emergencies, such as:

• when to call emergency services
• what number to call
• what to do if you have hearing or speech difficulties and need help

Why these skills matter

Learning these life skills helps you build confidence and prepare for adulthood whether that means staying with family, living with support, or moving into your own place one day.