Finding your feet living in a new place, be it a house, a room or a community can feel daunting and isolating. It can be difficult to feel secure enough to consider any new space a home until foundations begin to take shape.

Step into Independent Living aims to equip young people with the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to be able to cope with living alone, in many cases for the first time. This accredited learning programme focuses on a variety of areas from managing a tenancy and getting to grips with paying utility bills to developing basics cooking and money management skills.

The programme also uses creative learning experiences such as art, design and photography to help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. By encouraging a young person to engage in an activity such as photographing or painting
scenes from their local community, a simple walk in nature becomes an experience that improves self-care and connection.

This programme is suitable for young people who may already be living alone but may be struggling to adjust to independence or integrating into their community, or young people about to embark on living alone for the first time.