Independence Unlimited is a brand new ‘skills for life’ and social provision which helps young adults with a learning disability and with Autistic Spectrum Disorderto manage their own lives and engage with thecommunity around them.

We focus on building self-confidence and self-esteem, encouraging young people to raise their aspirations, make informed decisions and take control of their own personal and social goals. Learning is not confined to the ‘classroom’ and every opportunity is taken to support development in the most practical way. Working in groups and in workshops also provides the opportunity for young people to improvetheir social interaction and communication skills.

All our programmes are underpinned by the principles of self-advocacy and we encourage everyone to speak up, make decisions and choices about their life.We actively engage with young people to make sure we hear their voice

Independence Unlimited is accessible through an individual budget.

Programmes

We work in small groups which are designed to develop life skills, independence, confidence and self-esteem. Being part of a group is also vital in helping individuals to make friends and work together.

Skills for Life.

This is a flexible and multi-level programme of personal development that can be adapted to all abilities. Young people will learn practical life skills, giving them confidence to increase their independence. We aim to make learning relevant and enjoyable.

Delivered in three modules:

Being at home

Learning the practical skills that are needed to run and manage a home. This programme will include being safe in the home, cooking, and washing, cleaning, budgeting and purchasing skills.

Being Me: This is a module that helps young people to find out about themselves and what they have to offer. It will includesupport for them to manage their own health, money and relationships.

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Being Involved: It is essential that young adults with a learning disability and with Autistic Spectrum Disorderare part of the local community and know how to stay safe. We will support young people to learn about life beyond their home environment, to develop their interests and make the most of their time. This could include having a bank account, booking an appointment, traveling independently, looking at housing options or simply taking part in leisure activities. This is a module that will get everyone out and about!

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Staying on Top - short courses

A rolling programme of community based indpendence skills that helps young adults to ‘stay on top’ of their lives.

  • Travel training:

How to plan a journey and stay safe on public transport.

  • Money management

Designed to increase young people’s understanding of money and help them to take more control of their finances.

  • Relationships

Learn how to make successful and lasting relationships with family, friends, peers, colleagues and other members of the community.

  • Staying safe:

Understanding safe and unsafe feelings, how to stay safe and confident when out and about, good and bad secrets, mate crime, visitors to your home and safety on the internet.

  • The world of work:

Building the skills needed to be ‘work ready.’

Men’s Group / Women’s Group

These are both social groups which provide a safe place for young men and women to socialise and make friends while having fun doing activiites that are important to them. These activities could be anything from gaming, hair and beauty to just going out for a coffee together. We have found this a highly successful approach especially for ‘hard to reach’ young adults as it builds social skills, confidence and self-esteem. It then provides an opportunity for us to work with the group and introduce topics for discussion such as relationships and men’s / women’s health.

Social and Independence group (complex needs)

A groupaimed at young adults with more complex needs, providing opportunities to help develop their independence, social interaction and communication skills. Memberswill learn basic life skills such as personal hygiene, making simple meals and handing money in order to increase their independence. The group will be supported to travel, both on foot and by public transport to a variety of venues in the community to provide interesting, enjoyable experiences to increase conversation, confidence and self-esteem.

Creative Media

Creative Media is aprogramme aimed at supporting young adults to develop real skills in using technology such asapps, smart phones, cameras and video equipment, helping them to become more independent.We will be creating our own magazine and this will provide the opportunity for young people to learn a wide variety of media and creative writing skills. Being able to access the internet and social media safely will form an important part of this programme. It is also designed to help young people explore and experience media in the world around them and to share their views with others appropriately.

Arts Group

The Arts Group is a creative and social group which gives young adults the opportunity to express themselves and share their view of the world with others. This group will include a range of creative activities such arts and crafts, dance, drama and photography. This is a flexible and multi-level programme which can be adapted to all abilities.