The Independent Living Skills Course will work with young people aged 12-16 who have cerebral palsy to help build their self esteem, their confidence and the feeling that they have overcome part of their disability and achieved a set goal. Specialist therapy will be tailored to the individual needs of each young person. The course, usually a week, includes 9 individual sessions, 1 group session, and 2 to 3 group lunches.

For young people, at a vital transitional stage of their life, it can be quite a scary time as they try to make the transition from childhood, where there's a safe home/school environment to a more mature adult world. Many of the young people we will work with may never have had the opportunity to try and learn how to do things in a safe, friendly and supported environment and where there are specialists who can help them to achieve as much independence and self-esteem as possible.

The Independent Living Skills Course aims to provide a unique opportunity for young people with cerebral palsy to identify and problem-solve issues particular to their individual disability need. This opportunity will help stimulate thoughts for their future, it helps to challenge the young person to practise skills within the home and family life, and to consider further education and work opportunities and the possibility of some level of independent living.