THINKING ABOUT HOME, INDEPENDENCE & SUPPORT
WHERE WILL I LIVE?
Where you live is a big part of becoming more independent. There isn't one right option for everyone. The important thing is understanding your choices, what you're ready for and what support you might need.
COULD I MANAGE MY OWN HOME?
Have a think about what you can already do and what you might want some help learning.
- “Can I manage money for rent, food and bills?”
- “Can I plan, shop for and cook meals?”
- “Can I clean and look after my home?”
- “Do I understand my basic rights and responsibilities as a tenant?”
- “Do I know how to stay safe at home?”
- “Do I know who to contact when I need help?”
I NEED SUPPORT
I'M LEARNING
I CAN DO THIS
STAYING WITH FAMILY
Build independence while living with family and take more responsibility for everyday life.
SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION
Have your own space while getting support to develop your independence and everyday living skills.
SHARING A HOME
Living with other people and learning about bills, responsibilities, boundaries and getting along.
MY OWN HOME
Understanding a tenancy, rent, bills, looking after a home and asking for help when needed.
WHAT COULD YOUR NEXT STEP BE?
MY FUTURE: EDUCATION, TRAINING & WORK
Your future doesn't have to be completely figured out. You might want to go to college, learn a trade, start an apprenticeship, volunteer, get a job or explore your options. Nexsteps can help you think about what interests you and what you need to get there.
COLLEGE & EDUCATION
Explore courses, qualifications and what you'd like to learn.
TRAINING & APPRENTICESHIPS
Learn practical skills while preparing for a career.
WORK & EMPLOYMENT
Build confidence with CVs, applications, interviews and starting work.
VOLUNTEERING & EXPERIENCE
Gain experience, meet people and discover what you're good at.
WHAT DO I NEED TO GET THERE?
- “What am I interested in?”
- “What am I good at?”
- “What would I like to learn?”
- “Do I need qualifications or training?”
- “Can I travel there independently?”
- “Who could help me take my next step?”
GETTING READY TO MANAGE MY OWN MONEY
MY MONEY
Having more independence often means having more responsibility for your own money. Knowing what's coming in, what needs paying and how much you have left can help you feel more confident and in control.
COULD I MANAGE MY MONEY?
- “Do I know how much money I have coming in?”
- “Could I make a weekly or monthly budget?”
- “Do I understand which bills need paying first?”
- “Can I use a bank account and check my balance?”
- “Could I budget for food and travel?”
- “Do I know where to get help if I'm struggling with money?”
I NEED SUPPORT
I'M LEARNING
I CAN DO THIS
MONEY COMING IN
Wages, benefits, Universal Credit or other income.
MONEY GOING OUT
Rent, bills, food, travel, phone and everyday spending.
SAVING & PLANNING
Putting money aside for emergencies, goals and things you want.
STAYING MONEY-SAFE
Understanding debt, scams, borrowing and keeping your bank details safe.
LOOKING AFTER MYSELF
MY HEALTH & WELLBEING
Becoming more independent also means learning how to look after your physical and emotional wellbeing. You don't have to manage everything alone — part of being independent is knowing when and where to ask for help.
CAN I LOOK AFTER MY HEALTH?
- “Do I know how to make a GP or dentist appointment?”
- “Could I attend an appointment and explain how I'm feeling?”
- “Do I understand any medication I take and how to take it safely?”
- “Do I know what helps me when I'm stressed, anxious or overwhelmed?”
- “Do I know when I need to ask someone for help?”
- “Do I know who to contact if I need urgent support?”
I NEED SUPPORT
I'M LEARNING
I CAN DO THIS
MY PHYSICAL HEALTH
Eating well, staying active, sleeping well and looking after my everyday health.
APPOINTMENTS & MEDICATION
Knowing how to make and attend appointments and manage medication safely if I take it.
MY EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
Understanding how I'm feeling, recognising when things are getting difficult and knowing what helps me.
GETTING HELP
Knowing who I can speak to and where I can get support when I need it.
WHO'S IN MY CORNER?
MY SUPPORT NETWORK
Being independent doesn't mean doing everything on your own. We all need people we can turn to for advice, encouragement or help. Knowing who's in your support network can make taking your next steps feel much easier.
ASKING FOR HELP IS PART OF BEING INDEPENDENT.
WHO CAN I TURN TO?
- “If I'm worried about something → Who could I talk to?”
- “If I have a problem with money → Who could help me?”
- “If I'm struggling with my health or wellbeing → Who could I contact?”
- “If something goes wrong where I live → Who would I call?”
- “If I need help making an important decision → Who could support me?”
- “If I achieve something I'm proud of → Who would I want to tell?”
FAMILY & PEOPLE IMPORTANT TO ME
The people who know me well and are important in my life.
KEYWORKER / SUPPORT WORKER / PA
Someone who can help me develop skills, work towards goals and become more independent.
ME
SOCIAL WORKER / PERSONAL ADVISER
Someone who can help with planning, support, leaving care or preparing for adulthood where this applies to me.
COLLEGE / TRAINING / WORK
Tutors, mentors, employers or other people who can support my learning and future.
HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT
GP, dentist, mental health support or other health professionals involved in my life.
FRIENDS & COMMUNITY
Friends, clubs, groups and other positive people and places in my community.
The Nexsteps Transition Plan is designed to support preparation for adulthood and person-centred transition planning. It can complement existing statutory and professional plans and does not replace Pathway Plans, EHCPs, Care Plans or other statutory assessments.
MY FUTURE. MY CHOICES. MY NEXT STEPS.
MY TRANSITION PLAN
The completed Nexsteps Transition Plan helps you bring together your wishes, everyday routines, relationships, housing, education or work, money and wellbeing. Agree your goals, who will help and the support you want to continue into adulthood.
✓ ABOUT ME — what's important to me
✓ MY FUTURE — what I want my life to look like
✓ MY INDEPENDENCE — the skills I'm developing
✓ WHERE I'LL LIVE — my housing and support needs
✓ EDUCATION, TRAINING & WORK — what I'd like to do
✓ MY MONEY — preparing to manage my finances
✓ MY HEALTH & WELLBEING — looking after myself
✓ MY SUPPORT NETWORK — who's in my corner
✓ MY GOALS & ACTIONS — what happens next
✓ MY PROGRESS — reviewing what I've achieved
YOUR PLAN SHOULD GROW WITH YOU.
Agree named contacts, actions and review dates. Plan any handover with the people involved, check you know who to contact and review the plan when circumstances change. Practical adult support, community opportunities and relevant services should be agreed around your needs. Contact Nexsteps to discuss the Transition Plan or provider support.