Life Skills Programme

Also available with Independent Outreach Support.

This is Open Choice's main supporting programme. This programme can be coupled with any other of Open Choice's programmes of which there are four. We will do our best to make the following Appointments for our clients as soon as possible

•  Register with a GP

•  Register with a Dentist

•  Register with an optician

This programme is for ALL Open Choice clients, the other four are additions. Each client will be provided with the necessary information on how to make a complaint.

Numbers 5 to 14 are flexible in order depending on the young person.

First Month No's 1,2,3 & 4.

1) Knowledge of emergency services (Fire, police, ambulance) and to summon help and advice from Open Choice.

2) Shopping and preparing and cooking food to achieve a balanced diet.

3) The cost of living, household budgeting, regular payment of bills (where applicable). Avoiding credit.

4) Laundry and general housekeeping.

Second month No's 5,6,7 & 8.

5) Health education, including personal hygiene.

6) Sex education including contraception and preparing for parenthood (Leaflets and advice).

7) Contacting social services and other agencies.

8) Contacting registered agencies and groups specializing in young people.

Third Month No's 9,10 & ongoing budgeting skills.

9) Roles of agencies i.e., Citizens advice.

10) Using resources within the community.

Fourth Month No's 11,12,13 & 14.

11) How to carry out basic household maintenance.

12) Applying for housing, locating and maintaining it.

13) Access to weekly activities (Ongoing and to be in place within the young persons first week)

14) Job applications (C.V. and Covering letter – Connexions, Local employment, Agencies, Local news papers, Regular visits to local job centre, Assistance to be given with job centre computer search), College courses and Apprenticeships to be looked into depending upon the young persons aims and desires.

This programme will be constantly reviewed depending on the young person/adults progress. During a six month placement ALL of the above will be completed.

This programme has been designed to help equip the young person/adult with the necessary skills to live independently and to be used as a guide for the young person/adults future chosen path.