Starting OutTM Transitioning to Independent Living is a bespoke Health and Wellbeing course designed to empower young adults as they move from an educational setting into independent living within the community. Inspired by the Young People’s Health Toolkit: A Fair and Equal Opportunity to Enjoy Good Health, this course supports a confident, well-informed transition into adulthood.
Schools play a vital role in preparing young people for adult life, yet recent UK studies show many leave Education without the essential skills they need to live independently. According to a 2025 Santander UK survey, only 26% of young adults received financial education at school, leaving the majority without practical budgeting or money-management experience. At the same time, the PSHE Association reports that over half of students wish they’d been taught more about life skills like timekeeping, budgeting, and preparing for work. These gaps are especially bleak for vulnerable groups such as care leavers, many of whom say they left school and care without knowing how to cook, manage money, or care for their mental health.
This course has been developed by a public health professional with extensive experience supporting individuals across the life course; from newborns to older adults in both community and hospital settings. This breadth of knowledge brings a unique and credible perspective to the training, grounded in real-world understanding of health and social outcomes. Drawing on this background, the course integrates elements of early intervention, aiming to equip young adults with the skills and insight needed to make informed lifestyle choices. By fostering healthier habits and promoting self-sufficiency, the programme empowers learners to thrive in independent living and contribute positively to society.
Starting OutTM gives schools a ready-to-deliver solution: a structured, research-informed programme that builds confidence, strengthens key life skills, and supports smoother transitions into adulthood, especially for students who may not receive this support elsewhere. It complements the PSHE curriculum and strengthens the pastoral offer, giving your students a practical head start in life.
The programme is made up of six practical modules, each containing six or more 30-minute lessons covering essential life skills; from budgeting and communication to resilience and professional behaviour. Every lesson includes a pre and post quiz to help learners track their progress and real-life scenarios to help consolidate learning. Workbooks are available and these provide extra space for reflection and activities. Upon completing all six modules, learners will receive a Certificate of Completion, which can be laminated and kept in their personal development folder as a proud record of their achievement.
Overall aims
To equip young adults transitioning into independent living with essential life skills, health awareness, and well-being strategies, enabling them to confidently manage daily responsibilities, make health-conscious decisions, and build a stable, fulfilling future.
Overall objectives
- Upon completion of these modules, learners will:
- Learners will be empowered to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and critical thinking.
- Develop practical independent living skills
- Develop an awareness of personal health, nutrition, and well-being for informed lifestyle choices
- Build an understanding of budgeting, saving, and responsible financial decision-making.
- Develop effective interpersonal and conflict resolution skills for healthy relationships
