The InFocus Life and Living Skills Programme is designed to help adults with vision impairment, including those with complex needs, thrive in life by helping them build essential life skills. While education and home life provide a foundational understanding of these skills, true mastery comes from practical application in real-world settings.
How it works
Our bespoke programme is designed to stretch and challenge individuals to help them meet their goals and needs. By combining the participants’ aspirations and uniqueness with our expertise, we provide a practical stepping stone towards their desired level of independence and achievement.
Programme Design
We work in partnership with each individual to develop person-led goals that build confidence, independence and long-term growth. Whether developing everyday living skills such as cooking, increasing confidence using public transport, or strengthening community engagement, support is shaped around what matters most to the individual.
Each programme is bespoke and outcome-focused, designed to turn goals into measurable progress. This may include opportunities to develop practical skills, access new experiences, build social connections and engage in meaningful activity.
No two programmes are the same. Every journey is tailored to the individual’s aspirations, strengths and support needs.
What we can offer
- Transition Support
- Travel Training and Support
- Volunteering and Employment Support
- Connecting with the Community through Access and Engagement
- Living Skills (e.g., cooking, household management, independence)
- Self-Care
- Experience-Based Learning Opportunities
- Individual Led Goal Setting
- Support Following Active Support Principles
- Money Management and Budgeting
Jago’s Story
After leaving InFocus College, Jago joined the Life and Living Skills Programme to build confidence in his independence. He attended two days per week, with an initial focus on strengthening everyday living skills. While he already had some mobility skills, he lacked confidence with cooking, managing household tasks and travelling independently.
His programme focused on developing practical skills including meal preparation, personal care and daily routines, laundry and household management, budgeting and shopping, travel training, and accessing the local community. He also began exploring opportunities linked to volunteering and future employment.
Within seven weeks, Jago was travelling independently by bus into Exeter and completing a supported supermarket shop. As his confidence grew, so did his independence in the kitchen – progressing from cooking once a week with full support to preparing multiple meals a day with minimal supervision. Household tasks such as laundry have now become part of his regular routine, requiring significantly reduced support.
After four months on the programme, Jago is travelling independently into Exeter for shopping, preparing up to three meals a day, and using a range of kitchen appliances safely. Jago is proud of the progress he has made and continues to build his confidence and independence each week.
Location
Based in Exeter, InFocus Charity’s site has educational, therapeutic, and healthcare professionals working together to support a wide range of disabilities. Together, we create holistic programmes that prepare adults for their next steps, whether that involves more independent living, community engagement, or accessing adult care settings.
InFocus offers programmes which are flexible, allowing participants to practice their skills at any time of day, any day of the week. We offer sessional services during the day, evening, night, and weekends to cater to specific support needs. For instance, if a dental appointment is scheduled for 8:00 AM, we will assist them in managing their time and travel to ensure punctuality. Our focus is on practical skill application and confidence building through real-life experiences.
Eligibility
The Life and Living Skills Programme is suitable for any adult with visual impairment, including those with complex needs. For example:
- Individuals wanting to apply skills learned in educational settings.
- Those transitioning into adult care services who require further time to practice skills learned.
- Individuals needing support during to make informed decisions about their next steps into; residential settings, adult day services, home, or supported living.
- Individuals ready to move towards independence after living with family or within the community.
Funding
The Life and Living Skills Programme is usually funded by local adult social care, continuing health care funding, personal budgets or direct payments.
Next Steps
If this programme seems suitable for someone in your life, please contact us for more information:
Email: enquiries@infocus-charity.org.uk
Telephone: 01392 454200
