Independent living
Explore housing, skills and support for living independently as you move into adulthood.
Live your life your way
Independent living means having choice and control over your life. It doesn’t always mean living alone. It means doing as much for yourself as you can, with support if needed.
You might live:
- with family
- in your own flat
- with friends
- in supported housing
Our goal is to help you live your life, your way.
Build your daily living skills
Start building your independence while you're still at home. Try:
- making a snack or simple meal
- doing your laundry
- keeping your room tidy
- using a budget or money app
- travelling by bus or train
These skills help you feel confident and prepare you for adult life.
We offer:
- travel training programmes
- life skills courses
Ask your school or social worker to help you find one.
Housing options
There are different housing options depending on your needs:
Living with family
You can still be independent while living at home — by making your own choices and doing more for yourself.
Living on your own or with friends
You might rent a flat or house and manage bills, shopping and cooking. You can still get support from a personal assistant (PA) or support worker.
Supported living
You live in your own space (like a flat or shared house) and get help from staff when needed. Support might be:
- 24/7
- a few hours a week
- help with cooking, money or personal care
Find out more about supported living
Shared Lives scheme
You live with a host family who supports you — like adult fostering.
Learn more from Oxfordshire’s Family Support Network
Residential care
Care homes offer 24-hour help for people with high support needs, but this is less common for young adults.
Student accommodation
If you go to university, you might live in halls. Disability support teams can help with accessible rooms or extra help.
Support to live independently
You don’t have to do everything alone. Support can include:
- Personal assistants (PAs): Help with daily tasks, going out or staying safe
- Assistive technology: Apps, alarms and gadgets to help with reminders, safety and tasks
- Skills programmes: Courses on cooking, budgeting and home safety
Visit Oxfordshire Livewell
Get support with living standards
Staying safe
Being independent means knowing how to stay safe. Learn how to:
- lock doors and windows
- use appliances safely
- know who to call in an emergency
- be aware of scams or unsafe situations
Your family or support worker can help you learn these skills. If you ever feel unsafe, tell someone you trust.
Making your own decisions
From the age of 16, you have the right to make your own choices. This includes:
- where you live
- what support you want
- how you spend your money
If you need help making decisions, you can ask for an advocate. People must support you to understand your options — using easy-read information or extra time if needed.
Planning ahead
Start talking about your future living plans around age 16 to 17. This gives time to:
- explore options
- apply for housing or benefits
- visit places you might live
We can help with planning and assessments.