Building independence: small steps that make a big difference

Independence looks different for everyone. For some people it's cooking a simple meal alone; for others it's catching public transport with confidence.

The most successful approach we've seen is breaking a bigger goal into small, achievable steps, and celebrating progress along the way — not just the end result.

Consistency matters more than intensity. Practising a skill for 15 minutes a few times a week, with the right support, often builds more lasting confidence than an occasional big push.

Talk to your support worker about what independence means to you, so your everyday supports can be shaped around building toward it.