JHLS: Life Skills Day Program - Term 3, 2026 CBR
Thursday, Jul 09, 2026 – Thursday, Oct 01, 2026
Associated costs are only available to registered Canberra & Monaro participants. If you believe this is an error, please contact us for assistance. If you have not registered yet, please register here.
Our Life Skills program supports participants to build confidence, independence and practical everyday skills through structured, small-group sessions.
The program runs from our dedicated learning centre, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:00pm.
Each day offers a different focus, allowing participants to choose the sessions that best match their goals and interests. Attend one or multiple days each week, with the flexibility to join at any time during the term.
Fresh meals, including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, are prepared daily on site for those who would like them for a small fee, with gluten-free and lactose-free options available.
You’ll also have the option to take part in additional activities on selected days.
The Life Skills Day Program is designed for people aged 16 and over with mild to moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities. Transition journeys are also available for those making the shift to life after school.
Explore each day below to find the right fit.
Cooking Skills and Recipe Book
Mondays focus on building confidence in the kitchen while developing practical cooking skills and creating a personalised recipe book to support independence at home.
Session Focus
Participants engage in hands-on cooking activities while building their own recipe book throughout the term. Sessions focus on preparing simple meals, following recipes and developing safe kitchen practices. Participants learn practical skills such as chopping, slicing, measuring ingredients and using kitchen equipment safely.
As they create their recipe book, participants also develop reading, writing, planning and organisational skills by recording recipes, ingredient lists and cooking methods. Activities encourage creativity, teamwork and problem-solving while building confidence in everyday meal preparation.
Benefits and Outcomes
- Develop confidence preparing simple meals
- Learn to follow recipes and step-by-step instructions
- Practise safe food handling and kitchen hygiene
- Improve reading, comprehension and organisational skills
- Develop measuring, timing and basic maths skills
- Build creativity through recipe development and food presentation
- Increase independence through practical cooking experiences
Setting and Achieving Goals
Tuesdays focus on identifying personal goals and developing the skills, confidence and motivation needed to work towards achieving them.
Morning Focus
The morning session centres on setting and achieving goals. Participants explore their interests, strengths and aspirations across areas such as daily living, education, employment, health, communication, social participation and community engagement.
Activities encourage participants to identify meaningful goals, break them into achievable steps and develop strategies for overcoming challenges. Sessions support self-awareness, confidence and future planning while encouraging participants to recognise and celebrate progress.
Afternoon Focus
The afternoon session focuses on gym-based activities. Participants engage in structured exercise designed to improve strength, coordination and overall fitness. Activities are adapted to individual ability levels and encourage safe use of equipment, following instructions and building confidence in a supportive environment.
Benefits and Outcomes
- Identify personal strengths, interests and aspirations
- Develop goal-setting and planning skills
- Build confidence and motivation to work towards goals
- Improve decision-making and problem-solving abilities
- Support physical wellbeing through swimming activities
- Strengthen communication and social participation skills
- Encourage teamwork and positive group interaction
Teamwork Skills & Goals
Wednesdays focus on developing teamwork skills and understanding how working together can help achieve shared goals.
Morning Focus
The morning session centres on teamwork. Participants learn how individuals contribute different skills, knowledge and perspectives when working towards a common goal. Activities explore communication, trust, accountability, cooperation and mutual respect.
Participants take part in discussions and practical activities that encourage collaboration, active listening and problem-solving while developing confidence in group settings.
On selected weeks, participants will also engage with Nepean Therapy Dogs. These sessions provide opportunities to build confidence, develop positive social interactions and support emotional wellbeing in a calm and supportive environment.
Afternoon Focus
The afternoon session focuses on teamwork games within the centre. Participants engage in structured activities that encourage cooperation, communication and shared decision-making. Games provide opportunities to practise teamwork skills in a fun and supportive environment while building friendships and confidence.
Benefits and Outcomes
- Develop communication and active listening skills
- Build teamwork and cooperation skills
- Improve problem-solving and shared decision-making
- Encourage trust, accountability and mutual respect
- Strengthen confidence in group participation
- Support emotional wellbeing through therapy dog interaction
- Build social connection and friendship skills
- Increase understanding of working towards shared goals
Health & Wellbeing, Personal Hygiene & Presentation
Thursdays focus on personal wellbeing and developing the habits that support health, confidence and positive daily routines.
Morning Focus
The morning session centres on health and wellbeing, with a focus on personal hygiene and presentation. Participants learn about the practices and behaviours that support cleanliness, health and maintaining a neat appearance.
Activities explore topics such as personal care routines, grooming, appropriate presentation and the importance of hygiene for health, confidence and social interaction. Sessions encourage independence and support participants to develop positive daily habits.
At 11am, participants take part in a structured boxing session. Boxing supports physical fitness, coordination, confidence and resilience while encouraging participants to follow instructions and participate positively in a group setting. Sessions are adapted to individual abilities and provide a fun and engaging way to support health and wellbeing.
Afternoon Focus
The afternoon session focuses on swimming. Participants engage in structured water-based activities that support physical wellbeing, coordination and confidence. Swimming provides opportunities to improve fitness, build endurance and participate in a safe and supportive environment.
Benefits and Outcomes
- Develop understanding of personal hygiene and self-care
- Build confidence in personal presentation
- Establish positive daily routines and habits
- Support health and wellbeing through practical learning
- Improve physical fitness, coordination and endurance through boxing
- Build confidence and resilience through structured physical activity
- Improve communication and social interaction skills
- Encourage creativity and problem-solving
- Build confidence through participation and achievement
Social Connection, Health & Wellbeing
Fridays focus on building social confidence, supporting wellbeing and ending the week with positive, engaging group activities.
Morning Focus
The morning session centres on social connection and health and wellbeing. Participants take part in group-based activities that encourage communication, teamwork and positive interaction. Sessions may include light exercise, games or shared tasks designed to promote participation and build confidence in social settings.
Participants also take part in a BBQ lunch, providing opportunities to engage in group meal preparation, practise safe food handling and enjoy a shared social experience in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Afternoon Focus
The afternoon session focuses on craft activities. Participants engage in structured creative projects that support focus, patience and self-expression. Activities are adapted to individual abilities and encourage independence, routine and a sense of achievement.
Benefits and Outcomes
- Build confidence in social interaction and group participation
- Strengthen communication and teamwork skills
- Support health and wellbeing through active and social engagement
- Develop independence through shared meal preparation experiences
- Improve focus, patience and task completion
- Encourage creativity and self-expression
- End the week with positive, structured activities
You May Also Like...
Mondays | Life Skills Term 3
Mondays focus on building confidence in the kitchen while developing practical cooking skills and creating a personalised recipe book to support…
Mondays | Life Skills Term 3
Mondays focus on building confidence in the kitchen while developing practical cooking skills and creating a personalised recipe book to support…
Tuesdays | Life Skills Term 3
Tuesdays focus on identifying personal goals and developing the skills, confidence and motivation needed to work towards achieving them.