Life Skills
Johnny H Life Skills day program helps participants to build independence and confidence through structured small groups sessions in Penrith, Canberra and the Gold Coast.
Send an enquiry
Life Skills at a Glance
Weekday Sessions
Attend one or more days to suit your goals.
NDIS Funding
Use Core or Capacity Building for supports.
Johnny's Place
Dedicated learning centres in each region.
Shuttle Transport
Pick-up and drop-off in select areas.
Daily Meals
Fresh, on-site meals in Nepean and Canberra.
Small Groups
Group ratio of 1:3 makes your funding go further.
Typical Subject Areas
- Cooking, meal planning and kitchen safety
- Cleaning, organizing and household routines
- Personal care, hygiene and grooming
- Shopping skills and consumer awareness
- Budgeting and everyday numeracy (shopping, bills, value for money)
- Banking basics, safe payments, recognising scams
- Time management, calendars, building a weekly routine
- Conversation skills and social cues
- Making and maintaining friendships
- Phone skills and email communication
- Conflict resolution and assertiveness
- Public transport planning and navigation
- Road safety and pedestrian awareness
- Community resources and local services
- Planning outings and activities
- Understanding health and medical appointments
- Medication management and safety
- Exercise, fitness and healthy living
- Mental health awareness and wellbeing strategies
- Computer basics and internet safety
- Smartphone use and helpful apps
- Online shopping and digital payments
- Basic DIY and practical problem-solving
- Understanding workplace expectations
- Resume building and job applications
- Interview preparation and confidence
- Exploring career interests
- Understanding rights and responsibilities
- Community involvement and volunteering
- Environmental awareness and sustainability
- Cultural awareness and diversity
- Arts and crafts projects
- Music, drama and creative expression
- Sports, games and recreational activities
- Hobbies and personal interests
Dedicated Learning Centres
Johnny's Place is the heart of our Life Skills program – a welcoming space for small-group learning, practical activities and social connection. Familiar surroundings and clear routines help participants relax, try new things and practise skills with support.
Fresh Meals, Made Onsite
In Nepean and Canberra, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are prepared fresh on site for a small fee or you are welcome to bring your own meals. There are gluten-free and lactose-free options available and, where there is a known nut allergy, the centre is nut-free.
Easy Shuttle Bus Transport
Shuttle bus transport is available to and from our centres in select areas. Tell us your location when you enquire and we will share options from your nearest hub.
The Power of Groups
Peer Modelling & Social Learning
See your peers try a task, copy the steps and pick up new skills faster.
Real Friendships & Belonging
Shared activities and wins build genuine friendships and a sense of belonging.
Social Inclusion
The social confidence gained in a group leads directly to greater social inclusion.
Communication In The Moment
Practice turn-taking, problem-solving and see other perspectives with real people.
Motivation & Confidence
Encouragement from the group increases participation and helps new habits stick.
Cost-Effective Supports
Small-group delivery helps NDIS funds stretch further while maintaining quality.
Meet the Team
The many day adventures and short trips Scott has been on have brought him right out of his shell. He has the biggest, happiest and natural smile which isn't something that I've seen in Scott prior to starting at Johnny H.
Narelle Vella
Parent
Since joining Johnny H, I’ve learnt how to make new friends and really enjoy spending time with everyone. One of my favourite things is making my own lunch and baking tasty treats. The support workers who run the day program are really great – they make every day fun and help me learn new skills.
Will
Johnny H Participant
James is also very social and Johnny H enables him to have social interactions with his peers. James especially loves the outings and camps. Johnny H assists James in developing the skills to have more independence.
Christie Weeler
Participant Sister
I have learnt so much since joining Johnny H. I am more confident and independent. I have learnt that I can do a lot of things on my own that I didn’t think I could do.
Dylan
Johnny H Participant
We get to go different places with friends. I've been to Japan, Singapore, Fiji and on a cruise. Japan was a good experience because it was different food and culture. I have more friends now and I am included.
Sarah
Johnny H Participant
What to expect in your first month
Hello and goals
We chat about your interests and NDIS goals.
Welcome session
Meet the team, see the hub, confirm schedule.
Start weekly sessions
Small groups, clear routines, positive support.
Check-in
Quick update on your progress and next steps.
Keen to get involved?
Tell us a little about yourself in the form below and we'll get right back to you.