Preparing for Adulthood
A fully funded 12-week transition programme for young people aged 16–30 with SEND
Preparing for Adulthood Pilot
The Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Pilot is a fully funded, community-based programme designed to support young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) as they move towards adult life.
Delivered by The Care Pod Pathways CIO, this pilot focuses on practical life skills, confidence, independence, and real-world participation rather than classroom-based learning.
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No cost to families
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Limited to 8 places
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Starting late March / early April
Who the Pilot Is For
This programme is for young people aged 16–30 who may benefit from structured, supportive help to prepare for adulthood.
It is particularly suitable for young people with:
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Learning difficulties or disabilities
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Autism Spectrum Conditions
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Social, emotional, or communication needs
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Anxiety or barriers to engaging in mainstream education or employment
The pilot is ideal for those who may not thrive in traditional classroom environments but who can benefit from hands-on, community-based learning tailored to their strengths and readiness.
What the Programme Focuses On
The Preparing for Adulthood Pilot supports young people to develop skills and confidence in areas such as:
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Independent living skills
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Communication and self-confidence
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Community engagement
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Volunteering and employment readiness
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Understanding and accessing adult services
Each participant follows a person-centred pathway, shaped around their goals, interests and pace of development.
About the 12-Week Programme
This is a 12-week pilot programme, offering a safe, structured environment where young people can build independence while being supported by experienced staff.
The programme balances:
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Small-group activities
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Practical, real-world tasks
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Confidence-building experiences
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Gradual exposure to community and adult environments
The pilot is made possible thanks to funding support from Selsey Town Council, allowing The Care Pod Pathways CIO to offer this opportunity at no cost to families.
Programme Base: The Launch Pod
Most sessions take place at The Launch Pod (Ellis Square).
The Launch Pod is a dedicated transition space designed specifically for Preparing for Adulthood programmes. It offers:
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A calm, welcoming, and purposeful environment
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Small group learning
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Practical, hands-on activities
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A strong focus on wellbeing and independence
This is not a classroom. It is a stepping-stone space that reflects adult life while remaining supportive and accessible.
Cooking and Life Skills in the Community
As part of the programme, participants will attend Selsey Town Council for practical cooking and food preparation sessions.
These sessions support:
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Basic meal preparation
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Kitchen safety and hygiene
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Following simple recipes
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Confidence using shared and community kitchen spaces
This helps young people build real-life skills they can use at home and in future supported settings.
Community, Volunteering and Employment Pathways
The programme also supports participants to explore:
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Supported volunteering opportunities
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Community-based projects and tasks
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Understanding work routines and expectations
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Confidence in public and professional environments
Where appropriate, young people are supported to take positive next steps toward volunteering, supported employment or further training.
This pilot is made possible with support from Selsey Town Council. Their contribution enables The Care Pod Pathways to deliver the 12-week Preparing for Adulthood programme, offering accredited life-skills training for young people aged 16–30 with additional needs.
Through this support, we are able to provide personalised, professional, and confidence-building pathways that help participants develop independence and essential skills for future living.
What Happens After the Pilot
At the end of the 12 weeks, participants will be supported to progress in ways that match their readiness and goals.
This may include:
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Progression into ASDAN-based programmes, providing recognised frameworks and evidence of development
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Transition into ongoing provision (2–3 days per week) with The Care Pod Pathways CIO
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Support to move on to volunteering, training or other community opportunities
This staged approach ensures there is no sudden drop-off in support.
The Care Pod CIO is a registered charity under 'Buddies Pathways'. Registered Charity Number 1214237
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