Page contents
- Overview
- What are independent skills?
- What are the goals of this project?
- Sessions
- Locations
- Your questions answered
Overview
An 8 week course to teach skills that support independence. Run in collaboration with Communities and Prevention.
This is a program of classes taking place at local libraries. The goal is to enable participants to live with as much choice and control for as long as possible.
What are independent skills?
The Independent Skills project is about building a toolkit that to empower individuals to live independently. These skills could vary from person to person. Common examples include budgeting money, light exercise routines, and basic computer skills.
Partner organisations will help us by delivering each session. This will help people to identify the support available, and introduce them to someone they are likely to meet when reaching out to an organisation for support.
What are the goals of this project?
We want our participants to feel more connected to their community and other residents. They should feel more informed about the support available to them in the community, with increased confidence to engage with local support. We want them to be more in control of their health and wellbeing, and future health and care needs. The main goal is for people to remain independent for longer.
Sessions
After an initial conversation with participants to establish any specific needs, we will then have 6 sessions covering a range of topics and where to get further support. Each session will be in-person and around 2 hours long, with a break in the middle.
Avoiding scams and financial planning
Run by Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards.
The first half of the session will cover staying safe and avoiding scams, and how to spot and report them. The second half will cover common issues in the current cost-of-living crisis, with financial advice, planning and budgeting. There will also be support from the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Mental wellbeing
Run by Richmond Fellowship and Catalyst.
This session will focus on the basics of emotional wellbeing, how to look after and improve our emotional wellbeing (including connection with nature). Some locations will be supported by the Mary Frances Trust.
Digital skills
Run by Surrey Libraries Digital Welfare Support Officers.
The session will focus on the basics, to help reduce digital exclusion. It will include day to day helpful apps/websites such as the National Health Service (NHS) app.
Physical wellbeing
Run by Active Surrey.
For the first half of the session, this session will cover light exercises and fall prevention. The second half will cover topics such as healthy eating, sleep hygiene, alcohol and smoking.
Using your existing skills
Run by local volunteering organisations.
This session will go through how to identify strengths and skills and how to use these to find employment and volunteering opportunities.
Staying independent
Run by Surrey Libraries in collaboration with local prescribing teams.
The final session is built specifically for the individuals on each course. It will cover places to find ongoing support within the community.
Locations
We will be running sessions at the following libraries:
- Banstead
- Camberley
- Caterham Valley
- Dorking
- Farnham
- Godalming
- Guildford
- Horley
- Leatherhead
- Merstham
- Oxted
- Reigate
- Staines
- Walton
Final locations will be dependent on demand and availability. Transport may be available if you are unable to use public transport to get to your course.
Dates and times of the sessions will be confirmed once locations have been finalised.
Your questions answered
How much does it cost?
The course is free-of-charge to attend.
Can people with Learning Disability or Neurodivergence join the courses?
Yes, all of our community partners will accommodate any needs you have. As long as you will benefit from the support provided, we are inclusive and encourage you to join!
Do I need to attend every session?
Yes, it is an 8 week course with all sessions designed to come together and give a full experience.
Can I bring someone else with me?
Yes, you can come with someone if you need to, for example, a carer or parent. However please do inform us in advance as some of our rooms have a limit on attendees for safety reasons.
Are the rooms accessible for people with limited mobility?
Our rooms have been checked, and any rooms with access via stairs will be avoided if you inform us of your need in advance. If necessary, transport can be provided to an alternate library.
How can I sign up for the sessions?
To sign up for the course you can make a self-referral, please complete our Independent Skills Self-Referral form or call the Community Helpline on 0300 200 1008 which is open Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm, where one of their friendly staff will fill in a form for you. When a course reaches capacity, one of our Surrey Libraries team will contact you to invite you to a pre-course chat.
If you prefer, you can also speak to a member of staff at Surrey Libraries. Pop into one of our libraries. Find your nearest library.
Who can be referred?
Anyone over 18 years of age can be referred to the program who would benefit from the support provided in the sessions.
