Development Life Skills NDIS | Mambourin Support

Growing Your Skills, Your Way

Development of life skills through NDIS funding helps you acquire the practical abilities you need for everyday life. From cooking and cleaning to using public transport and making friends, these supports help you build confidence and independence.

At Mambourin, we’ve been supporting people to develop life skills for over 50 years. Our life skills programs work with you at your own pace, focusing on what matters most for your goals.

Understanding Development Life Skills

What Are Development Life Skills?

Development life skills are the everyday abilities that help you manage daily life more independently. These might include:

Personal care skills like managing hygiene routines, dressing yourself, or organising your belongings.
Household skills such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a safe home environment.
Money skills, including budgeting, paying bills, shopping, and managing finances.
Communication skills for expressing yourself, asking for help, and interacting with others.
Community skills like using public transport, accessing services, and participating in activities.
Social skills that help you make friends, maintain relationships, and feel connected.

These skills build over time through practice, support, and training. The NDIS recognises that people with disability often need extra support to develop these capabilities.

How Development Life Skills Differ from Daily Support

The Core Supports fund helps with tasks you need right now – like a support worker assisting you to cook dinner.
Development Life Skills fund training so you can learn to do more for yourself – like cooking classes that teach you to prepare meals independently.

The focus is on building your capability for the future, not just getting tasks done today.

What NDIS Development Life Skills Funding Covers

Skills Development and Training

The NDIS’s skills development and training category includes practical learning across many areas:

Cooking and meal preparation – Learning to plan meals, shop for ingredients, follow recipes, and prepare nutritious food safely.
Home management – Developing skills in cleaning, laundry, organising your space, and basic home maintenance.
Personal hygiene – Building confidence with bathing, grooming, dental care, and managing your appearance.
Money management – Learning to budget, use banking, pay bills, save money, and make purchasing decisions.
Time management – Developing systems to organise your day, manage appointments, and complete tasks.
Problem solving – Building skills to handle challenges, make decisions, and ask for help when needed.

At Mambourin, we integrate these skills into real-life situations through our individual support programs.

Public Transport Training

NDIS life skills training specifically includes support to learn public transport use. This might involve:

Understanding timetables and routes
Managing myki or other transport cards
Learning to plan journeys
Building confidence when travelling independently
Practising with support until you’re comfortable

This training helps you access your community, attend appointments, get to work, and maintain social connections independently.

Social Skills Development

Individual social skills development NDIS funding supports building confidence in social situations:

Conversation skills – Learning to start conversations, take turns talking, listen actively, and maintain discussions.
Friendship skills – Understanding how to make friends, maintain relationships, and resolve conflicts.
Group participation – Developing comfort in group settings, team activities, and community events.
Social understanding – Learning to read social cues, understand body language, and navigate social situations.

Digital communication – Using phones, social media, and online communication appropriately.

Mambourin’s social and interest choices provide natural settings to practice and develop social skills.

Community Participation Skills

Building skills to access and enjoy your community includes:

Using community facilities – Libraries, recreation centres, shops, and public spaces.
Participating in activities – Sports, hobbies, classes, and community groups.
Accessing services – Doctors, banks, government services, and support organisations.
Staying safe – Understanding personal safety, emergency procedures, and who to ask for help.

Our community choices programs help you build these skills through supported community participation.

NDIS Development of Daily Living and Life Skills

The Capacity Building Approach

NDIS development of daily living and life skills sits within Capacity Building supports. This means the focus is on increasing your abilities over time.

The approach typically involves:

Assessment – Understanding your current skills and what you want to learn.
Goal setting – Identifying specific, achievable skills to work on.
Structured learning – Breaking skills into steps and practising regularly.
Gradual independence – Reducing support as you gain confidence and competence.

Review and adjustment – Checking progress and adapting training as needed.

Individual and Group Training

Skills can be developed through:

One-on-one training – Personalised support focused on your specific needs and learning style.
Small group sessions – Learning alongside others, building social skills while developing practical abilities.
Supported practice – Trying skills in real situations with a support worker present.
Independent practice – Using skills on your own with check-ins for feedback and encouragement.

At Mambourin, we offer both individual and group options, letting you choose what works best for your learning style.

NDIS Life Skills Development Programs

Structured Learning Programs

NDIS life skills development programs provide organised training across multiple skill areas:

Morning routines – Waking up, personal care, breakfast preparation, organising for the day.
Meal preparation programs – Shopping, food safety, cooking techniques, nutrition, and kitchen cleanup.
Home management courses – Cleaning schedules, laundry, organising, and basic maintenance.
Money management workshops – Budgeting, banking, bill paying, saving, smart shopping.
Health and wellbeing programs – Exercise, nutrition, sleep routines, stress management.

Technology skills – Using phones, computers, apps for daily living, and online safety.

Real-World Practice

The best learning happens in real situations. Programs include:

Shopping trips – Practising budgeting, making healthy choices, and managing money in stores.
Community outings – Using public transport, accessing services, participating in activities.
Home-based training – Learning skills in your own environment where you’ll use them.
Workplace preparation – Building skills for employment through our work readiness programs.

NDIS Skill Building Activities

Practical Activity-Based Learning

NDIS skill building activities make learning engaging and relevant:

Cooking classes – Preparing meals together, learning techniques through hands-on practice.
Gardening projects – Developing responsibility, patience, and practical skills through plant care.
Arts and crafts – Building fine motor skills, following instructions, and expressing creativity.
Sports and recreation – Developing physical skills, teamwork, following rules, and managing emotions.
Volunteer activities – Building work skills, social connections, and community contribution.
Group projects – Planning, cooperating, problem-solving, and completing tasks together.

Mambourin’s leisure and recreation options incorporate skill-building into enjoyable activities.

Digital Life Skills

Modern life requires digital skills:

Online safety – Using the internet safely, protecting personal information, and recognising scams.
Digital communication – Email, messaging, video calls, social media use.
Online services – Banking apps, shopping, accessing government services, and telehealth.
Entertainment and learning – Using streaming services, educational apps, and online hobbies.

How Development Life Skills Link to Your Goals

Connecting Skills to Outcomes

Every skill you develop should connect to goals in your NDIS plan:

Goal: “Live more independently”

Skills: Cooking, cleaning, money management, personal care

Goal: “Make friends and socialise”

Skills: Conversation, group participation, using social media, accessing community activities

Goal: “Get a job”

Skills: Time management, communication, using public transport, and workplace behaviours

Goal: “Manage my own home”

Skills: Household management, budgeting, problem-solving, community access

Mambourin’s employment opportunities provide pathways to use your developing skills in real work settings.

Building on Strengths

Good skill development recognises what you already do well and builds from there:

Starting with skills you’re confident in
Celebrating small achievements
Connecting new skills to things you enjoy
Adapting learning to your preferences
Respecting your pace of learning

Who Can Access Development Life Skills?

Eligibility and Funding

You can access development life skills NDIS support when:

You’re an NDIS participant
Skills development connects to your plan goals
You have Capacity Building funding (Improved Daily Living category)
The skills are reasonable and necessary for your disability

Different Life Stages

Children and young people might focus on age-appropriate skills like self-care, school routines, making friends, and preparing for adult life.

Young adults transitioning from school can access School Leaver Employment Support (SLES), which combines work skills with broader life skills development.

Adults might work on skills for independent living, employment, relationships, or community participation.

Older adults could focus on maintaining skills, adapting to changing abilities, or learning new ways to stay independent.

Getting Started with Skill Development

Steps to Access Support

Review your NDIS plan. Check if you have Capacity Building funding for Improved Daily Living (CB Daily Activity).
Identify what you want to learn.n Think about skills that would help you achieve your goals and live more independently.
Connect with providers. Contact organisations like Mambourin that offer life skills development support.
Discuss your needs. Talk about what you want to learn, your current skills, and how you learn best.
Start your program.m Begin with achievable goals and build from there.

Working with Trainers and Support Workers

Good skill development involves:

Patient, encouraging trainers who work at your pace without pressure.
Clear teaching that breaks skills into manageable steps.
Lots of practice with support gradually reducing as you gain confidence.
Regular feedback that acknowledges progress and identifies next steps.
Flexible approaches that adapt to how you learn best.

Making Skill Development Effective

Keys to Success

Consistency matters – Regular practice helps skills become habits. Weekly sessions work better than monthly ones.
Start small – Begin with achievable skills that build your confidence, then tackle bigger challenges.
Practice in context – Learn skills where you’ll use them (cooking in a kitchen, not just watching videos).
Get support when needed – It’s okay to ask for help. That’s how we learn.
Celebrate progress – Acknowledge every step forward, even small ones.
Be patient – Skills take time to develop. Some take longer than others, and that’s normal.

Tracking Your Progress

Keep track of:

Skills you’re working on
What you’ve achieved
Challenges you’re facing
How funding is being used
Changes in your confidence and independence

This helps with plan reviews and shows the value of skill development support.

Skill Development Across Different Settings

Home-Based Learning

Learning at home means:

Practising skills in your own environment
Using your own equipment and spaces
Building routines that fit your life
Comfortable, familiar setting for learning

Community-Based Learning

Skills practised in the community include:

Using shops, libraries, and recreation centres
Navigating public spaces
Interacting with community members
Accessing services independently

Group-Based Learning

Learning with others offers:

Social connection while building skills
Learning from peers
Practising teamwork and cooperation
More affordable shared costs
Motivation from group energy

Training for Support People

Supporting Your Supporters

NDIS development life skills funding can also train people who support you:
Family members can learn how to encourage skill development without taking over tasks.
Support workers can develop specialised skills to teach effectively and support your learning.
Carers can understand how to support practice without creating dependency.

This ensures everyone around you supports your growing independence.

From School to Adult Life

Transition Support

For young people leaving school, skill development is crucial:

Workplace skills – Punctuality, following instructions, working with others, and workplace communication.
Independent living skills – Managing money, household tasks, and personal care routines.
Social and recreational skills – Making adult friendships, accessing community activities.
Self-advocacy – Speaking up for yourself, making decisions, asking for support.

Mambourin’s SLES programs specifically support this critical transition.

Common Questions About Life Skills Development

How long does skill development take?

It varies greatly. Some skills might take weeks to learn, others take months or years. The pace depends on the complexity of the skill, how often you practice, and your individual learning style.

Can I work on multiple skills at once?

Yes, though it’s often better to focus on a few skills at a time rather than trying to learn everything at once. Your trainer can help prioritise.

What if I’m not making progress?

Talk to your trainer. Sometimes the approach needs adjusting, the skill needs breaking into smaller steps, or you need more practice time. Progress isn’t always linear.

Can my family help with skill development?

Absolutely. Family involvement often helps skills transfer from training sessions to everyday life. Your trainer can show family members how to support your learning.

Do I have to do things the “normal” way?

No. Skills can be adapted to work for you. There are often multiple ways to achieve the same outcome. The goal is independence, not doing things a certain way.

How Mambourin Supports Skill Development

At Mambourin, we take a practical, person-centred approach to NDIS life skills development.

We work with you to:

Identify skills that matter for your goals
Break learning into achievable steps
Practice in real-life situations
Build confidence along with competence
Celebrate progress every step of the way

Our experienced team offers skill development across:

Life skills – Daily living, household management, personal care
Community participation – Community access, social skills, recreation
Work readiness – Employment preparation, workplace skills
Social connections – Friendship skills, group participation
SLES – School to work transition support

We’ve seen the difference skill development makes. When you can manage daily life, you have more choices, more independence, and more confidence to live the life you want.

Building Your Future

NDIS skill building activities and development programs are about more than just learning tasks. They’re about building the foundation for the life you want to live.

Every skill you develop creates new possibilities. Learning to cook means you can choose what you eat. Managing money means you control your finances. Using public transport means you can go where you want. Making friends means you’re connected to your community.

These aren’t small things. They’re the building blocks of an independent, fulfilling life.

The journey takes time, patience, and support. But every step forward is a step toward greater capability and choice.

If you’d like to discuss how Mambourin can support your skill development, we’re here to help.

Your goals matter. Let’s build the skills that will help you achieve them.

Take the Next Step

Ready to start developing life skills?

Contact Mambourin:

Phone: 9731 9200
Email: hello@mambourin.org

Our friendly team can discuss what skills you want to develop and how our development life skills NDIS programs can support you.

We’re here to help you build independence, one skill at a time.

NDIS Development Life Skills: Building Your Independence Step by Step