Friday July 24th 2026
Life Coach Kate Flory Katya Cox-Kruger, from Aberlour Children’s Charity, part of East Renfrewshire Council
This article has been written by local coach Kate Flory
We often think that readiness is having practical skills, the confidence and a willingness to take the next step in life. For some under 26-year-olds in East Renfrewshire, becoming ready for independent living requires support, encouragement and the opportunity to learn essential life skills in a safe environment.
For young people leaving care, moving into their own home can be both exciting and daunting. Alongside practical skills such as cooking, cleaning, shopping and budgeting, they are learning how to lead an independent life as part of their local community.
The programme also helps young people to become a good tenant, both the legal and social expectations from the landlord are taught. Knowledge that any first-time renters could benefit from.
Katya Cox-Kruger, Transformation & Redesign Programme Lead said, “additionally it is about learning the emotional side of living alone. How to build healthy relationships, feeling comfortable and confident in a home. All important life skills that we teach”.
The young people spend time imagining a new life, with a positive future outside of the care system. These aspects and more, are developed by living alone in a safe designated space known as a Training Flat.
To support these young people as they take this important step towards independence, Kapow Coaching has donated £500 towards decorating and soft furnishings for the Training Flat used by the young people taking part in the programme.
Future tenants will agree what to spend the budget on, such as mirrors, new wallpaper, cushions, to new bedding, and what else will make it feel more like a ‘home’. They will be tasked with doing the research for the best buys, where to find it, and then help to decorate the Training Flat.
At Kapow Coaching, we help individuals, teams and organisations navigate change when they are ready with our coaching, leadership and mental fitness programmes. Kate Flory, founder of Kapow Coaching says; “supporting this project feels like a natural fit helping young people build confidence and life skills for the next chapter of their lives.”
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