Welcome to Skills4Living

Build the skills that strengthen your health, wellbeing and confidence for life, learning and work

Studying is about much more than lectures, deadlines and grades.

It’s about becoming who you are and preparing for the world beyond.

Skills4Living is a new kind of programme that helps you strengthen your mental health, emotional wellbeing and self-belief, while developing essential life skills such as compassion, communication, resilience and empathy.

These skills not only support your health but can also benefit your studies, relationships and future career.

Created with young people, backed by all the main universities & colleges in Greater Manchester and supported by UNESCO, this programme is about your future and how to thrive in it.

A personal message from Andy Burnham

Hear the Mayor of Greater Manchester welcome you to Skills4Living and share why it’s such an important part of your student journey.

Join us on 15th April at the Manchester Museum for this historic launch.

Prof Ramneek Ahluwalia CEO HIGHER HEALTH

What is Skills4Living?

Whether you’re a new student settling in or a final-year preparing for work, this programme is for you. You set the pace and choose what matters most.

Skills4Living is a flexible 10-part journey designed around your life rather than your timetable. It helps make everyday challenges easier while building the skills employers value, from managing stress and money to growing confidence and planning for the future.

You’ll learn through short, interactive online modules and optional in-person sessions with other students. This is real-life learning that strengthens your health, wellbeing and self-belief.

Get access and begin now

"I wanted to empower myself and learn soft skills that I realise are so important for the job market, but also just for myself and my own confidence"

Taylor, MSc Climate Change, The University of Manchester

Why it matters

Studying is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming.

Skills4Living gives you space to reflect, recharge and build connection with yourself, others and the world around you.

You’ll explore questions like:

How do I manage stress and balance everything?
How do I deal with conflict or tough conversations?
How do I plan for the future?
Where can I meet people and feel supported?

“The programme helped me become more self-aware and I’ve learned to manage my emotions better and communicate more mindfully.”

Zach, BSc Counselling and Psychotherapy, University of Salford

What's included

10 short online modules. Each one explores a key life theme, using videos, activities and real-life challenges.

Module 1 - Skills4Living and Peer Mentoring
Build the practical skills you need to navigate life, support others, and take an active role in your communities.
- Core life skills: build critical thinking, communication, empathy, leadership and time management through real-life application
- Community roles: explore peer support and personal responsibility in building stronger, more connected communities
- Global perspective: think globally and understand how local actions contribute to wider change
Module 2 - Rights, Respect and Community
Understand your rights, respect others, and engage in inclusive community participation.
- Human rights and responsibility: learn key civic principles including rights, voting and volunteering
- Cultural competence: build awareness of different backgrounds and foster inclusive, respectful engagement
- Responding to discrimination: equip yourself to recognise and act against racism, stigma and exclusion
- Civic contribution: promote positive citizenship through real opportunities for local and national involvement
Module 3 - Gender and Equality
Develop a deeper understanding of gender, respectful relationships, and the importance of creating safe, inclusive environments for all.
- Understanding gender-based violence: build awareness of different forms of gender-based violence, including consent, harassment and victim-blaming
- Supporting others: learn practical ways to offer peer support and signpost to appropriate help when needed
- Gender roles and relationships: Reflect on gender expectations and respectful behaviours in personal and social contexts
- Sexual and gender diversity: deepen your understanding of different identities and learn inclusive, respectful communication
Module 4 - Mental Health and Wellbeing
Gain the tools to better understand your mental health, look after yourself, and support your peers through everyday challenges.
- Mental health models: Evaluate different approaches to mental health and tackle stigma through open conversation
- Wellbeing tools: Gain practical strategies including self-care, stress management and setting personal goals
- Peer support and signposting: build the confidence to spot warning signs and signpost friends to trusted support
- Storytelling and self-acceptance: use personal storytelling to strengthen identity, empathy and mental wellbeing
Module 5 - Disability Awareness and Inclusion
Understand disability, challenge discrimination, and take practical steps to create more accessible, inclusive spaces.
- Understanding disability: learn the models of disability and the principles of Universal Accessibility
- Identifying barriers: explore the everyday challenges people with disabilities face across different settings
- Addressing discrimination: build confidence to recognise and address ableism and exclusion
- Promoting inclusion: take action to improve access, awareness and participation for people with disabilities
Module 6 - Physical and Sexual Health
Make informed choices about your health, build healthy habits, and understand key aspects of sexual wellbeing and disease prevention.
- Healthy living: look at balanced eating, physical activity, and developing a positive relationship with body image and health
- Sexual health and relationships: explore consent, contraception, reproductive health and respectful relationships
- Disease prevention: raise awareness of HIV, STIs and other communicable diseases
- Everyday health choices: reflect on daily habits and long-term wellbeing
Module 7 - Staying Safe and Reducing Harm
Make safer choices, understand the risks of substance use, and build the confidence to support yourself and others.
- Substance awareness: explore the effects of alcohol, drugs, vaping and other substances
- Reducing risk: create strategies for safer behaviours and access to support
- Peer support: build the skills to support friends using a non-judgemental approach
- Decision-making: strengthen your problem-solving and critical thinking in high-risk situations
Module 8 - Climate and Green Futures
Connect climate change to your personal wellbeing and future career, helping you to explore practical responses and imagine more sustainable futures.
- Climate understanding: learn the causes, impacts and key terms around climate change
- Personal action: build small, everyday steps to reduce environmental impact
- Health and adaptation: link climate change to mental and physical wellbeing
- Green careers: find pathways in sustainability, including green, blue and circular economies
Module 9 - Financial Skills and Future Planning
Manage money confidently, think creatively about your future, and plan for greater independence.
- Money management: learn budgeting, saving and avoiding debt
- Financial safety: explore scams, fraud and risky financial decisions
- Enterprise and creativity: deepen entrepreneurial thinking
- Career readiness: build transferable skills like adaptability, creativity and networking
Module 10 - Digital and Cyber Safety
Stay safe, smart and confident online. Learn how to protect yourself, spot misinformation, and use digital spaces positively.
- Digital citizenship: build respectful and responsible online behaviours
- Online safety: protect your privacy, passwords and personal data
- Disinformation awareness: learn to fact-check, spot deepfakes and avoid scams
- Cyber protection: stay secure against hacking, fraud and online threats

You choose your pace – just 30 minutes a week is enough to make real progress.

Your Skills4Living benefits

Digital certificates for each module, great for your CV or LinkedIn
Optional peer-led discussion groups to reflect and connect with others in-person
Live speaker series with exclusive access to inspiring public figures
Life skills that help you grow in confidence, resilience and self-awareness
Paid Peer Champion roles to lead and inspire others
Invitation to the Awards Ceremony to celebrate your growth

Learn at your pace - sign up here

"I took part in the Skills4Living programme because I wanted to expand my interpersonal skills and enhance my employability"

Georgia, BA English & Film, Manchester Metropolitan University

Be part of something bigger

Connect and grow with learners across Greater Manchester

See what others
are thinking

Each module includes anonymous polls where you can see how other students across Greater Manchester are thinking and feeling about the same issues. You are part of something bigger. Thousands of learners from Greater Manchester are on this journey with you.

Earn digital
certificates

For every module you complete, you’ll receive a digital Skills4Living certificate. These are great for your CV, LinkedIn or job applications. Students are already securing internships and jobs thanks to the skills and recognition this programme provides.

Join the
community

Take part in peer-led discussions and optional meetups to share experiences, swap ideas and build connections. You’ll learn with others, not just by yourself, and become part of a supportive student network across Greater Manchester.

"It’s accessible, relevant and understandable for everyone no matter what course you’re studying"

Freddie, BSc Nursing, University of Salford

Beyond the modules

Opportunities to connect, learn and celebrate together

Peer-led
group sessions

Optional monthly meetups on campus, hosted by friendly students who have already completed the course.

These are relaxed, informal spaces where you can share ideas, build confidence and connect with others on a similar journey.

Live speaker
series

Monthly virtual events with changemakers, artists, athletes and public figures who share stories that inspire.

You will hear real voices, fresh perspectives and feel part of a wider movement of people shaping change.

Drop-in
virtual support

Regular online spaces where you can pop in for a chat, get encouragement or ask questions.

A supportive way to stay motivated and on track throughout your journey.

Awards
ceremony

A celebratory evening bringing learners from across Greater Manchester together.

Recognise your achievements, receive certificates and enjoy the sense of community you’ve helped build.

Why these skills matter

Boost your success
85% of career success comes from soft skills like communication and adaptability
What employers want
A survey of 3,000 GM employers showed soft skills as a top hiring priority
Beyond qualifications
Two thirds of UK employers now rank soft skills above academic results
Practical and enjoyable
Skills4Living helps you build confidence and resilience in real-life, engaging ways

Timeline

Skills4Living launches in
September 2025 and runs
through the academic year

New themes each month.
Your pace, your progress.

Frequently asked questions

Who can join Skills4Living?
Learners from any participating college, university or apprenticeship provider.
How much time does it take?
The course is fully flexible. Each module takes about 4-6 hours and you can complete them at your own pace over the academic year. Some students spend as little as 15-30 minutes a week.
Do I need to attend anything in person?
No, everything can be done online. But there are optional monthly peer-led discussion groups and speaker events if you’d like to connect with others.
Is it free?
Yes, Skills4Living is completely free to students from participating providers.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes. You’ll receive a digital certificate for every module you complete. These are ideal for adding to your CV, portfolio or LinkedIn profile.
How is it different from other student support?
Skills4Living is peer-designed, flexible, and focused on skills that matter in both life and work. The programme helps you to build your confidence, communication and real-world readiness. It is not counselling or academic support.
Can I get involved beyond the course?
Yes. After completing the programme, you can apply to become a Peer Champion which is a paid opportunity to support others and develop your leadership skills.
I’ve got a question that’s not listed here - who do I contact?
Drop us an email at skills4living@higherhealth.org.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

Finished the course? Take the next step

If you’ve completed Skills4Living and want to go further, you can apply to join our next intake of Peer Champions who are students that help lead, inspire and support others.

Peer Champions are paid, trained and supported. They play a key role in shaping the programme in Manchester and across the UK.

Build leadership, communication and teamwork skills
Represent your peers and share your voice
Earn monthly for your time and input
Join a growing network of changemakers and student leaders

Applications open after you’ve completed the full course and reflected on your journey.