Independent Lives

Independent Lives Independent Lives is a user-led charity working to change the lives of disabled people, people with support needs and carers.

Our vision is for a fair society where everyone can participate and has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

🌸 BIG NEWS! Our 25th Anniversary Spring Raffle is HERE! 🎉For just £2 a ticket, you could win some incredible prizes, inc...
03/04/2026

🌸 BIG NEWS! Our 25th Anniversary Spring Raffle is HERE! 🎉

For just £2 a ticket, you could win some incredible prizes, including Bowers & Wilkins headphones worth £379, family days out, restaurant vouchers and so much more!

Tickets are just £2 and every single one supports Independent Lives.
The draw takes place on 16 April, don't miss out!

Use the following link to enter - https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/thrive-2026-25th-anniversary-celebratory-conference

🚨 The way Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) works is changing from 6 April. 🚨 SSP will be paid from the first day of sickness, in...
02/04/2026

🚨 The way Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) works is changing from 6 April. 🚨

SSP will be paid from the first day of sickness, instead of the fourth day. All employees will be eligible for SSP from 6 April, regardless of what they earn.

For more guidance, use the links below or contact our Information, Advice and Guidance team on 01903 219482 (option 3).

👉 https://pa-pages.org/news/employment-rights-act-2025-what-direct-payment-employers-need-to-know/

👉 https://www.acas.org.uk/checking-sick-pay/statutory-sick-pay-ssp

2025 in numbers: Our advisers delivered 14,511 hours of phone support to Direct Payment employers.That’s thousands of co...
26/03/2026

2025 in numbers: Our advisers delivered 14,511 hours of phone support to Direct Payment employers.

That’s thousands of conversations helping people set up and manage their Direct Payments, understand their responsibilities as employers, and get the support they need to employ Personal Assistants with confidence.

Thank you to our team for the time, knowledge and support they provide every day.

👉 Learn more about our impact in 2025 https://www.independentlives.org/about-us/our-impact/

24/03/2026

TRUE or FALSE? 🤔

Empowerment is one of the 6 safeguarding principles.

We’re putting your safeguarding knowledge to the test!

At Independent Lives, we offer safeguarding training designed to help Personal Assistants (PAs) and their employers recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns with confidence.

Until 31 March, thanks to Skills for Care funding, PAs and their employers can access our Safeguarding Workbook for FREE.

Build your knowledge, strengthen your skills, and help keep people safe.

🌼 What does happiness mean to you?Happiness can look different for everyone. For some, it’s the freedom to live independ...
20/03/2026

🌼 What does happiness mean to you?

Happiness can look different for everyone. For some, it’s the freedom to live independently. For others, it’s the small everyday moments that bring joy.

A walk by the sea.
Meeting a friend for coffee.
Feeling confident to make your own choices.

This International Day of Happiness, we’re celebrating the moments, big and small, that make life brighter for disabled people, carers and families in our community.

At Independent Lives, we believe everyone deserves the support and opportunity to live a happy, independent life.

💬 We’d love to hear from you, what does happiness mean to you?

✨ Thinking about a career change? ✨If you’re looking for a job that’s meaningful, flexible, and rewarding, a career as a...
19/03/2026

✨ Thinking about a career change? ✨

If you’re looking for a job that’s meaningful, flexible, and rewarding, a career as a Personal Assistant (PA) could be the perfect fit.

Here’s why it’s so rewarding:

✅ Make a real difference every day
✅ Choose hours that fit your life
✅ Work with a variety of people
✅ Enjoy varied, engaging tasks
✅ Build meaningful connections

💡 Start your journey in care today! Whether you’re starting out, switching careers, or looking for something more fulfilling, being a PA could be your path to a rewarding career.

📩 Message us to find out how to begin your career as a PA today!

🌟 Building Confidence and Skills Through Work Experience 🌟We’re proud to work with the DWP to offer four-week work exper...
17/03/2026

🌟 Building Confidence and Skills Through Work Experience 🌟

We’re proud to work with the DWP to offer four-week work experience placements for people looking to return to employment.

Our placements give participants the chance to:
✅ Refresh or learn new skills, often in administration
✅ Gain confidence in a supportive environment
✅ Practice a healthy work/life routine

Together with the DWP, we’re helping people grow in confidence and take the next step on their journey into work.

Read more 👉 https://www.independentlives.org/news/independent-lives-partners-with-dwp-to-offer-work-experience/

Just over 2 weeks left to access our funded training for Personal Assistants and their employers.If you’re a PA or emplo...
12/03/2026

Just over 2 weeks left to access our funded training for Personal Assistants and their employers.

If you’re a PA or employ a PA, this is a great opportunity to strengthen skills and build confidence.

Don’t miss out! Book your place on PA Pages today 👉 https://pa-pages.org/training-2/

*training is funded by Skills for Care until 31 March 2026. Visit PA pages for the full eligibility criteria and details.

If you employ Personal Assistants using a Direct Payment, make sure you’re aware of upcoming changes under the Employmen...
05/03/2026

If you employ Personal Assistants using a Direct Payment, make sure you’re aware of upcoming changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025.

These updates could affect contracts, leave, and dismissal processes, so it’s important to stay informed and compliant.

For more information, head to PA Pages or contact our Information, Advice & Guidance team.

Over 1900 people received our e-newsletters in 2025. Don’t miss out! Our quarterly Independent Lives newsletter is packe...
03/03/2026

Over 1900 people received our e-newsletters in 2025.

Don’t miss out! Our quarterly Independent Lives newsletter is packed with:

✨ Direct Payment updates
✨ Social care news
✨ Independent Lives updates
✨ Training & support events

Comment or message us to sign up today and stay connected!

Address

11 Liverpool Gardens, Southfield House
Worthing
BN111RY

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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Independent Lives is a user-led charity working with disabled people, people with support needs, and carers

We work directly with disabled people, and parents and carers of disabled children

Providing a Direct Payments support service to help people arrange and manage their own personalised care and support. We offer banking, payroll, and recruitment services so people can manage their own budgets and personal assistants. Our Care Service provides personalised home-based care and support. We engage with disabled people living in the local community through user-led support and action groups and our volunteer programme, and campaign on the rights of disabled people.

We also work with health and social care professionals