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.

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!

International Wheelchair Day is about visibility, respect, and independence.At Independent Lives, we believe everyone sh...
01/03/2026

International Wheelchair Day is about visibility, respect, and independence.

At Independent Lives, we believe everyone should have the choice and control to live the life they want — with the right support and an accessible world around them.

We sent out 300 training workbooks in 2025!Our training covers everything from mental capacity and safeguarding to medic...
26/02/2026

We sent out 300 training workbooks in 2025!

Our training covers everything from mental capacity and safeguarding to medication, infection control, food hygiene, and health & safety.

✨ The best part?
Until 31 March 2026, Skills for Care funding means Personal Assistants and their employers can access our workbooks and training sessions for FREE.

Don’t miss out, message us to find out more, or head to PA Pages 👇

https://pa-pages.org/training-2/

🌟 Can you help us celebrate 25 years of Independent Lives? 🌟This spring, we’re marking a huge milestone, 25 years as a u...
25/02/2026

🌟 Can you help us celebrate 25 years of Independent Lives? 🌟

This spring, we’re marking a huge milestone, 25 years as a user-led charity supporting disabled people, people with support needs and carers.

To celebrate, we’re hosting our THRIVE Spring Conference on 16 April 2025 at Worthing Football Club, bringing together our supporters to reflect on our achievements and look ahead to the future alongside our Patron, George Dowell MBE.

We’re currently looking for local businesses and organisations who may be able to support the event through:

⭐ Catering or refreshments
⭐ Event sponsorship
⭐ Raffle prize donations

Any support would help us deliver a meaningful and impactful conference and support our vision of an accessible society where disabled people experience autonomy, choice and control in their lives.

If you’re able to help or would like more information, please comment below or send us a message, we’d love to hear from you.

Excellence shows up in the way we care, the way we listen and the way we act.With integrity at our core and accountabili...
24/02/2026

Excellence shows up in the way we care, the way we listen and the way we act.

With integrity at our core and accountability in our actions, we provide high-quality support that puts people first and helps change lives for the better.

Learn more about our vision and values 👉 https://www.independentlives.org/about-us/

Meet the pets of Independent Lives! 🐾 Each one has a unique personality, just like the people we support. They bring smi...
20/02/2026

Meet the pets of Independent Lives! 🐾 Each one has a unique personality, just like the people we support. They bring smiles, comfort, and a little extra joy to our community every day.

We processed 815 DBS checks in 2025, allowing Direct Payment employers to safely employ Personal Assistants.What are DBS...
19/02/2026

We processed 815 DBS checks in 2025, allowing Direct Payment employers to safely employ Personal Assistants.

What are DBS checks and why are they important?

🔷 A DBS check is a record of a person's criminal convictions and cautions. DBS checks are essential for safe recruitment, and ensuring that unsuitable people are not working with vulnerable adults or children.
🔷 Each Direct Payment funder will have different requirements regarding DBS checks, please contact Independent Lives to find out more.

Learn more 👉 https://pa-pages.org/advice-hub/?_search_vacancies=dbs

💬 What does “person-centred” really mean?At Independent Lives, being person-centred has always been at the heart of what...
17/02/2026

💬 What does “person-centred” really mean?

At Independent Lives, being person-centred has always been at the heart of what we do, and it still guides everything we do today.

To us, it means treating people with dignity, compassion, kindness and respect.
It means truly valuing people’s lived experiences and recognising that everyone’s circumstances are unique.

By valuing people's lived experiences and recognising their unique circumstances, we can be an organisation that really makes a difference. 💙

Digital exclusion is more common than you might think 📱💻Want to learn more about tackling digital exclusion?Complete our...
12/02/2026

Digital exclusion is more common than you might think 📱💻

Want to learn more about tackling digital exclusion?
Complete our free e-learning course on PA Pages 👉 https://pa-pages.org/training-2/e-learning/

Know someone who’s digitally excluded?
Local libraries offer free digital support 📚

Wiltshire 👉 https://adults.wiltshire.gov.uk/Services/479
West Sussex 👉 https://arena.westsussex.gov.uk/digital-support
East Sussex 👉 https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries/local/computers-internet/getting-help

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

Alerts

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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