I have been receiving Direct Payments for the past two years now, and they’ve completely changed my life. Read more
Here’s one for you… Q. When is a chair not a chair? A. When they’re a wheelchair user! Not laughing? No, neither were my son Dan and I (pictured) when he was once again addressed as an article of furniture, rather than a human being, on a recent day out. Read more
But I presumed the process would just be a formality and that I would retain my benefits. Read more
In 2018 we started crowdfunding, secured new grants, and worked with local disabled people through our volunteering programme. Find out what we have been up to in Helen's latest blog. Read more
In 2018 we launched our membership programme so people with support needs and carers can influence the direction of our charity and how we develop our services. Martin Osment shares why he is a member of Independent Lives. Read more
This report covers my first year as Chief Executive of Independent Lives, and what a year it has been! Some of the highlights of the year are presented in the report. Read more
Last week Independent Lives welcomed Charles from Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) for his third sector placement. This is the first time a placement has been made following the introduction of the scheme. Read more
Leanne has been a support worker with the Independent Lives Care Service since May 2011. As we approach her anniversary of seven years’ service I caught up with her to find out more about her and her role. Read more
You are what makes Independent Lives one of the best places in the country to work. In the last year we not only supported 1,400 disabled people through the Direct Payment Information and Advice service, our care service also provided 42,211 hours of care and support. Read more
We have a great team and really good culture. When I joined Independent Lives we were working to set up support for Direct Payments to enable choice and control and these core values are still very much alive across the whole organisation today. Read more
June’s budget, and the control we have over it, has allowed us to stay together. This is the most supported June has ever been, things couldn’t be better. Without this, I would be visiting June in a nursing home. Read more
I know, it’s transformed mine. However many people can be very daunted at first and worry they will be taking on too much. But with the right support, guidance and conversations built around their needs the experience can be very positive. Read more
Every year in May Dying Matters hosts an awareness week, giving us an unparalleled opportunity to place the importance of talking about dying, death, and bereavement firmly on the national agenda. This year we’re being asked: What can you do? Read more
Independent Lives responds to the Dispatches programme on the continuing use of inpatient units to house people with learning disabilities. Read more