Close-up of a hand holding a modern digital utility meter displaying water and electricity usage.

Over 100 organisations have written an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for a social tariff on energy. The cost-of-living crisis has affected millions up and down the country this winter. And while most are having to choose between heating and eating, disabled families are having to choose between heating, eating and

A supportive hand rests on the shoulder of an elderly man in thought, symbolizing care and comfort.

A new report has revealed an enormous income gap between disabled people and non-disabled people, resulting in many more disabled people unable to afford essentials like heating and food. Analysis by the Resolution Foundation has found that two in five disabled people were unable to heat their houses this winter, and over a third had

Smiling woman in a red jacket standing in front of a community noticeboard.

Following a survey by council staff and the borough’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Worthing Borough Council is planning to build a Changing Places toilet. Officers and Councillor Vicki Wells inspected the town’s public toilets to determine their condition. The “Toilet Tour” findings revealed several upgrades that could be made to ten toilets throughout the

The image shows a group of people dressed in Father Christmas costumes, complete with red hats, jackets, and white beards. They are wearing numbers, suggesting they are participating in a themed fun run or charity race. They're posing for the photo with a backdrop of a classic seaside promenade, identifiable by the white balustrade and shelter, under a clear blue sky. The setting appears to be a bright, sunny day, likely along a coastal area, possibly during a festive season event.

On 10 December, a brave team of Independent Lives staff and friends got into the festive spirit and took part in a 5K run past Hove Lawns – whilst dressed as Santa. An intrepid team of twelve Santa’s and one dog (all the reindeer were busy) walked, jogged, and ran to raise money for Independent

Group of volunteers in high-visibility jackets smiling during a night-time charity event

On Thursday 8 December, seven members of Independent Lives staff braved the elements and took part in a street collection in East Worthing alongside members of Worthing Lions. Formed in 1952, Worthing Lions are a group of people whose mission is to make life better for others and over the last 32 years they’ve raised

Choir members of various ages and abilities performing at an event

A community concert organised by Independent Lives and Ratcliffe Creative, has raised more than £1,100 in donations The concert, which took place at St. Matthews Church in Worthing on Thursday, 24 November, featured performances from local acts Broadwater Community Choir, After the Rain, Celtic Shore, Chalumeaux Too, and Peter Ridge. The event was compèred by

Woman in festive Santa hat smiling in an office environment

On Saturday 26 November, the residents of Shoreham were treated to the festive delights of The Rotary Club of Shoreham and Southwick’s annual Christmas Fair, all in aid of Independent Lives and St. Barnabas House. The Shoreham Centre played host to a myriad of magical Christmas goodies, arts and crafts, and a terrific tombola. There

White ceramic piggy bank on a soft blue background

A new report has highlighted the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on disabled people and their families. In July and August, the Greater Manchester Disabled People’s Panel held the most extensive survey of disabled people in the UK, with over 1,600 responses. They were asked about things that affected their daily lives, like money, social

Close-up of an elderly person's hands warming up over a white radiator.

Cold weather can be dangerous and bad for our health. Below is some advice on how to keep warm as the weather starts to turn colder. Keep warm Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F). You may prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer. Keep your bedroom window closed on a winter’s

A young man with Down syndrome engaged in learning with a supportive tutor.

According to research by the Resolution Foundation, the number of disabled individuals who are working age has increased by 2.3 million in the last ten years. One in every seven employees now has a disability, a 50% increase since 2013. Despite an increase in the number of disabled individuals of working age since 2013 of 2.3