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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

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

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

Our carers respite service provides activities for older people, people with support needs, and those living with dementia. We spoke to Laura about how the service has supported her and her husband, Norman. Norman was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2017. After his diagnosis the first few years were fine, but since the pandemic, it’s really

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free support service to help people in vulnerable situations in the event of a power cut and is free to join. You are eligible to join the PSR if you: have reached your state pension age are disabled or have a long-term medical condition are recovering from an

Ann has been with Independent Lives since June 2022. She spoke to us about the impact Direct Payments have had on her life. Ann was diagnosed with cancer in 2016. “I had a large cancer in my right lung. I was put on chemotherapy to try and shrink it because doctors were concerned that it had

Independent Lives is proud to announce a community concert to help raise funds for the essential services we provide. We are very pleased to be supported by Ratcliffe Creative a music production and performance company run by Nigel Ratcliffe. Nigel is supporting Independent Lives because: “Independent Lives have supported my wife and me to employ carers

Steph has been receiving Direct Payments for her daughter Abby for nearly 20 years. Abby was diagnosed with Autism at the age of four. “As she was getting older, she started having more issues. When she started primary school is when her Autism began to have a real impact.” Steph was initially supported by Abby’s teachers.

We think working in care is one of the best jobs a person can have. We’ve already said why being a personal assistant is so rewarding, but maybe you’re thinking about a role in domiciliary care. Here are some of the positive things a career in home care has to offer: The work is flexible:

With winter drawing closer, Independent Lives welcome the steps taken by the government to try and address the cost-of-living crisis with a freeze to the energy price cap, but for disabled people and those who support them to live independently, the measures announced on Thursday 8 September, do not go far enough. For many disabled