• Show all
  • Case studies
  • Fundraising
  • News
Woman in festive Santa hat smiling in an office environment

Nov 27 2022

Christmas fair held in aid of Independent Lives

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

Nov 15 2022

Report highlights cost-of-living impact on disabled people

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.

Nov 4 2022

Keeping warm this winter

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.

Nov 4 2022

New research finds one in seven employees have a disability

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
Mature woman with curly hair against a green background.

Nov 1 2022

Laura’s story

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
white candle with a bright flame next to an unlit light bulb

Oct 28 2022

Have you heard about the Priority Services Register?

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
Elderly lady with red hair and a wise gaze in a park setting.

Oct 24 2022

Ann’s story

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
minimalist illustration of snowy hills with pine trees under a clear sky

Oct 18 2022

Independent Lives Community Concert

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
Young girl with a content smile embracing her mother in a park

Oct 18 2022

Abby’s story

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.
Young man with ginger hair and a sincere expression indoors

Sep 29 2022

5 reasons to work in care

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: