Independent Lives newsletter |
|
|---|
|
|
Welcome to the Independent Lives newsletter
At Independent Lives, we’re dedicated to supporting disabled people, older people, and carers to live independent and fulfilling lives. Through this newsletter, we’ll keep you updated on our latest services, campaigns, and events, as well as share stories from the people and communities we support.
Whether you’re looking for advice, want to get involved, or simply stay informed, we hope you find this newsletter useful. As always, we’d love to hear from you, if you have any feedback or stories to share, please get in touch.
Thank you for being part of our community.
|
|
|---|
|
|
Have your say on the future of digital in West Sussex
West Sussex County Councils Digital Inclusion, Access and Safety Partnership has recently launched a range of projects, designed to make the online world more accessible for the residents of West Sussex.
They are looking for residents to join a panel of testers, ensuring that their tools work for everyone. If you are interested in taking part, then email communitysafety.wellbeing@westsussex.gov.uk or phone 01243 777100.
|
|
|---|
|
Join our employer support groups
If you are a Direct Payment employer and looking for a safe and welcoming space to meet other employers, then our support groups are for you. They’re a great space to share your thoughts and ideas and meet other people.
The dates for this year’s meetings can be found below. If you would like to join, then please get in touch by emailing advice@independentlives.org or phoning 01903 219482.
📅 Wednesday 5 March 2025
⏰ 10.30 - 11.30am
🔗 Book here
📅 Wednesday 30 April 2025
⏰ 10.30 - 11.30am
🔗 Book here
📅 Wednesday 25 June 2025
⏰ 10.30 - 11.30am
🔗 Book here
📅 Wednesday 10 September 2025
⏰ 10.30 - 11.30am
🔗 Book here
📅 Wednesday 26 November 2025
⏰ 10.30 - 11.30am
🔗 Book here
|
|
|---|
|
Share your story: Living Histories
An exciting oral history project, Living Histories, is capturing the experiences of those who have used or worked in NHS mental health services in Sussex. Led by Heads On, the charity for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project aims to document the journey of mental health care from the closure of asylums to the Covid-19 pandemic.
If you, or someone you support, has personal experience with Sussex NHS mental health services—whether as a service user, carer, or staff member—you are invited to take part. Participants will be interviewed by trained volunteers, and their stories may be featured in exhibitions, podcasts, or preserved in archives.
Interviews will take place between February and May 2025 across Sussex, and travel expenses can be reimbursed for current SPFT service users.
To get involved, contact Nicola Benge at LivingHistories@spft.nhs.uk with a brief outline of your experience and your availability.
|
|
|---|
|
Is your personal assistant on the right employment status?
It is important that your personal assistant is working under the correct employment status (e.g. employed or self-employed) when they are supporting you, so they can receive their entitlements as a paid employee, when necessary, i.e. minimum paid holiday and sick pay. You will also need to ensure you are meeting all the legal requirements as an employer, such as employment law, employers' liability insurance, tax and national insurance.
If you are unsure or have recently changed your personal assistant, Independent Lives can help you to determine their correct employment status. Send us an email at advice@independentlives.org or phone 01903 219482.
|
|
|---|
|
Extra support during power and water disruptions
Power cuts and water supply issues can happen, especially in winter. The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service that offers extra help to people in vulnerable situations, such as those with disabilities, health conditions, or who rely on power for medical equipment.
How to register
If someone you or someone you support is eligible, contact your provider:
🌊 Water
⚡ Electricity
🛢️ Gas
- SGN (Throughout West Sussex)
Need urgent help?
If a utility issue causes a serious problem, call the Resilience & Emergencies Team on 07623 512200 and email emergency@westsussex.gov.uk.
If it affects a regulated service, you may also need to notify the Care Quality Commission (CQC) under Regulation 18. For more details, visit the Priority Services Register website.
|
|
|---|
|
Care and support provider drop-in events
Personal assistants (PAs) providing care and support in East Sussex are invited to a free drop-in event designed to help you develop your skills, connect with others, and access expert advice.
Whether you’re an experienced PA or just starting out, this event offers guidance and insights from East Sussex County Council teams and partner organisations to support you in your role. You’ll also have the chance to network with other PAs and share your experiences.
These drop-in events will be held in St Leonards and Eastbourne, come along to access support and make valuable connections.
📍 St Leonards: 22 April Book now
📍 Eastbourne: 23 April Book now
|
|
|---|
|
Book your next training course now
Give the gift of independence with a donation to Independent Lives. Every pound you give helps us to provide vital support for disabled people and carers, enabling them to live the life they choose.
First Aid (theory and practical)
📍 Worthing
📅 5 March 2025
⏰ 11.30am - 3.30pm
🔗 Book here
An introduction to equality, diversity and inclusion
📍 Online
📅 10 March 2025
⏰ 1.00 - 2.00pm
🔗 Book here
Disability awareness
📍 Online
📅 10 March 2025
⏰ 2.30 - 3.30pm
🔗 Book here
First Aid (theory and practical)
📍 Worthing
📅 11 March 2025
⏰ 9.30am - 1.30pm
🔗 Book here
Safeguarding
📍 Online
📅 12 March 2025
⏰ 2.00 - 3.30pm
🔗 Book here
Medication awareness 1 & 2
📍 Online
📅 13 March 2025
⏰ 10.30am - 1.30pm
🔗 Book here
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
