Independent Lives newsletter |
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Welcome to our Spring Independent Lives 'art and active' 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 will keep you updated on our latest services, campaigns, and events, as well as share stories from the people and communities we support.
Whether you are looking for advice, want to get involved, or simply stay informed, we hope you find this newsletter useful. As always, we would love to hear from you, if you have any feedback or stories to share, please get in touch.
We hope you enjoy this Spring edition with an art and active theme getting us ready for the summer.
Thank you for being part of our community.
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Superhero series
We are still on the lookout for some superheroes to join the Summer Superhero Tri in Windsor on August 16th. If you would like to take part, or know a friend or family member who might, please spread the word and help us unite more heroes for an unforgettable challenge!
Why take part?
Support Independent Lives and make a difference. Every superhero's efforts helps raise vital funds for Independent Lives, empowering disabled people to live independently and access the support they need. Your participation directly changes lives!
Coverage hosted by Clare Balding, featuring famous faces and inspiring superheroes from across the country.
Try new activities for free! Alongside the triathlon, you will find a range of accessible sports and activities to explore and enjoy.
Open to ALL ages and abilities! Whether you are a child, adult, or senior superhero - there is a challenge for you.
Can't attend the summer Superhero Tri?
With our exclusive partnership with the Superhero Series, no superhero is left without a mission. If you cannot make it to this year's live Summer Superhero Tri, do not fear, there are still plenty of ways to get involved.
Take on a virtual challenge - Complete your mission from home at a time that suits you.
Join Winter Wonder Wheels - A festive superhero event happening in December.
or call 01903 219482 today. |
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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 are a great space to share your thoughts and ideas and meet other people.
The meeting dates for the remainder of this year 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 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
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In April, Independent Lives joined the Sussex Bay community engagement study to understand how disabled people experience the local coastline and sea in Worthing and nearby areas. Emma Brooks led the group, which included disabled people, those with lived experiences, carers, and parents of young children and teens. www.sussexbay.org.uk
Here's what we thought about Worthing beach and sea:
- Health and wellbeing: The sea is great for health and wellbeing, helping with mental health and physical mobility through activities like swimming. But, accessibility is still a big issue for some.
- Recreational use: People love using the sea for family outings and leisure activities. The beauty of the seascapes and wildlife adds to the enjoyment.
- Environmental concerns: There are worries about our roles in energy, storm protection, and climate regulation, which are important to consider for future generations.
- Access challenges: Access to the sea is a major issue, with many facing difficulties due to physical disabilities. Inadequate ramps and facilities make it hard to reach the water.
- Safety and cleanliness: Safety at the beach and water cleanliness are big concerns. There is a lack of lifeguards in some areas, and worries about water quality, especially near sewage discharge points.
- Suggestions for improvement: Ideas for better accessibility include flatter beach areas, improved ramp designs, more life aides, and designated swimming zones for families.
- Community engagement: The discussion was enlightening, highlighting the need to consider disabled individuals in coastal development and access planning. The group said they enjoyed sharing their views about this topic.
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What is Padel Tennis?
Padel is a racket sport
It’s fun, easy to learn and sociable.
The court is smaller than a tennis court
Everyone can play together
Where?
West Worthing Tennis and Squash Club
Titnore Lane
Worthing
BN13 3RT
When?
Wednesdays, 2pm – 3pm
How to get there:
Bus: 9, PULSE
Train: Goring
If you need help learning the journey to and from ask Travel Buddy - They can help!
Email - travelbuddy@grace-eyre.org
How to book?
Book using the button below
Any questions?
Call the club on 01903 247270 |
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Matt Bunn will be your Padel Coach |
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Your local mental health support partnership UOK, delivered by Southdown, is excited to invite you to a special evening of connection, powerful conversation and music following Mental Health Awareness Week.
Please join us on Wednesday, 21st of May at 6pm (doors at 5:30pm) at Brighthelm Centre for an inspiring mental health talk and piano performance by Daniel Wilsher - award-winning speaker, TEDx Brighton guest, and finalist of Channel 4’s The Piano.
In his talk, “Building Community through Service,” Daniel will explore the power of community, vulnerability, and giving back - all through the lens of lived experience.
UOK has created three ticket options to keep this event as accessible and inclusive as possible:
🎟️ Free community ticket – for those on low/ no income
🎟️ £5 standard ticket – covers your place
🎟️ £10 pay-it-forward ticket – covers your place and someone else's, plus a £2 donation to Brighton & Hove Food Partnership. They are a non-profit organisation that brings our community together by helping people learn to cook, access a healthy diet, grow their own food and waste less food.
Please note: Topics include sensitive themes such as suicide. Under-16s should ideally attend with a responsible adult.
✅ What: UOK Mental Health Talk + piano performance by Daniel Wilsher
📍 Where: Brighthelm Centre, Brighton, BN1 1YD
📅 When: Wednesday 21st May, 6:00pm (doors at 5:30pm)
💬 Theme: Building Community through Service
UOK is a network of 20 mental health and wellbeing support services across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex. Our local, community-based services work together to ensure that our community get the support they need at the right time. Please visit www.uok.org.uk to find out more. |
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West Sussex Art Society are holding their annual art exhibition at The Skyway Gallery
Opening Night Friday 16th May 2025 6pm – 7.30pm – Everyone Welcome
Artist Led Workshop Saturday 17th May – Free! Numbers limited – please book.
Please book the workshop and private view through Eventbrite on the button below
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May dates released - Don't delay, book your next training course now
First Aid (theory and practical)
📍 Worthing
📅 21 May 2025
⏰ 11.30am - 3.30pm
🔗 Book here
An introduction to equality, diversity and inclusion
📍 Online
📅 19 May 2025
⏰ 1.00 - 2.00pm
🔗 Book here
Disability awareness
📍 Online
📅 19 May 2025
⏰ 2.30 - 3.30pm
🔗 Book here
Manual Handling
📍 Worthing
📅 20 May 2025
⏰ 11.30am – 1.30pm
🔗 Book here
Safeguarding
📍 Online
📅 22 May 2025
⏰ 9.30am – 11pm
🔗 Book here
Medication awareness 1 & 2
📍 Online
📅 22 May 2025
⏰ 12.30pm – 3.30pm
🔗 Book here
Mental Capacity
📍 Online
📅 22 May 2025
⏰ 09.30am – 11am
🔗 Book here
Mental Health Awareness
📍 Online
📅 23 May 2025
⏰ 10am – 12pm
🔗 Book here
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You've been busy!
300 people accessed face to face training in our last Skills for Care funded programme between March 2024 to March 2025.
A total of 896 people trained with Independent Lives during2024, phew!
Congratulations everyone for your commitment to professional development and thank you to Skills for Care who help us educate and improve the quality of care and support delivered.
Well done also to our in-house trainer, Steph Rolf for her delivery and oversight of the Skills for Care programme. |
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Age Group
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Hourly Rate (£)
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21 and over (National Living Wage)
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12.21
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18 to 20 years old
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10.00
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16 to 17 years old
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7.55
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Apprentice Rate
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7.55
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Accommodation Offset
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10.66
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We have done it again!
We are delighted to be re-accredited in 2025 as a disability confident leader, enabling others to employ and support disabled people at work. |
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