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Independent Lives' community researchers, Polly, Gareth and Cara [L-R]

Jan 4 2024

More than just a job – community research at Independent Lives

Independent Lives community researcher – Cara Redlich (right), shares her experience of starting work with Independent Lives and working on a project she feels really passionate about. In June 2023, I started a new and exciting job with Independent Lives. This charity focuses on helping people with disabilities and carers. My job is to study
Accessible toilet sign with icons for male, female, and wheelchair users.

Nov 28 2023

Missing the mark: What a Government report reveals about accessible toilet access

It came to light recently that a Government report from 2020- 2021 into public support for the use of different types of public toilet provision produced some interesting results. One stood out: 2% of responses were said to support the use of accessible toilet provision – just 351 out of 17589 responses in total. Sound
Close-up of courgette plant leaves and flowers with a burgeoning courgette, against a backdrop of potting containers filled with soil.

Sep 27 2023

Disabled gardeners’ triumph at 2023 Sompting in Bloom awards 

In a marvellous display of horticultural skill, a group of disabled gardeners triumphed in this year’s Sompting in Bloom awards, clinching first place in the Blooming Community category. Sompting in Bloom is a yearly gardening competition run by Sompting Parish Council and sponsored by Sompting Estate. This year, local gardeners put their skills to the
An elderly man in a wheelchair and a woman wearing face masks while looking at a tablet together

Sep 19 2023

Government announces 2023 COVID-19 vaccination programme

As the weather turns colder, the Government is ramping up its COVID-19 vaccination programme for 2023. The Government has confirmed which groups will be entitled to an autumn COVID-19 booster. They are: Residents in care homes for older adults; All adults aged 65 years and over; People aged six months to 64 years in a
A smiling woman with long hair wearing glasses

Sep 1 2023

Leanne’s story

Leanne has been using Independent Lives services since 2022. She lives in Crawley with her daughter. Life has been a struggle for us for a long time. Aside from living with my impairments, my daughter and I escaped domestic abuse and lived in one room for three years. When we arrived in Sussex, we didn’t
A smiling man in a light blue shirt sitting in a modern office setting.

Aug 16 2023

Government announces Disability Action Plan consultation

Would you like to share your experiences and views to contribute to a better society for disabled people? New proposals to improve the lives of disabled people have been set out by the Disability Unit (DU) – part of the Cabinet Office – which has been established to address barriers faced by disabled people in
A selection of British banknotes in various denominations spread out.

Aug 4 2023

Join the Independent Lives cost of living steering group

We’re looking for people to take part in our cost-of-living steering group. In April, Independent Lives was awarded funding by NHS Health Education England to look the inequalities faced by disabled people and carers in West Sussex because of the cost-of-living crisis. We want to make sure that the people affected have a say in
Two ticket vending machines with options for cash and card payments at a station.

Jul 18 2023

Government plans to close nearly every railway ticket office in England

The bad news continues for disabled train passengers with the Rail Delivery group (RDG) announcing the potential closure of 1000 ticket offices across the country within the next three years. As part of their plan to ‘modernise’ the railway, the RDG states that most transactions at ticket offices last year could have been done online
A group of individuals in white t-shirts with rainbow logos holding pride flags, standing in front of a banner with the words 'Excellence', 'Inclusion', 'Innovation', and 'Person centred'.

Jul 7 2023

Independent Lives joins Worthing Pride 2023 to celebrate Disability Pride Month

Staff from Independent Lives will be taking part in Worthing Pride 2023 on Saturday 8 July, transforming the event into a celebration of inclusivity and support during Disability Pride Month.   Disability Pride Month, observed throughout July, highlights the achievements and struggles faced by individuals with disabilities. The month-long initiative aims to challenge societal norms, raise
Young professional man with a pleasant expression sitting in a modern workspace.

May 9 2023

Friends of Independent Lives membership study launched

Independent Lives is proud to launch the Friends of Independent Lives membership study 2023. The study gives a snapshot of the key issues impacting disabled people and carers in 2023. The study brings together views and experiences from 52 members of the disability and caring community. The study has been explored in a 28-page report revealing common