News
Independent Lives aims to keep you up to date on all the latest disability news, events and stories. If you would like to share some news with us or discuss anything you read in the articles below then please email comms@independentlives.org.
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Why won’t anyone fund clinical training for PAs? Katy’s Story
Katy employs her own PA, Gemma, through a Direct Payment. Gemma needs clinical training to manage Katy's suprapubic catheter safely, something most PAs are never trained for, because no funding route covers it. Without it, Katy...
Important update regarding DBS checks for self-employed Personal Assistants
Please be aware that DBS checks for self-employed Personal Assistants are no longer funded by the local authorities we work with. Self-employed PAs are now responsible for arranging and paying for their own DBS checks. We...
Have your say: Government consults on employment rights for unpaid carers
The Government has launched a consultation seeking views on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children. Published on 9 June 2026 as part of the Make Work Pay plan, it looks at...
Employment Rights Act 2025: What Direct Payment employers need to know
If you employ Personal Assistants using a Direct Payment, it’s important to understand upcoming changes being made to employment law with the Employment Rights Act 2025. This new law introduces significant updates to workers’ rights and...
Have your say on fair pay for adult social care workers
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) wants to hear people’s views on fair pay agreements for adult social care workers, including Personal Assistants (PAs). The standard consultation is now closed, but there is still...
East Sussex Direct Payments: Your contingency care plan
The following information is shared on behalf of East Sussex County Council and provides important guidance on contingency care planning ahead of the Christmas holidays. With the Christmas holidays coming up it’s important to make sure...
Have your say on Direct Payments in Wiltshire
Do you, or someone you care for, use Direct Payments, sometimes called a Personal Budget or Personal Payment Plan, in Wiltshire? Direct Payments works differently for everyone, and sometimes it isn’t straightforward. That’s why Voice It,...
Free self-management courses for adults living with long-term health conditions
Are you an adult living with a long-term health condition and live in West Sussex, Brighton or Hove? Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust have released new online course dates for the Living Well Programme (LWP). The LWP...
Independent Lives now supporting people with Direct Payments in Wiltshire!
Independent Lives is delighted to let you know that from 1 October 2025, we will be providing support for people managing their Direct Payments in Wiltshire. If you live in Wiltshire and receive a Direct Payment,...