Training courses

Independent Lives provides a wide range of training courses aimed at supporting personal assistants and Direct Payment employers.

We are committed to equipping caregivers and professionals with the essential skills to make a real impact. Independent Lives offers comprehensive training designed to enhance your ability to deliver compassionate, high-quality care. Whether you are a professional seeking to enhance your expertise or someone looking to support others in need, our courses provide the knowledge and confidence to excel. Book your training today and be part of a community dedicated to improving lives.

You can view our full schedule of training below. Click on the training course to find out more and to book your space. If you have any questions about our training, or can't find the training you need, then contact us by emailing training@independentlives.org or phoning 01903 219482 (option 3).

Independent Lives trained my new team of seven staff and volunteers from various backgrounds – from construction to care - on safer people handling. The trainer made the whole training process easy; from understanding our needs in a community setting to working with us to plan the right content for the session to ensuring that we all felt competent to offer assistance to our club members should they require it.

The trainer was really approachable, and the session was informal. We could ask questions and clarify points as we went along, and we could take rest breaks to help the knowledge sink in.

We covered exactly what I had hoped for: how to support someone in a wheelchair, how to help someone from sitting to standing and much more, with the underpinning legal aspects as we were introduced to the topics – to set them in context.  It was an enjoyable and informative session, and we would highly recommend Independent Lives for your training needs.

Funding information

Click below to see our full eligibility criteria.

Upcoming training

You can download a copy of our training programme by clicking here.

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  • Croydon
  • In person
  • Online
  • Training
  • Worthing

An Introduction to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

7 April @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Online 

The goal of this training is to create environments where all individuals are treated fairly, with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, characteristics, or differences.

Book now about An Introduction to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Disability awareness

7 April @ 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Online 

Join us for disability awareness training as we challenge preconceived notions, break down barriers and work towards a more understanding and compassionate society.

Book now about Disability awareness

Moving and Handling People (theory and practical)

9 April @ 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

Independent Lives Worthing

Join our Moving and Handling people training course today and gain the confidence and competence to provide safe and compassionate assistance to those you support.

Book now about Moving and Handling People (theory and practical)

Safeguarding

9 April @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Online 

Whether working with children, young people or at risk adults, you have a duty of care to safeguard and protect. This course is fully funded for personal assistants who are employed by an individual employer receiving a direct payment funded by West Sussex or Croydon.

Book now about Safeguarding

Medication Awareness Levels 1 & 2

10 April @ 10:30 am - 1:30 pm

Online 

When it comes to medication, safety is paramount. Our training focuses on teaching you best practices for safe administration, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring you have the information and expertise required to excel in your PA role. Once completed, this training should be refreshed annually.

Book now about Medication Awareness Levels 1 & 2

Mental Capacity

10 April @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Online 

This training is essential to ensure that individuals who may lack capacity receive appropriate care and protection of their rights. This course will cover real world examples to give you the best possible chance of safeguarding those you support.

Book now about Mental Capacity

Autism Awareness

11 April @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Online 

Autism awareness training is essential in moving towards a more supportive community for autistic individuals. This training will increase understanding and knowledge of autism as well as reducing misconceptions and misinformation. This can lead to more compassionate and supportive attitudes and interactions.

Book now about Autism Awareness

Direct Payment employer support group: Sussex

30 April @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Online 

Being a Direct Payment employer comes with unique challenges and opportunities, and you don’t have to face them alone. Our supportive group offers a safe, inclusive space to exchange ideas, ask questions, and gain valuable insights…

Book now about Direct Payment employer support group: Sussex

First Aid (theory and practical)

6 May @ 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

Independent Lives Worthing

This training session will provide a thorough overview of basic first aid including a practical sign off. The training is for personal assistants who are looking to gain essential knowledge to help them with their work.

Book now about First Aid (theory and practical)