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.

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

Thanks to Skills for Care funding, we are currently able to offer free training courses and workbooks to adults in receipt of a Direct Payment, Personal Health Budget or who are self-funding their care. Click below to see our full eligibility criteria.

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 [email protected] or phoning 01903 219482 (option 3).

Upcoming training

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

Show all training
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  • Crawley
  • Croydon
  • In person
  • Online
  • Training
  • Worthing

An Introduction to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

11 November @ 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. In a world that thrives on diversity and inclusivity, understanding…

Book now about An Introduction to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Disability awareness

11 November @ 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. This training will equip you with the knowledge and perspective to champion disability…

Book now about Disability awareness

Employing a new PA

12 November @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

 

Are you taking the exciting step of becoming an employer and hiring a new personal assistant? We understand the challenges you might face in this process, and that’s why we’ve designed the perfect course for you….

Book now about Employing a new PA

Moving and Handling People (theory and practical)

12 November @ 11:30 am - 3:30 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

13 November @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Online 

Whether working with children, young people or vulnerable 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

First Aid (theory and practical)

13 November @ 11:30 am - 3:30 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)

Medication Awareness Levels 1 & 2

14 November @ 11:30 am - 2:30 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

PA Connections

14 November @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Online 

Join PA Connections- an online gathering tailored for personal assistants! Are you seeking a supportive community to navigate the challenges and triumphs of your role? Look no further! In our sessions, connect with Independent Lives fellow…

Book now about PA Connections

Mental Health Awareness

15 November @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Online 

This course offers a comprehensive foundation in understanding mental health needs and using this information to deliver effective, person-centred care. Throughout this training, you’ll learn about various mental health conditions, tailoring your care approaches, and promoting overall wellbeing for individuals you support, as well as yourself.

Book now about Mental Health Awareness