We have just published the first of a regular series of articles written by Laura Graham, who will be sharing her first-hand experience of being a carer – learning the ropes, and finding her way around the NHS, social services and the third sector.

Laura is an independent researcher, writer and consultant, working on strategy and policy development in the fields of addiction recovery, mental health and carer’s issues. She is the founder of Cure the NHS-Lambeth and is passionate about improving patients' experiences of NHS care.

Her abrupt introduction to caring came when her mother had a haemorrhagic stroke in December 2012 at the age of 81, following which she required full-time care. Three years on, with her care shared between Laura and three Personal Assistants, and a level of recovery described as "a miracle", life is looking much better than in the dark early days.

You can read "Introducing Carer's Voice" here

It's that time again – the Budget is just a week away, and the end of the tax year looms, so even the least financially literate amongst us are probably giving a little more thought than usual to money matters.

I am pleased to say that we now have some really useful information about tax on Independent Living, specifically for those of you who employ a PA.

Contributed by Colin Bruce, Technical Officer at the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group, the article will help you understand your tax position, including some crucial factors, such as whether or not a PA may be self-employed, and what you need to do about workplace pensions.

You can read the Disability Tax Guide article here

I couldn't let this week pass without reference to the Welfare Reform and Work Bill, which includes a measure to reduce the amount of Employment and Support Allowance paid to disabled people who are judged to be fit enough to do some work-related activity, from £103 to £73 a week.

Widely criticised by disabled people's organisations, and thrown out not once but twice by the Lords, the measure will go ahead anyway, as the government accuses the upper house of "overstepping their mark" in opposing the financial wishes of the ruling party.

Apparently, the DWP believes that some people are claiming ESA in place of Jobseekers Allowance, and if it is reduced to the same level for new claimants, they will no longer have a reason to do so.

Those opposing the cut say that half a million people will be adversely affected, with the reduction in already modest incomes causing additional stress which will, if anything, make it harder to find a job. Many of those affected have mental health conditions which are not likely to be improved by the change.

As always, if you have an experience or opinion to share, please get in touch – contact details are at the bottom. We have information about claiming carer- and disability-related benefits here

Alf Morris is a very considerable figure in the annals of disability rights – his 1970 Chronically Sick & Disabled Persons Act has been described as a Magna Carta for people with disabilities.

One way in which his legacy is commemorated is with an annual lecture, and this year, the speakers are a couple who have coped with the experience of sudden disability and sudden caring responsibility. We know them better as broadcasters and journalists Andrew Marr and Jackie Ashley.

They will be talking about their collective experience following the major stroke that Andrew Marr survived in 2013, and the importance of practical measures to help people maintain their independence.

The Alf Morris Lecture takes place at the Shaw Theatre in London on 17 March, and you can read more about it here

There are plenty of resources on Independent Living to help people new to caring: information about adapting your home; applying for benefits; products to help with mobility and daily living; services to help support you. With more than 15 years experience, we probably know the answer to any question you may have!

Long-established Independent Living subscriber, Sherborne Upholstery continues to refine their range of rise and recliner armchairs, recliner sofas and adjustable beds, which they manufacture in their own factories for consistent quality and reliability.

Their showcase page has just been updated with some of their latest developments, including the unique new TouchStop Safety System, which has been fitted to all of their ‘Lift & Rise’ Recliners. If there is any human contact on any part of the metal action, all movement will stop automatically, dramatically reducing the possibility of becoming entrapped in the recliner mechanism.

Sherborne Upholstery's showcase page has more information about their range.

If you provide high quality products and services, and you would like to reach our site visitors and newsletter readers, please email derek@independentliving.co.uk

Don't forget that this Saturday is Disabled Access Day, and more than 240 different venues will be taking part.

Alongside hundreds of independent businesses are some significant national chains, including Caffe Nero, Strada and Barclays, as well as other major companies such as John Lewis and the mobile operator Three.

Read more here, including a link to look for events in your area

The IL product focus on bathrooms will be completed next week. If you would like to receive the free email round-up – we look at a different topic each month – you can find out more and sign up here.

If you have something you'd like to get off your chest, don't forget our Readers' Letters. Share your thoughts with the rest of the Independent Living community...

As always, there are various ways you can get in touch with Independent Living: email me; visit our Facebook page and leave a message there; or if it's short and sweet, Tweet!

Previous newsletters are archived here.

If you are reading a copy of the Independent Living newsletter that has been passed on to you by a colleague or friend, why not sign up for your own free subscription – it's quick and easy, and won't lead to your inbox being bombarded with other stuff!

Until next time, all good wishes,

Frances