b'Non-regulated providers do not have to employ theircomputer, tablet or smartphone)staff and often act as introductory agents, providingWebsite: www.westsussex.gov.uk/contact-help (fill in workers to carry out tasks around your home. This meansthe Contact us form) that you, as the customer, may become the employer,West Sussex Connect to Supportand you need to understand the responsibilities that thisWebsite: www.westsussexconnecttosupport.org involves (for example, when paying wages and dealing with tax and National Insurance contributions).Independent LivesYou should ask the provider:A user-led charity, working with people with support needs and their carers to help people to lead full, active #for evidence of the skills and experience theirand independent lives. They currently provide direct staffhave;payment support services.#whether they employ their staff or if they act as anPhone: 01903 219482introductory agent;Email: feedback@independentlives.org#if they will carry out an assessment of your needs soWebsite: www.independentlives.org that they understand the support you need (they doAge UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hovenot have to carry out an assessment but it can setPhone: 0800 019 1310clear expectations for you and the provider); andEmail: info@ageukwsbh.org.uk#whether Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/westsussexbrightonhove checks are carried out for their staff (as their serviceCitizens Adviceis not regulated, their staff do not have to haveAdviceline: 0808 278 7969DBS checks, but as they would be supporting youAvailable 9.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.inyour own home, a DBS check would offer a levelFreephone from consumer landlines and mobiles.ofreassurance).Website: www.advicewestsussex.org.uk Supported livingDirectly Provided Services Supported-living providers can help people withDirectly Provided Services (DPS) offers a range of lifelong disabilities, autism or mental-health needs tosocial care services which we run, including day support live as independently as possible and to be a part ofand day opportunity services. their community. A wide range of support is provided, and services are designed around your needs.Day support and day services can help you stay Many young adults and working-age people withindependent and can give your carers a break. The focus is care needs choose supported living as the best careon providing a more local and community-focused service.option for them. It can also support people to stayDay services can include: in their ownhomes rather than moving to long-term#specialist support if you have complex needs; residentialcare.#support with personal care and medication; Further information#support to help you regain, improve or maintain daily Adults CarePoint living skills and mobility; Phone: 01243 642121 #support to meet new people, make and maintain Call using Relay UK: 18001 01243 642121 (fromfriendships, and take part in social activities, a textphone or the NGT Lite app downloaded onto aincluding hobbies and interests, to reduce isolation; 18 Living well in your community 2025/26'