About us
My Life is an innovative charity that connects people with their communities.
Our mission is to work in a person-centred way with people of all ages who may need support to achieve a good life. To enable people to feel in control of their own lives, have the emotional support to get through the tough times and have the information and help they need to work out their own solutions.
We offer an exciting range of Life Opportunities at both Thompson House in Standish and Leigh Sports Village, as well as Care Quality Commission registered care and support in the home with our My Life Support service.
My Life is about giving people a ‘hand up’ rather than a ‘hand out’. It is about recognising the skills, gifts and talents of individuals and using them to make a positive difference; preventing isolation and loneliness and giving people a sense of belonging.
With this in mind, we provide a range of life opportunities and support in the home, along with information, guidance, coaching, training and support in education, health, care, employment and planning for the future.
Our background
My Life was formally established in June 2012 by Caroline Tomlinson, who was involved in developing the early thinking around self-directed support and who was instrumental in co-founding In Control, the organisation that put personalisation on the map nationally.
My Life was established as a result of a group of people with disabilities and their families wanting something different to traditional health and social care services, and wanting more choice and control over their own lives.
Many had already experienced direct payments and had an understanding of what good support looked like, having been inspired by pioneers such as Caroline. They definitely didn’t want traditional types of ‘congregated’ services such as day centres, nor did they want to be isolated, lonely and overworked by doing everything on their own all day, every day.
Hence My Life was born; an opportunity for people to live a meaningful life, to be active contributors to their communities and to have help to make all this happen. A place to establish friendships and relationships that would keep them safe for the rest of their lives.
Our vision is for people who need support to have a good life
Our belief is if we all give a little, we will all gain and grow together.
Our goals are based on the citizenship model:
- Self-determination
To have real choice and control, but understanding that the more choice and control you have, the more responsibility you need to take. - Direction
To have a plan for the future, no matter what age you are. - Money
To be financially secure by having a sustainable income and money for support. - Housing
To live in the right environment, with people you choose to be with. - Support
To have support provided in a way which makes sense to you. - Community
To have friendships, relationships and be able to contribute to your community in a meaningful way.
How We Are Run
My Life is a charity, limited by guarantee. We have a board of trustees and the day to day operation is overseen by Caroline Tomlinson, our CEO. The board of trustees give their time free to My Life which has enabled it to become a self-sustainable organisation.
Business plan
You can find out more about My Life, our vision, values and aims in our latest business plan; as we grow as an organisation we continuously review and redesign our systems and services so we can provide high quality and consistent care for as many people as possible.
Where we are
Our two centres are based in Standish and Leigh, although we support people across the North West, from Burscough to Burnley, Preston to Rochdale. We're within easy travelling distance of anywhere in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside and North Cheshire
How to join our community
Most people come to My Life funded by a directly commissioned health or social care budget or by using a direct payment, although we can cater for students if the LEA agrees to fund a place - and we help people funded from personal resources. Whatever your support needs, all our staff are fully trained and matched.
Safeguarding and quality assurance
Our team and volunteers all have one aim in mind, to help our members live a good life and enjoy the opportunities that we offer.
But they’re also trained, skilled in their specific areas and have all the relevant qualifications and certifications to help people thrive and feel safe. Our safeguarding team ensure best practice.
Regulated and rated "Good by CQC
My Life Legacy is regulated by the Care Quality Commission, with our home-care service My Life Support receiving a Good rating in its most recent report. "Staff placed people's wishes, needs and rights at the heart of everything they did... supporting people to have the maximum possible choice, control and independence."
Have your say
Your views make a difference!
If you would like to share your views on any aspect of our service, or to single out an individual member of our team, a group of staff or our entire team for particular praise and recognition, we would like to hear from you.
Read our comments, compliments and complaints policy here
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A calm, SEND-friendly animal session with sensory activities and crafts, small groups and a relaxed pace.
Get in touch
At My Life, we're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or just want to learn more about how we can help, we're always ready to listen.
