Community Contacts, a Carr Gomm project, is thrilled to participate in the ‘Promoting PA Employment Opportunities Locally’ event in Fort William this December.
What is a Personal Assistant in Social Care?
A Personal Assistant (PA) in social care is more than a job; it’s a commitment to working in a person-centred way. PAs play a crucial role in assisting people to manage daily life in their own homes, such as personal care, meal preparation, befriending, and more. The role offers the opportunity to work flexibly with someone and develop a trusting and supportive relationship.
Self-employed PA, Rosie Doull, from Rosie Cares said:
“Being a carer/PA involves me delivering bespoke, high quality, person-centred care to the people of Lochaber. Through this work, I aim to encourage and empower people to remain as independent as possible. I support people with day-to-day tasks such as personal care, managing medication, organising meals and doing grocery shopping. I also help people to engage in exercise and other recreational activities in order to enhance their health and wellbeing. The highlight of this job for me is watching those I work with become more confident and optimistic, which in turn improves their overall quality of life”.
To promote PA opportunities in the Lochaber area, NHS Highland, in collaboration with Community Contacts, the Highland Council and others will host an in-person information session in Fort William. This free drop-in event offers a unique chance for those interested in the role of Personal Assistant to meet with potential employers face-to-face and learn what support is available.
Date & Time: Thursday, 7th December, 2023. 10am – 2pm
Location: New Connections Waverly House, Fort William, PH33 6XX
Leading the initiative for NHS Highland, Ian Thomson, Head of Service, Quality Assurance, Adult Social Care, said: “The Personal Assistant role is as varied as the people who need support. No two people are the same and no two PAs or PA roles are the same either. The relationship between the employer and PA can provide great benefits for both parties: trust support, flexibility, choice and friendship can characterise the relationship on both sides.
“No formal training requirements are needed for a PA role, but good PAs demonstrate clear communication skills, kindness and flexibility. Hours can vary and may suit a PA’s work/life balance very well. If you have some spare time and enjoy working with people, then this type of job might be for you. Whatever your circumstances, we would be delighted for you to drop in for a chat and more information”.
Online Session – Thursday 30th November
Can’t make it in person? Join the online session 11am – 12 noon on Thursday 30th November to explore how you can become a Personal Assistant.
You can sign up for the online session on Eventbrite by clicking this link. For any questions regarding the online event, please contact Amy Scobbie, Project Officer at 07812 468704 or amy.scobbie@nhs.scot
Carr Gomm’s Community Contacts is here to lend a helping hand with Self Directed Support (SDS). The project provides impartial advice, information and support. For more information go to our Community Contacts page.