The free drop-in event will take place on Thursday 10 October 2024, 10.30am – 2.30pm, at The Smith Room, Pulteney Centre, Huddart Street, Wick, KW1 5BA

This event provides the opportunity for those interested in becoming a PA to chat with organisations face-to-face and find out more about the role and what local opportunities are available. It’s also a chance for existing PAs and PA Employers to get advice and hear from other PAs and PA Employers about their experiences.

A PA in social care is employed to help support people with various things such as practical tasks around the house or accessing activities in the community. The role provides an opportunity to work flexibly with someone to develop a trusting and supportive relationship.

Prior to the in-person event, two online session on ‘Becoming a Personal Assistant in Social Care in Highland’ are being held, explaining the role of a PA and how you can get involved, they will be held on

• Tuesday 1 October 2024 at 10am – 11am
• Thursday 3 October 2024 at 6pm – 7pm

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”.

Self Employed PA, Lesley Thain, commented: “Since becoming a self-employed PA (Carer) I have found it to be very rewarding as I am helping people live their best lives by staying in their own homes, building relationships with clients who can then be comfortable with you supporting with everything from personal care to going out for coffee.

“I find that by being a PA you can tailor your time around the individual and support the client to become independent and more confident after a fall or illness. In the beginning I was worried that I would not get enough hours for it to be sustainable but since I have started, I have never been out of work, and now also have three others working with me.

“I previously worked for a care company and found I was constantly feeling like wasn’t able to spend enough time with the client, and I didn’t realise at the time just how stressed I was until I started working for myself.

“Suddenly, I felt like I could enjoy my job again; having that cup of tea with someone who may otherwise see no one else that day, and I began to see how something so simple can mean so much to my clients. I can honestly say becoming a PA has certainly been one of the best decisions I have made”.

PA Employer, Mandy Gillies, added: “Lesley and her team always give high levels of care, empathy and compassion while caring for my mum. They are observant and insightful and can pick up any signs of deterioration in mum and would always let me know if she was in a low mood, more confused or more irritable than usual. They all have a cheery demeanour come what may, and this has a positive effect on mum, given a bright start to her day.

“They are very reliable and flexible and would always accommodate any respite care I need. It is great to be able to get away, knowing that my mum is well cared for. Lesley and her team provide exceptional care, both on an emotional and physical level while always maintaining my mum’s dignity; this is why an SDS package has made my life so much easier.”

There is no need to book if you wish to attend: just drop in at The Smith Room, Pulteney Centre, Huddart Street, Wick, KW1 5BA, anytime between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Thursday 10 October.

For the online event(s), make sure you register beforehand on these links:

Tuesday 1 October 2024 at 10am – 11am
Thursday 3 October 2024 at 6pm – 7pm