NHS Highland - in collaboration with Community Contacts, the Highland Council, the Personal Assistants Network Scotland and others - are excited to be involved in an event which aims to promote social care Personal Assistant (PA) job opportunities in Lochaber.
The free drop-in event will take place on Thursday 7 December 2023, 10am to 2pm at New Connections, Waverley House, Fort William PH33 6XX.
This event provides the opportunity for those interested in becoming a PA to chat with organisations face-to-face, 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.
If you can’t make it in person, an online session explaining the role of a PA and how you can get involved will be held on Thursday 30 November 2023, 11am to 12pm. Sign up for the online session here.
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, 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".
There is no need to book if you wish to attend - just drop in at New Connections, Waverley House, Fort William PH33 6XX, any time between 10am and 2pm on Thursday 7 December.
For the online event on Thursday 30 November, make sure you register beforehand via this link. If you have any issues registering or have any questions please contact Amy Scobbie, Project Officer:
- phone 07812 468704
- email amy.scobbie@nhs.scot
