Talking to other people who employ PAs

If you’re thinking about employing a personal assistant (PA), you might want to ask for advice and support from other people who employ PAs.

Local disability groups

You might find someone at a local disability group who employs a PA. There are some organisations that can help:

• Carers UK can help you find a specific organisation in your area. 
• Carers Trust can help you search for local care and carer services using your postcode.
• SENDirect will also help you find available services for families in your area.
• Visit the Skills for Care Information hub for advice and to search for organisations that support PA employers in your area. 

Once you’ve found a group near you, see if they have meetings or online groups where you can ask people about employing PAs. 

Local resources

Your local authority, doctor, hospital, community or faith group, library or someone who has supported you in getting a PA could help.

If you found your personal assistant through an agency, try asking them where you can find local resources on employing PAs. 

Local hospices sometimes have independent groups set up by people they have helped.

Find a hospice near you

Use social media

Social media is a great way to access a wider support network. Search Facebook for pages like Health Your Way or for a support group near you.

You could set up your own Facebook group for employers of personal assistants. Search Twitter for disability support groups you can follow or create your own Twitter group.

You might find help through the Scope online community or even start your own conversation about employing a PA.