Many families in Midlothian receive Self-directed Support (SDS) funding, which allows them to employ Personal Assistants to help meet their support needs. However, there is a shortage of PAs available in Midlothian, meaning that many families are finding it difficult to recruit and retain the support that they need.
We believe unpaid carers have many of the skills, experience and understanding needed to make excellent Personal Assistants.
Join Our Pilot Project
VOCAL and Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCiL) are running a pilot project to raise awareness of Personal Assistant roles as potential career opportunities for carers. We are looking for a small group of carers who are interested in exploring flexible paid work as a PA.
As part of the project, you will:
- Join a supportive peer network of other carers
- Learn more about working as a Personal Assistant
- Receive support to build confidence and explore opportunities
- Be connected with families who are looking to recruit PAs through their SDS funding
- Explore flexible work that can fit around your own caring responsibilities
We are looking to bring together a small cohort of carers during September, with peer support sessions beginning in October.
No previous experience as a Personal Assistant is required – your lived experience as a carer is what matters most.
For more information, contact Natasha Stilwell (PA Support Coordinator at LCiL) on ku.gro.licnaihtol@llewlits.ahsatan or 07927 963 430.
Please note: Personal Assistants are employed and paid directly by the families they support using their Self-directed Support budget.
