People looking for a rewarding career in Hampshire can learn about a free four-day course that could lead to a new job as a Personal Assistant (PA) in Care.
Sessions are taking place at Fareham Library on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 January for those interested in learning about the variety and flexibility of working directly for a person who needs support to lead an independent life and active life.
The exact tasks vary depending on the needs of the person for whom they care, but could include help with washing and dressing, preparing meals, driving or household tasks such as cleaning and laundry.
More and more people are managing their own care needs by taking control of their budgets and directly employing either full or part time PAs in Care.
This ‘personalised care’ is a key plank of the NHS Long Term Plan, published earlier this week.
People who are curious to find out more should come along to the information sessions at Fareham Library on Friday 11January 2019 – 10-11.30am, 2-3.30pm, 5-6.30pm, or Saturday 12 January 2019 – 10-11.30am.
The free ‘Pathways to Employment’ course is being held every Saturday from 19 January to 9 February 2019 in Fareham and aims to help people realise they do have the skills to work in care.
They will be able to meet people who are looking to employ a Personal Assistant in Care.
Jenny Steeples, whose daughter Claire is supported by PAs in Care, said: “The role of a PA in Care is very flexible and fits round families, college courses or other part time roles. It also provides a perfect stepping stone to a future career in healthcare, social work and many others areas.”
Caroline Larkins, Claire’s former PA in Care, who is now a Social Worker with Hampshire County Council, said: “I cannot list the amount I have learnt these past three years. I may no longer be Claire’s PA but she will forever be my friend.
“What you learn can lead you anywhere, skills applicable to life in general. You are not only changing Claire’s life but also yours. It’s not just a job, it’s supporting a friend.”
Klodjan Merkaj is currently one of Claire’s PAs. He said: “Before becoming a PA in Care I had worked in residential care homes for 10 years. I have never felt so alive, so satisfied to be part of something so rewarding. It is an amazing feeling: you are there not just as a PA but as a friend, as part of a family. I would never change this for anything in the world.”
The course has been devised by Caroline Tomlinson, from Wigan, who set up a charity called My Life, which has trail blazed the course across the north west.
For more information about employing a Personal Assistant in Care for yourself or a loved one, or becoming a Personal Assistant in Care, visit: https://www.hampshirepafinder.org.uk/home.