A personal assistant (PA) can carry out day to day tasks to help you stay independent. This may include:

• personal care
• tasks at home
• accessing community and social opportunities
• developing independent living skills

If you hire a PA, it's important to note that you will be their employer. This means you have legal responsibilities around their employment. 

Skills for care has information and advice about employing your own PA.

Find and pay for a personal assistant

If you have applied for help from us, your social worker can help you find a personal assistant. You can search for local personal assistants online for one if you are happy to pay for your own. 

If you receive help from us already, you may be able to pay for your personal assistant from your direct payment from us. Contact our personal budgets team for advice:

• by phone on 01202 128187
• by email on personalbudgets.team@bcpcouncil.gov.uk