Welcome to imPAct - the new newsletter for Personal Assistants across Scotland

Minimum pay increase for PAs

The Scottish Government recently announced that the minimum hourly rate for PAs who support adults will rise to £10.90 from April 2023. 

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Your wellbeing as a PA 

Calling all PAs - what would help improve your wellbeing? How could your employer help support your wellbeing? Where do you go for help right now?

The PA Wellbeing Sub Group has a small amount of funding to help improve the wellbeing of PAs, and want your advice on how the fund should be spent. 

They want to learn what types of support or activities could help keep you well in your role as a Personal Assistant.

It might be talking to other PAs, relaxation and outdoor activities, stress awareness, counselling, or benefitting from discount cards while shopping and eating out.

Please contact Julia Lawrence with your ideas or if you're interested in getting involved in the work: julia@sdsscotland.org.uk

In the meantime, there is lots of helpful advice on the online National Wellbeing Hub. 

The National Wellbeing Helpline is also available for everyone working in health and social care services, including Personal Assistants. It is a compassionate listening service which you can access whenever you need it – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 0800 111 4191.

Get involved!

You can get involved in shaping the work to support PAs, by taking part in the PA Programme Board. 

The meetings of the Programme Board are held online once every three months, and non-salaried PAs will be reimbursed for their time in taking part. 

If you have a particular interest (like training, wellbeing, communications), you can also get involved in subgroups that focus on specific bits of work. 

If you'd like to register you interest in joining the Programme Board, or ask a question, please drop us an email.

PA Handbook

Have you heard about the online PA Handbook? 

It’s a dedicated website with a wealth of information for PAs and PA Employers, including advice around employment issues. 

The Handbook is updated regularly with new resources. 

VISIT THE HANDBOOK >

Self Directed Support Forum

Got a burning question about being a PA, or an issue you need help with?

The online SDS Forum is a great place to go for support and get answers from other PAs.

Recent topics include what options you have if you get called for jury service.

VISIT THE FORUM >

PA Network Scotland

The PA Network Scotland is the only organisation in Scotland dedicated to supporting Personal Assistants. 

PAs can apply for a free ID badge through the network, to verify key worker status and access a range of other benefits.

The PA Network Scotland also hosts online networking opportunities for PAs, posts vacancies and helpful information on its website, and offers training opportunities.

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