How To Explore

Being a PA: This area is for someone who is not currently working as a PA but thinking about the role or is new to the role. Resources include a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document about the PA role and videos showing PAs in action and how they have made a difference to the life of the person they work with.

PA Employment: This section covers information and guidance on employment law, rights that you have as a PA and where to get more support if you need it. This might be useful if you are already working as a PA and have an issue or question or if you are thinking of being a PA and want to understand more about how your employment will work.

Training: There is lots of available training for people working in care and sometimes it’s hard to know what is useful and relevant to you as a PA. We have tried and tested these training courses so we know they are appropriate to your role. Most of the courses we suggest are free or very low cost. Some are one-off sessions, a few are longer courses that may require more commitment but you can see what that is before you start. All courses are online/distance learning so can be accessed wherever you are.

Wellbeing: Sometimes being a PA can be a tough and demanding job. It is important that you look after your own physical and mental health and wellbeing. We have gathered some resources that we think might be useful from managing your money, to mental health resources for frontline workers to how to get a good night's sleep.

Local Room: These resources are for PAs in specific geographical areas (county or town) in England. You will need to register and sign in to visit this area. The resources will cover the different topics that may interest you as a PA e.g. training, events or news but will be specific to your local area. We will add to this list over time so please check if your area is not yet showing.

Networking & Chat: This page takes you to the link to your local Facebook PA group. It is only available in certain geographical areas. You will need to register and sign in to visit this page. You will need to have an account on Facebook to join the group.

Additional Resources: This is where you’ll find other resources we like and think you might find useful, both as a PA and personally.

Become a PA Champion: Penderels Trust is seeking a small number of PA Champions to help us create resources to support PAs and promote the unique role of the PA. This is a longer term volunteer role and will probably take about 4 hours per month of your time but this will vary and we can be flexible. This page gives more information and how to apply or find out more.

We have set out each resource page in the same way to make it easy for you to navigate the site. Our aim is that the information we give you is clear and straight forward so you don’t waste time searching for information.

Each page is laid out to include: What is this? This is a brief description of the resource. How long does it take? This gives you an idea of how long you need to access or use the resource. This is particularly useful for training courses where there is a time commitment. Cost? This is to give you a clear indication if there is any cost involved in using the resource.

Most items are free, a few are low cost. There is no charge from Penderels Trust in accessing any of the information. Instructions: This tells you how to access the resource. For most resources, it is a button to click to get to the website or to download a file. All websites open in a new tab so you don’t lose your place on the PA Community Centre. There is also an image of what the resource looks like e.g. the website home page so you know you’ve got to the right place when you click on the link.

If you click on the ‘Networking & Chat’ icon, you will be taken to the registration screen. If you are in an area where this service is offered, you will be asked to select that area and create a username (usually your email address) and a password.

Once you are registered and logged in, you will be able to access the Networking & Chat for your area. Click on the ‘Your local Facebook Group chat’ and it will take you to the Facebook group in your area. You may need to register on Facebook if you don’t already have an account. You will be asked to join the Facebook group once you are in Facebook. If your area is not showing, we are sorry but we are not offering this service in your area.

We hope to be adding new areas to the list in the future.