As the UK General Election approaches, political parties have released their manifestos, outlining key policies and priorities. This election on the 4th July is particularly crucial, given the ongoing challenges in social care and the pressing need for policies that support disabled people. At PA Pool, we know how overwhelming and confusing politics can be, [...]

A new and comprehensive guide explores all aspects of life not often aired, including the physical, emotional and medical, and aims to provide support for people who are ill, have had an accident or who have experienced trauma.There is also a section on packing for a hospital stay, in the event of an operation, plus [...]

I'm excited to announce our very first live online event, and you're invited to join me and the team for an engaging and interactive session!Date: Wednesday 28th FebruaryTime: 7pm - 8pmPlatform: Google Meet (you don’t need a Google account to join)What to expect This meet-up is a unique opportunity for you to connect directly with [...]

Some of you may already know me, but for those that don’t, my name’s Katy Etherington, I am the founder and Director of PA Pool! I thought it might be nice if I explained how and why PA Pool started and the general ethos of the business.I have Spinal Muscular Atrophy and have been employing [...]

In recent years, the rapid advancement of technology has sparked discussions about the potential use of robots and artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of our lives, including providing personal care and support. As we navigate this landscape of innovation, it's crucial to consider the pros and cons of integrating technology into care provision and [...]

We’ve put together these useful tips to help you get the most from your membership with PA Pool:Profile - Make sure your profile is 100% complete and as comprehensive as possible to optimise your opportunity to find work or to find a PA/Carer who can meet your needs. Remember to include the shift details you require, [...]

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare education, hands-on experience is the key to unlocking a student's full potential. Imagine a platform that not only offers students the chance to earn while they learn but also plays a crucial role in facilitating independence for disabled and elderly individuals in the comfort of their own homes. Welcome [...]

Today, I want to share something close to my heart - the vision we have for PA Pool as more than just an online platform. We're building a community, a space where Personal Care Assistants (PAs) and PA Employers (PA Users) come together not only for employment but for the overall wellness of each member.As [...]

Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance is now delivering training aimed at PAs working for people with high physical support needs.Do you work with, or want to work with people who have high physical support needs? Whether it’s understanding ventilation, the importance of positioning, or how to fit around someone’s job, family, and life, the Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance [...]

Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance is now delivering training aimed at working for people with high physical support needs and managing your care team when you have high physical support needs.Do you have high physical support needs?Learn how to get the best from your care, from recruitment to rotas, designing your training to difficult conversations in a [...]

Sharing your lived experience is a powerful way to make services, like health and social care, better and more inclusive. It’s also a great way to make new connections, gain experience, and get paid too!If you’ve got something to share but aren’t sure where to start, Shaping Our Lives has launched a new guide and [...]

Research shows benefit payments could rise to more than £10bn if support for long-term illnesses is not improved…Research by pension consultants LCP claims that PIP (Personal Independence Payment) benefits could rise by 75% by 2033, because of an increase in health problems including back pain, heart disease and mental illness in people about to retire."The [...]

At the beginning of July we introduced a subscription fee for PAs to try and increase very necessary revenue to fund the website and make more improvements. There have been a few concerns raised by PA Users and PAs since and we wanted to explain how the PA subscriptions work and reassure members that we’ve [...]

PA Pool is constantly developing and maintaining content to meet the needs of our members. Below is a brief summary of the activities that have taken place so far this year: We changed the background of the "My PA Pool" dashboard so it is now blue when your status is “I’m Sorted” and green when [...]

Are you Disabled and aged under 30? Share your opinions and you could win a £50 voucher! Shaping Our Lives is a user-led organisation which focuses on inclusive involvement – making sure that everyone can have their say, including those who face the biggest barriers. They, and we, believe that everyone’s lived experience is valuable [...]

From the 1st July 2023, we will be introducing the new "Prime PA" subscription, which PAs will need to be able to send messages to potential clients (ie, to PA Users). The new subscription will only affect the sending of message, PAs will still be able to receive and read messages under the Standard PA [...]