References, DBS Checks and Right to Work: What You Need to KnowRecruiting a Personal Assistant is about much more than finding someone with the right experience. Before offering someone the role, it's important to carry out a few basic checks to help you recruit safely and confidently.These checks don't have to be complicated, but they [...]

Once you've reviewed applications and shortlisted your preferred candidates, it's time for one of the most important parts of the recruitment process: the interview.An interview isn't simply about checking experience or qualifications. It's an opportunity for both you and the candidate to get to know each other, discuss the role and decide whether you're likely [...]

If you're thinking about employing a Personal Assistant (PA), one of the first questions you'll probably ask is, "How do I pay for it?"The good news is there are several ways to fund a Personal Assistant, depending on your individual circumstances. Some people receive financial support through their local authority or the NHS, while others [...]

If you're exploring care and support options, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to use a care agency or employ your own Personal Assistant (PA).There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options have advantages, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, support needs and how involved you want to be in managing your [...]

Whether you're looking for support for yourself or a loved one, or you're considering becoming a Personal Assistant, you've probably come across the term Personal Assistant (PA).A Personal (Care) Assistant is someone who provides one-to-one support to help another person live as independently as possible. Rather than delivering the same service to every Client, a [...]

Hiring a Personal Assistant can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn't have to be. This guide walks you through every stage of the process, from deciding whether employing a PA is right for you to writing a job advert, interviewing candidates and becoming an employer. Along the way, you'll find links to more detailed [...]

Choosing to hire a Personal Assistant (PA) is about much more than finding someone with the right qualifications. It's about finding someone you trust… someone who understands your routine, respects your independence and supports you in living life on your terms.Whether you're using Direct Payments, a Personal Health Budget, or funding your own care, having [...]

Summer doesn’t have to mean expensive attractions, crowded hotspots or complicated planning. Sometimes the best days out are slower ones - discovering somewhere peaceful, spending time outdoors and finding places that feel welcoming and easy to enjoy.We’ve put together a summer bucket list of beautiful places around the UK that are known for accessibility features [...]

This year, PAPool is celebrating 19 years of helping Clients and Personal Assistants connect through compatibility, choice and independence — and we wanted to say thank you to our amazing community.To celebrate, we’re giving away:✨ 1 FREE 3-month Client subscription✨ 1 FREE 3-month PA subscriptionWhether you’ve been with us for years, already subscribe, or have [...]

When we talk about wellbeing, conversations often focus on exercise, mindfulness, healthy routines or taking time to rest… But wellbeing is much broader than self-care.Feeling independent, confident, connected and able to take part in everyday life all contribute to overall wellbeing, and for many disabled people having the right support can make those things possible.This [...]

When we think about loneliness, we usually picture someone who spends a lot of time alone. But loneliness isn't actually about how many people are around you - you can be surrounded by family, colleagues, support workers, or even a busy social calendar and still feel lonely. Equally, some people who spend large amounts of [...]

If you've signed up to help test the new PA Pool website and app, firstly thank you!Secondly, you may be wondering what on earth has happened.The short answer is:Quite a lot.The slightly longer answer is:Imagine a cross between a technology project, a soap opera, a disaster recovery exercise and an episode of The Apprentice where [...]

Having your own Personal Assistant offers something many agencies struggle to provide: genuine choice and control. You get to choose who supports you, and decide when and how that support is delivered. You can build a long-term relationship with someone who understands and aligns with your goals, routines and preferences.So if employing a PA offers [...]

Carers Week is an opportunity to recognise the millions of unpaid carers across the UK and the incredible role they play in supporting loved ones. But it's also a chance to ask an important question:What happens when caring responsibilities start to overshadow the relationship itself?When Family Becomes Full-Time SupportAccording to Census data, there are around [...]

For many disabled people, a Blue Badge is not a luxury or a “perk”. It’s something that makes everyday life more manageable, accessible, and possible.But recently, more and more disabled people across the UK have spoken out about being questioned, judged, harassed, or even verbally abused while simply trying to park and go about their [...]

The UK government has recently announced new “Right to Try” rules, which are aimed at helping disabled people feel safer exploring work and volunteering opportunities, and reducing the fear of immediately losing their benefits. For many people living with disabilities, returning to work is not only about motivation or accessibility. Theres also a strong sense of [...]