Personal assistants play a vital role in helping people live independently.
Opportunities have been boosted for people needing tailored day-to-day support after students gave an enthusiastic reaction to learning about a little-known social care post.
A series of presentations at South Lanarkshire College explained the role of the personal assistant (PA) and the ways in which it can be a perfect fit for students.
Personal assistants play a vital role in helping people live independently and make everyday choices and, although the role remains unknown to many, it is in growing demand.
That momentum is being strengthened after social care students at the college showed strong interest in becoming personal assistants following the series of presentations about the role and the difference it makes to people needing this type of individualised support.
The sessions highlighted how PA roles can offer flexible, paid work alongside study, while supporting people to live full lives at home and in their communities.
The initiative reflects South Lanarkshire Council’s commitment to working closely with the college to support the development of the local social care workforce, including through its work within the South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP).
Personal Assistants are paid carers who work directly for an individual who has been assessed as needing support. They work with people with a wide range of needs, including disabilities, mental health issues and learning disabilities, as well as with older people and families, providing support in the home or community.
The role is rooted in the Independent Living Movement, which champions disabled people’s right to choice, control and independence in everyday life.
The presentations were organised by Anne Broderick, fieldwork manager with the HSCP, who said demand for PAs continues to outstrip supply.
She said: “We’ve heard from many people who feel a PA would be the right option for them but who are struggling to recruit.
“By engaging directly with social care students, we can raise awareness of a role that works well for both the individual needing support and the PA.”
Anne was joined by Louise Docherty, from the Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living (GCIL), which supports disabled people to develop person‑centred support arrangements.
Louise said: “The PA role offers flexibility in contract hours to suit both the supported person and PA, builds valuable experience that will help future job applications and provides both an extra source of income and a great sense of fulfilment.
“It was encouraging to see students recognising how rewarding this work can be and how it can fit alongside their studies. We’re passionate about promoting PA roles that offer purpose, job satisfaction and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
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South Lanarkshire College welcomed the opportunity for students to hear directly from partners working in social care.
Scott Gray, curriculum quality manager for health, social care and science, said: “Roles like personal assistants allow students to complement their studies with paid, real‑world experience, while helping employers access motivated, well‑prepared trained staff direct from college.”
Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer for health and social care in South Lanarkshire, said the work highlighted the importance of valuing and developing the PA workforce.
He said: “Personal Assistants play a hugely important role in supporting people to live independently and with dignity.
“Working with South Lanarkshire College helps raise awareness of the Personal Assistant role and the principles of self‑directed support, while giving students a clear understanding of the difference they can make. The enthusiasm shown by students is genuinely encouraging — they are the workforce of tomorrow.”
Becoming a social care Personal Assistant does not require formal qualifications, and anyone interested can find out more on the council’s website.
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