Devon PA network

30/10/2026

30/10/2026

⚠️ URGENT APPEAL: START SAVING WATER NOW! 💧

Recent rain hasn’t ended the drought. Devon reservoirs remain critically low, and further restrictions could follow if conditions worsen.

Think about what losing a reliable water supply would mean for an older parent, a neighbour with limited mobility or a loved one who needs water for everyday care.

Please help relatives, friends and neighbours who might benefit access extra support through the free Priority Services Register.

Don’t wait for further restrictions to act.

Cllr Julian Brazil: "As a council, we will hold South West Water to account, but we all now have a part to play in reducing unnecessary demand."

👉 Read our full update: https://orlo.uk/nAoqi

29/10/2026

I know, it’s been quiet here for a while, but I’m still here and still offering support! 🙂

After years working in regulated care, I know how good it can be when it works well but I also know that different people need different options—it’s about finding the right fit.

I passionately believe that people should have a real choice about who supports them and what that support looks like. Round pegs in round holes!

When it’s done well, independent care and support can be great quality and professional. I know this both personally and professionally, and my work is about helping people make this happen.

Over the last four years, I’ve met hundreds of amazing people who want to get things right and offer top-quality services as microproviders or personal assistants (PAs). Most offer care and support, but there are some other fab ideas for new services out there too.

Interested? Have an idea? Don’t be shy—you don’t need to have it all worked out before getting in touch.

Use the enquiry form on our website to make contact. Happy to help!

https://www.disabilityfocus.org/pa-microproviders/

Simon

29/10/2026

🎩 National Personal Assistant Day is coming!

Friday 13 November 2026 is National Personal Assistant Day – a chance to recognise and celebrate Personal Assistants and the incredible contribution they make to independent living.

PAs wear many hats in their work – supporting people to live their lives with choice, control and independence, while adapting to the individual needs of the people they work alongside.

This year, organisations and communities across the UK are coming together to celebrate the PA workforce and help raise the profile of this vital role.

👒 Whether you’re a PA, employ a PA, work alongside PAs or simply want to show your support, you can get involved.

Find out more about National Personal Assistant Day:
https://www.nationalpersonalassistantday.com/

We’ll be sharing more as we get closer to the day!

29/10/2026

13th November is National Personal Assistant Day

Here's how you can join in:
🎩 Wear a hat on National Personal Assistant Day
📸 Share a photo on social media
💙 Post a thank you message to a Personal Assistant
📖 Tell a story about how a PA has made a difference
📣 Help us promote the role and encourage others to consider becoming a Personal Assistant

08/09/2026

2 new useful docs from Skills for Care (with assistance from Somerset) helping to clarify do's and don'ts for self-employed carers and enablers
https://tinyurl.com/SFC-short AND https://tinyurl.com/SFC-long

11/07/2026

FYI - DCC are reviewing their "shout out" service for adults seeking care or support at present.
FEEDBACK ON THIS WOULD BE REALLY HELPFUL - from either PAs / Micros
...but most importantly........... from people who have used it.
Please send feedback direct to me and I will relay to the council - whatsapp, FB messenger or email all fine.
Thanks, Simon

15/05/2026

Private carers, PAs, Microproviders - it's like the WILD WEST out there - right??
After 30 years in regulated services, this is what I thought when I started supporting individuals to set themselves up. This is NOT what I think now.

I have supported over 150 people to set up & meet the Devon Microprovider Standards https://bit.ly/42tShA8. I've also chatted and given advice to several hundred more. These are people who want to make sure they get it right. The sort of people you would happily have supporting your family member!

Quality matters and quality people want to stand out.

Self-employment is not for everyone but if you think it might work for you and have something to offer -make an enquiry to find out more https://bit.ly/4dCbO7E - what have you got to lose?

https://www.disabilityfocus.org/pa-microproviders/