Kind, Patient and Understanding Personal Assistant Needed HWES1721

Independent Lives; Heathfield; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Independent Lives in Heathfield is seeking a kind, patient Personal Assistant to support an adult woman who has experienced social isolation. The role is self-employed, part-time, on-site, and aims to help her become more involved in the community and increase independence.

You will research activities, accompany her to events, assist with appointments, and help build confidence at a pace that feels comfortable. A calm, proactive approach and good English are essential.

Qualifications

• Self-employed status and right to work in the UK.
• DBS check may be required; cost borne by applicant.
• 15 hours per week; days and times to be agreed.
• Support an adult to build confidence and social connections.

Responsibilities

• Research local groups, activities, and volunteering opportunities.
• Accompany and support attendance at activities.
• Encourage exploration of interests and long-term goals.
• Assist with appointments including medical and dental.
• Help develop independence in daily life.
• Provide reassurance when trying new activities.
• Support toward meaningful community involvement.
• Transport and companionship duties as required.

Skills

Compassionate

Reliable

Patient

English proficiency

Job description

Kind, Patient and Understanding Personal Assistant Needed HWES1721

Company: Independent Lives

Salary: TBD (self employed)

Hours: Part-time

Location: Heathfield

Working pattern: On-site

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 7 Oct 2026

Closing date: 6 Nov 2026

Ref: HWES1721

Kind, Patient and Understanding Personal Assistant Needed

Details

This role is to support a Woman

Drivers licence required: Yes

Own vehicle needed: Yes

Employment status:

Self-employed

Hours per week:

15 hours per week (days and times TBD)

Hourly pay rate:

TBD

We are looking for a kind, patient and understanding Personal Assistant to support an adult who has experienced significant social isolation and would like help to become more involved in the community, develop confidence and gradually increase her independence.

The role will involve supporting her to identify and explore suitable activities and opportunities based around her interests, and accompanying her where appropriate. She has a wide range of interests including writing, history, archaeology, natural history and animals, music, arts and crafts, humanitarian causes and military history.

• Helping to research and identify local groups, activities, volunteering opportunities and other ways to become involved in the community.
• Supporting her to attend activities and gradually become more comfortable meeting and interacting with other people.
• Encouraging her to explore different interests and opportunities to discover what she enjoys and would like to pursue longer term.
• Supporting her to attend medical, dental, optician and other appointments where required.
• Helping her develop confidence with everyday adult life and become as independent as possible.
• Providing reassurance and encouragement when trying unfamiliar activities or environments.
• Supporting her to work towards longer-term personal goals and meaningful involvement in her community.

The ideal PA will be compassionate, reliable and patient, with a good understanding of anxiety, social isolation or barriers to accessing the community. You will need to be proactive and able to help research ideas and opportunities rather than simply waiting for activities to be suggested.

A calm and encouraging approach is important, as is an ability to build trust and work at a pace that feels manageable. The aim of the role is to help her gradually build confidence, develop social connections, explore her interests and create a fuller and more independent life.

Duties include

• Other relevant duties as required
• Transportation
• Companionship

Candidate qualities

• Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality
• Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative
• Patient and possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to speak and read English to a reasonable standard

Notes:

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required. If the role is offered on a self-employed basis, you will be responsible for the cost of your own DBS check.

If you are successful in your application for this position, you will be either engaged directly or employed by the individual employer and not by Independent Lives. The role may be offered on an employed or self-employed basis, depending on the suitability and agreement with the employer. If the role is employed, you will be entitled to holiday pay and issued an employment contract.

Please note: If you do not hear back within three weeks of applying, unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.