13th November 2026 - National Personal Assistants Day

National Personal Assistant Day takes place on 13 November and celebrates the vital contribution Personal Assistants make in supporting people to live independently and exercise choice and control over their care and support. The day is an opportunity to recognise the dedication, skills and flexibility of PAs and to raise awareness of the important role they play in social care. This year's celebrations encourage everyone to "Wear a Hat for PA Day" to highlight the many roles PAs undertake every day. 

Managing a Direct Payment can sometimes feel overwhelming, but there is support available. The Independent Living Group (ILG) offers a range of resources for Direct Payment recipients, including updates on employment and HR legislation, practical guidance for employing Personal Assistants, and regular peer support sessions where you can connect with others who share similar experiences.

Closer to home, Shropshire Council hosts Digital Direct Payment Drop-In Sessions. These informal online sessions provide an opportunity to meet the Direct Payments Team, ask questions, share ideas, and connect with other people who receive Direct Payments.

To find out more:

• Join the ILG community and sign up for updates: Independent Living Group
• Access ILG peer support sessions: Peer Support Sessions
• View Shropshire Direct Payment information and local drop-in session dates: Direct payments in adult social care | Shropshire Council

These opportunities can help you stay informed, gain confidence as an employer, and learn from the experiences of others using Direct Payments.

Did you know that a range of training and development opportunities are available to both Direct Payment recipients who employ Personal Assistants and the Personal Assistants themselves?

Whether you are new to Direct Payments or have years of experience, ongoing learning can help you gain confidence, develop new skills and stay up to date with good practice. Training topics include moving and handling, medication, safeguarding, first aid, communication skills and other areas that support safe, high-quality care.

If you employ a Personal Assistant, there are also resources available to help you understand your responsibilities as an employer, including recruitment, employment law, supervision and workforce development.

To find out more:

• Training opportunities for Personal Assistants and Individual Employers
• Guidance on Employing a Personal Assistant
• Skills for Care Resources for Individual Employers

Investing in training not only helps build knowledge and confidence but can also strengthen working relationships, improve outcomes and support people to live independently and safely in their communities.

National Direct Payments Conference 2026 - Free Places Available 

"Reigniting Direct Payments: The Power of the Right Support" is taking place in London on Thursday 5 November, 9.30am to 4.00pm. The conference is aimed at organisations and individuals involved in the delivery of Direct Payments, including Direct Payment support services, Disabled People's User-Led Organisations (DDPOs), local authorities, health partners, policy leads and wider sector partners. 

Thanks to conference sponsors, a number of complimentary places are available for Direct Payment recipients attending independently and not funded by an organisation. Personal Assistant tickets are also available via a booking code request.  

To find out more or book a place, visit the Eventbrite event page: 

Reigniting Direct Payments: The Power of the Right Support 

For complimentary Direct Payment recipient places or Personal Assistant ticket information, contact Amanda at events@nationaldirectpaymentforum.org.uk. 

This is an excellent opportunity to hear about national developments, share experiences, learn from others and help shape the future of Direct Payments.