Hi, I’m Benjamin, a 29-year-old man who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a progressive neuromuscular condition. I have been using a powered wheelchair since 2015. I am a determined individual who tries to make the most of life and not be defined by my condition.
I studied Neuroscience at the University of Nottingham between 2015-2018 and MSc Science Communication at the University of Sheffield between 2018-2019. I worked in healthcare communications from 2021 for 18 months and have been doing a part-time distance learning course in an MSc in Sustainable Development at SOAS since 2023, aiming to complete it in 2026. I have worked with different charities, including Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance as a freelance research officer, supporting people with DMD. I like to keep myself busy!
I have a keen interest in healthcare, science, music and being outdoors. Music is one of my passions; at one point, I wanted to be a sound engineer/producer. I have a varied taste in both old and new, including soul/funk, reggae, rock, jazz, classical, worship, dance/drum & bass and hip-hop, but the list goes on! I enjoy DJing, playing and making music; I just wish I made more time for it! I will often have music on in the background.
I am also interested in watching sports, the outdoors/walking, nature, gardening, design, reading and gaming and have taken part in sports such as sailing and powerchair football. I’m looking for a PA who shares and can support me with these interests. I am a sociable person who enjoys going out, but I do enjoy my own space! I also enjoy food!
Remember you are an enabler. You are my arms and legs.
Detailed Job description and Specification:
I need help with personal care, including showering/washing, dressing, toileting, hoist transfers, and overnight NIV (including daily cleaning of NIV, putting the NIV mask on and turning the machine on/off).
I require support with domestic tasks (I like to be clean and tidy!), cleaning my chair, shopping and tasks involved in independently maintaining a household.
I require a PA who can support me with cooking and food preparation (although I know how to cook myself and can provide instructions). Having a PA who has cooking skills and enjoys cooking healthy food is essential. I like my food!
I need help picking up and moving heavy objects/items as required and when going out, packing and unpacking my bag.
I need help with a daily stretching regime, standing wheelchair, weekly swimming, cough assist. I need somebody who enjoys exercise and sports and who is happy to support me with stretching. I also require support when I go sailing (you don’t have to get in the boat! - The season for this is between April and September/October). I haven’t been sailing for a while and am exploring powered chair football.
Driving (automatic) is essential for this role. You must have a full UK or EU driving licence. I have a Motability vehicle that I need someone to drive for trips/activities on occasion. However, I can drive from my powered wheelchair for some journeys (I can drive for short journeys - up to one hour).
Previous experience in manual handling is necessary. However, I am confident in being able to train you in how I like to be supported/assisted.
Please be aware that the job specification may change over time as my condition progresses.
Please ask for more details for my detailed job description, specification and care plan.
• No Smoking.
• No agencies.
• I am unable to provide sponsorship for a visa.
• I need someone who lives within 1hr of my address.
Work hours and pattern:
I am looking for a PA who can cover 35 hours a week and is flexible in the evenings and weekends. The rate of pay is £14.80 per hour.
Type of role: Employed (PAYE)
Working between 4 – 12 hr shifts across week:
Availability/flexibility to work between 7:00 am – 20:00 pm.
● Ability to start from 07:00 am
Availability/flexibility to work some evenings and weekends. This depends on what is happening in the week.
Working patterns and start times can be flexible and agreed upon after discussion and based on your availability.
Example workdays/hours:
35 hours could be split as follows:
Mon 07:00-17:00 (10- 11 hrs), Tue 07:00 – 17:00 (10-11hrs), Thurs 08:00 - 18:00 (10hrs), Fri 09:00 – 14:00 (5hrs)
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