Personal Assistant – Supporting Independent Living (Posted 03/08/26)

The purpose of this role is not to replace my independence but to protect it by providing practical support that enables me to continue living as independently as possible.

About the Role:

I am looking for a Personal Assistant to support me in maintaining my independence while living with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder).

These are both fluctuating conditions that affect my physical, cognitive and sensory capacity. As a result, there are times when I do not have enough capacity to complete essential household tasks, even though I know exactly what needs to be done. My support needs can vary from day to day and throughout the month.

The purpose of this role is not to replace my independence, but to protect it by providing practical support that enables me to continue living as independently as possible.

Who I'm Looking For

I'm looking for someone who is kind, patient, respectful and reliable, and who is willing to learn about living with ME/CFS and PMDD.

You don't need to be an expert in either condition, but it is important that you are open to understanding how they affect my day-to-day life. My conditions are invisible disabilities, and my support needs fluctuate.

I value a collaborative working relationship. I'm looking for someone who will work alongside me, listen, ask rather than assume, and respect that although my conditions affect my physical, cognitive and sensory capacity, they do not affect my intelligence or my ability to make decisions.

Because I live on a limited income, I also appreciate someone who is practical and understands that any ideas or solutions need to be realistic and affordable.

Support Required

Household cleaning – Helping to keep my home clean, tidy and manageable.

Washing up – Assisting with washing dishes and keeping the kitchen clean.

Laundry and bed changing – Washing, drying and putting away laundry, and changing bed linen.

Cooking and meal support – Helping me to prepare and cook meals. I enjoy cooking when I am able, but my ME/CFS often means I do not have enough physical capacity to complete the task. Having support with cooking helps me prepare nutritious meals, reduces food waste and makes better use of my limited budget. An interest in cooking healthy vegetarian meals would be an advantage.

Shopping and collecting medication – Food shopping, collecting prescriptions and helping to ensure essential household items are available.

Personal organisation – Supporting me with organising appointments, diary management and planning ahead to help me manage day-to-day life more effectively.

Support with family routines – Assisting me with the practical preparations needed for my daughter's activities, such as helping me get organised before leaving home, accompanying me to collect her from school, driving us to her activities and returning me home afterwards.

My support needs vary depending on how my ME/CFS and PMDD affect me, so flexibility and a willingness to work collaboratively are important.

Closing:

If you are a kind, reliable and respectful person who enjoys providing practical support and would like to make a genuine difference to someone's independence, I would love to hear from you.

I'm looking for someone who is willing to learn, values working collaboratively, and understands the importance of supporting independence with dignity and respect.

If you think this role would be a good fit for you, please get in touch.

Genders which may apply for this job – Any

Hours per week – 10-15

Hourly rate – TBC

Area – Central Portsmouth

Driving licence required – Yes

Employer has pets – Yes

Employer is smoker – Yes

Required care experience – Mental Health, Unpaid Experience (Caring for Family / Friends or Neighbours), Working with Children