National Personal Assistants Day 2026
November 13
About National Personal Assistants Day 2026
National Personal Assistants Day takes place on 13 November each year to recognise, celebrate, and champion Personal Assistants (PAs) working in social care across the UK and Ireland. The date coincides with the annual PA Workforce Summit and with World Kindness Day.
What is a Personal Assistant?
A Personal Assistant is a versatile professional who significantly enhances the lives of individuals with care or support needs. PAs are employed to help individuals stay safe, healthy, and live independently, providing personalised support tailored to the unique needs of those they assist, whether at home, at work, or out and about.
Often employed through Direct Payments, PAs give individuals more control over their care, allowing them to choose their support providers and schedules. This system has grown in popularity, offering greater autonomy and flexibility in managing care.
What is National Personal Assistants Day?
Personal Assistants are the unsung heroes who make a profound difference in the lives of people with care or support needs. They are more than just helpers: they are chefs, personal shoppers, carers, advocates, friends, and so much more. Every day, PAs wear many hats to ensure that those they support can live with dignity, independence, and empowerment.
National Personal Assistants Day exists to recognise that dedication and versatility, to raise awareness of the vital role PAs play, and to inspire greater appreciation for their work. Delegates from across the UK and Ireland play a central role in shaping and championing the initiative, with support from government leads in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.
When is National Personal Assistants Day?
National Personal Assistants Day is held annually on 13 November. In 2026 it falls on Friday 13 November.
The Theme: Wear a Hat for PA Day
The theme of the day is “Wear a Hat for PA Day”. Wearing a hat is symbolic of the many roles a Personal Assistant steps into daily. Supporters, employers, and PAs themselves are encouraged to wear hats to showcase the diverse hats a PA wears, from caregiver to chef, advocate to chauffeur, and friend to guide.
Hats are a powerful symbol of identity and responsibility. By inviting people to wear hats on this day, the campaign visually and playfully acknowledges the multi-faceted nature of Personal Assistants’ roles, and offers an inclusive and engaging way to involve communities, workplaces, and individuals in celebrating PAs.
How to Get Involved in National Personal Assistants Day
- Wear a hat – Join hat-wearing events in workplaces, community centres, and care organisations, and share your photos with the hashtags #WearAHatForPADay and #PAandProud.
- Share stories and testimonials – Highlight the diverse roles PAs play in the lives of the people they support.
- Honour exceptional PAs – Take part in or organise award ceremonies recognising outstanding Personal Assistants.
- Learn and educate – Attend or run educational workshops to increase understanding of PA roles.
- Say thank you – If a Personal Assistant supports you, a family member, or a friend, take a moment on 13 November to recognise their contribution.
Why National Personal Assistants Day Matters
Personal Assistants enable thousands of people to live independently, with choice and control over their own lives. Despite this, the PA workforce often lacks visibility and recognition compared with other parts of the care sector. National Personal Assistants Day brings long-overdue recognition to a profession that is central to personal wellbeing and independence. By wearing a hat, we wear our respect.
Relevant Hashtags
- #NationalPersonalAssistantsDay
- #WearAHatForPADay
- #PAandProud
- #SocialCare
- #PersonalAssistants
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