Microprovider Advice & Support

15/05/2026

Private carers, PAs, Microproviders - it's like the WILD WEST out there - right??
After 30 years in regulated services, this is what I thought when I started supporting individuals to set themselves up. This is NOT what I think now.

I have supported over 150 people to set up & meet the Devon Microprovider Standards https://bit.ly/42tShA8. I've also chatted and given advice to several hundred more. These are people who want to make sure they get it right. The sort of people you would happily have supporting your family member!

Quality matters and quality people want to stand out.

Self-employment is not for everyone but if you think it might work for you and have something to offer -make an enquiry to find out more https://bit.ly/4dCbO7E - what have you got to lose?

https://www.disabilityfocus.org/pa-microproviders/

15/05/2026

Pleased to be supporting https://www.facebook.com/BlackdownSupportGroup next week with their new & super-local microprovider project. Pop along and meet them to hear about it - they're a lovely bunch! 😊
This is an event for independent, self-employed carers (Micros and PAs) who want to work locally and offer great support to other people in their area.

12/05/2026

EXPLAINED - IN PLAIN ENGLISH!

Looking to set up well...?? or maybe you are already meeting the standards. Have a look the standards here bit.ly/42tShA8...?

Want to know more or have a chat? Enquire here bit.ly/4dCbO7E

12/05/2026

20/04/2026

Announcing ....the 5th year of the programme!

The Microprovider Advice and Support programme is a FREE and structured advice and support programme for individuals wanting to set themselves up (or improve their existing service) offering different types of support or care services on a self-employed basis to people in Devon.

Using a strong set of standards to underpin the advice, it helps those seeking support to know that what they will receive will be trustworthy and great quality.

This programme is run in partnership with https://www.devon.gov.uk/

Interested? https://www.disabilityfocus.org/microprovider-contact-us/

09/03/2026

Really nice and very inclusive project near Ashburton with places available again this year. Get in touch with Sophie for more details https://www.communitycatalysts.co.uk/smallgoodstuff/directory/pigment-organic-dyes-cic/

We’re thrilled to announce that PIGMENT has secured funding from the National Lottery Community Fund 🙌

This means that we can run our ‘Roots to Roles’ training programme for young adults in the SEND community for a second year, welcoming back last year’s trainees as mentors and developing participant outreach and opportunities even further. We are really excited to grow the impact we’ve witnessed already.

Know someone that might want to get involved?

Join us at Baddaford Farm to be immersed in Social Therapeutic Horticulture, natural dyeing and vocational learning, on your path to meaningful roles within your community.

When?:

There are two cohorts this year; Monday or Wednesday, 10-3, between May and October (begins Monday 11th May)

Trainee benefits:

- Improved mental and physical health
- Responsive, bespoke training
- Access to nature
- Mentoring opportunities
- Interaction with working farm community

£50 a day for tailored and unique training - please get in touch if this isn’t possible for you, we want to ensure we can reach people from all economic backgrounds

Aimed Outcomes: Improved self-esteem, increased wellbeing and gained work skills

Future Opportunities: PIGMENT Mentor position in 2027 - including a bespoke qualification and introduction to our local organisational network that champions meaningful inclusive practice

Find the link to register your interest in our bio 🔗

04/03/2026

Big thank you to Kate who met me for coffee with her PA today and talked me through her challenges and experiences of finding good quality support from a Microprovider (PA).
Kate is completely blind but also has 3 young children so she definitely needed the right kind of people for this. Great that she has found them now.... but there was definitely some learning for her on the way to finding this support!! Sharing her story enabled me to really reflect on what good looks like for the person who needs it .... rather than others involved in setting this up.
Still keen to hear from anyone who's keen to help define QUALITY when it comes to care and support - regardless of whether you receive it or provide it. Get in touch - it'd be great to hear from you.😊

11/02/2026

First of all – I’m not selling anything! 😊

Many people are offering care or support but it's often hard to know whether this will be the standard you'd expect or want for you or the person in your family.

I'm carrying out a piece of work over the next 2 months looking at the challenges Devon people encounter trying to finding good quality, independent support or care for young adults, older people or those with disabilities.

I’m especially keen to speak to family members (or individuals looking for their own support) who have had this experience. Tell me about the good, the bad, the ugly and anything in between.

I’m Simon. I work for Disability Focus which is an independent charity that supports people with Direct Payments. My role (usually) is to support individuals to set up providing self-employed support but I also work with the local authority to try and improve this market as a whole wherever possible.

Ring me, text me, email, WhatsApp me - whatever’s easiest…I'm keen to hear your story.

[email protected] 07984 989439

12/01/2026

ANOTHER NEW MICROPROVIDER IN EAST DEVON! 😁😊
Jennie is up and running and available for work - read more about her here https://www.communitycatalysts.co.uk/smallgoodstuff/directory/jennie-gilbert-enabling/
As well as her really strong background working with neurodiverse young people she also has a background working with a variety of other people, young and old. Based in Sidmouth but willing to travel, why not give her a call. She has a lovely portfolio she can share with great information about what she offers and how she works.
Good luck Jennie - real pleasure working with you and to such a high standard👌😊
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jennie%20gilbert%20enabling

Want to know more about micro-providing? https://www.disabilityfocus.org/pa-microproviders/