Chloe has three Personal Assistants (PAs) that help her to live independently. We hear from them about what it's like to be a PA and work for Chloe.
My name is Philippa, and I have been working for Chloe for ten years. I started when I was a shy 21 year old and still getting accustomed to living in Scotland. It's been a pleasure getting to know Chloe, and I feel like she has helped get me out of my shell and feeling more confident. She told me to watch Trainspotting, showed me the best pubs around town, gave me an introduction into Scottish banter, and told me umbrellas are for babies - not real Scottish people. We have been to all sorts of events and places around Scotland - the Edinburgh fringe, the Edinburgh film festival, and to pretty much every music gig Chloe can find in her area! So it kind of has felt like Chloe has been taking care of me more than I have been taking care of Chloe, and that's what I tell people when they mistake me for her carer. I'm just a personal assistant.
I've worked as a PA for Chloe for 3 years now. When I first applied I wasn't 100% sure what the role of a Personal Assistant included, but I learnt quickly that it can mean anything! From gardening to DIY to a wee evening in the pub or anything else that she wants to get up to that day. I might get a text from Chloe before a shift that says "Wear old clothes for work later", and then I turn up to find her decorating her living room! So really being a PA is supporting someone to live their life however they see fit.
I have been employed by Chloe for over 7 years now, we have been growing and bonding over the years so much so that sometimes I lose sight that it is my job. Chloe and I have a similar sense of humour, so we tend to laugh and jest most of the time, however now and then we have our fall outs, I guess because we are so close it would be difficult not to have these moments, but they are over quicker that they began, maybe there’s a sisterly element in there because of our bond! Going to work with Chloe allows me to escape from my world at times and it’s a pleasure to go and hang out with her, she has taught me a lot about myself over the years. Working with Chloe is also allowing me to study now because of the flexible hours I work. Working with Chloe is a win win situation, I get to go hang with my friend in between study and family life, being one of Chloes PA is a privilege!
