Like other organisations around the country PAMIS have closed their doors, including those of their head office in Dundee, due to the current government advice.
However, as the only charity in Scotland that work solely with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and their families, PAMIS are continuing to provide essential services to families and carers and have adapted their methods to reach one of the most marginalised groups in society. Family contact is now maintained online through email, text, phone and social media and a series of adapted activities have been created that families can take part in while isolated at home.
Jenny Miller, CEO of PAMIS explains why this programme of activities is so important, “People with profound and multiple learning disabilities are some of the most vulnerable people in society with complex heath condition they require often intensive 24/07 care and support. The caring role for someone with PMLD is a very demanding role and standard "entertainment" programmes don't offer the kind of support that benefits these families. In addition many family and paid carers are now seeing their role intensify, often now involved over the 24 hour period. Therefore the programme we designed and developed was one that would provide them with appropriate and meaningful activity for the people they are supporting. However in addition we recognised that the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of the carer was also really important so this programme of online therapeutic activities supports both the carer and the person being cared for”
PAMIS believe this programme, part funded by Community Response, Recovery and Resilience Fund and Inspiring Scotland’s Emergency Response Fund, will support people through this difficult time and prevent deterioration in their mental and emotional well-being. It will reduce isolation and promotes community connection, fostering a sense of community support and understanding, letting people know they have not been forgotten about.
The programme consists of a range of activities including online art and music therapy, craft and creative activities, drama and multisensory storytelling, physical activity such as SOMA and online video sessions ensuring carers are promoting good postural care.
Little Leo White (4) uses a torch to represent the sun as part of a PAMIS storytelling challenge. (Leo was born with Ohtahara Syndrome, an extremely rare form of epilepsy)
About PAMIS
PAMIS is the only organisation in Scotland that works solely with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. They provide a range of services and projects including; Family Support Service, Information & Library service, training, research and campaign for equity in services for people with profound and complex disabilities and their family carers.
People with PMLD and their families face many barriers to accessing and participating in the community, and PAMIS works on a number of fronts to enable inclusion and improve their quality of life.
PAMIS works closely with the Scottish Government on the development of policy and practice. This work includes representation on government committees, responding to consultation exercises, and campaigning on key issues.
The organisation was highly commended in the ‘Cracking Campaign’ category of the 2015 Scottish Charity Awards for its Changing Places, Changing Lives initiative. The campaign aims to ensure there is at least one public toilet built to the Changing Places standard in every town centre with a population greater than 15,000 and within each new public building such as shopping centres, concert halls, railway stations etc.
More information is available at www.pamis.org.uk/ or call Fiona Harper on 07507 844097 or email f.k.harper@dundee.ac.uk
PAMIS
PAMIS solely supports people with profound learning and multiple disabilities and their families to lead healthy, valued and included lives. With 28 years’ experience in family support, inclusive practice, learning and development, research and campaigning, PAMIS understand the complexity of care and support required by this group.
