£1/2M to improve health of profoundly disabled

PAMIS, a charity which has now become a unit within the University, is celebrating the award of a lottery grant of £230,041 for a new programme to enable carers of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities to improve the health of those they care for.

This will be achieved through training workshops on health-related issues and the development of leisure opportunities in the community aimed at encouraging activity and exercise.

The award is in addition to similar funds awarded by six statutory agencies across Scotland, bringing the total grant to just under £500,000.

Loretto Lambe, Director of PAMIS, said, "The health care needs of people with profound and multiple disabilities are extensive and ultimately dependent on those who care for them. We, and the many families who will be involved, are very grateful to the Big Lottery fund and the six statutory agencies that have made development of this key initiative possible."

The new programme complements the many other initiatives in which PAMIS is already involved, which span issues concerned with disability, social inclusion and care in the home. PAMIS is the sister unit to the White Top Research Unit, which is an integral part of the Department of Social Work.