A Better Life

photo and interview opportunity, Friday March 22, 11.30am,West Park Conference Centre, University of Dundee

The University of Dundee is spearheading a groundbreaking national initiative aimed at improving quality of life for those with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLDs) and their carers.

The Promoting a More Inclusive Society (PAMIS) group at the University's White Top Centre will tomorrow launch the National Network on Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities, which has been set up to provide support for local authorities, families and carers of those with PMLDs.

In its review of services for people with learning disabilities, published last year, the Scottish Executive stated that a national support network was essential to improve the quality of life for such people and increase their inclusion in society.

PAMIS was contracted by the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability (SCLD) to establish the network with the aim of

• Identifying and concentrating national and local expertise to provide guidance and training for statutory and voluntary service agencies;
• Identifying gaps in knowledge which PAMIS can help remedy;
• Bringing carers and professionals closer together;
• Producing a newsletter to open lines of communication between all those concerned with profound and multiple disability

PAMIS will launch this important initiative tomorrow (March 22) with a conference at the West Park Centre.

The conference, entitled A Better Life, will allow those involved in the initiative to have their say on how they want the new network to contribute to their own services or family needs.

More than 160 people will hear presentations on key issues including the education of young people with PMLDs, their transition into adult life and the general health needs of those with PMLDs.

Anne Brown, a trustee of the SCLD, will talk about the real healthcare needs of her profoundly disabled adult daughter Fiona and the daily difficulties she faces in caring for her.

Nicola Grove, a senior lecturer at London's City University will give a presentation on the benefits of creativity for the development on those with PMLD and there will be several display stands showing the work of people who attend the White Top Centre.

Lorretto Lambe, director of PAMIS, said, "The purpose of the network is to provide advice and support to local authorities, families, carers and professional working with them with the ultimate aim of improving the quality of life for those with PMLDs.

" We are beginning tomorrow by drawing together all those involved in the network, looking at the barriers they face and working together to discuss ways they can be overcome."

Loretto Lambe can be contacted on 01382 345154