Mencap and the PMLD Network have launched a series of how-to guides and films in a bid to help those involved in supporting people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) better meet their needs.
Funded by the Department of Health, the free online Raising Our Sights guides are aimed at commissioners, families and others who are responsible for supporting or developing services for people with PMLD within their local communities.
The guides have been developed to help local areas meet the recommendations from the late Professor Jim Mansell’s Raising our sights report (2010), which looked at services and support for people with PMLD.
The Raising Our Sights guides were officially launched at last week’s PMLD Network Conference 2013 on June 20.
Speaking at the event, Beverley Dawkins OBE, policy manager at Mencap, said: “These guides and films will help raise the profile of people with PMLD and their families.
“The stories will inspire families about what is possible in terms of services and support and the practical information will equip them to ask for this.”
Challenge where they are not getting the right support
The 10 guides cover a range of key issues for people with PMLD and their families including effective communication, support for families, advocacy, and personalisation. They each give examples of best practice and have sections to help families and others challenge and campaign where they are not getting the right support.
In addition, there is a guide designed specifically for commissioners with practical help and advice on how best to provide services at a local level and 6 short films, also available online, which share the stories of individuals with PMLD and bring the guides to life.
The guides and films are available at: www.mencap.org.uk/raisingoursights
