Elizabeth McBride

How did you first hear about/get involved with PAMIS?
In my previous role as a Depute Manager within an adult day and assessment service I worked in partnership with PAMIS, mainly securing placements for young people and negotiating transition programmes, funding and service packages. Many of the young people being referred to the service were linked to PAMIS so my knowledge and insight into the organisation quickly developed. A temporary position with PAMIS Futures Project was advertised 7 years ago, I was the successful applicant and I can honestly say that it was one of my better decisions in life and I have never looked back…………………………………..

What inspired you to work with PAMIS?
Families always spoke very highly and were very complimentary of the support they received from PAMIS. Families viewed PAMIS as a dependable, family centred support network, and in some cases, a lifeline when times were particularly tough. I wanted to be part of that network and provide vital support to families who need it the most.

What are your areas of expertise?
Currently I specialise in supporting parents and carers who have relatives aged 15-18 who are going through the transition process from education to adult services.

I previously gained a BA in Learning Difficulties/Disabilities from Abertay University and since graduating in 1999 I have worked in a variety of direct support roles and management roles within the social care field. My experience, knowledge and insight gained from these roles has been invaluable and enables me to effectively support parents and carers in my current role within PAMIS

What does working at PAMIS mean to you?
It’s more than a just a job……… It’s an opportunity to make difference regardless of how large or small that difference is. It’s a learning curve and an insight into people’s lives which, at times can make you very humble. It’s a flexible role where you can manage your diary independently, and where necessary, make the judgement call to provide that extra time and support to a family because you know that’s what they need. It’s an opportunity to meet and develop relationships with some very amazing and strong people and work for positive outcomes on their behalf.

What is a typical day for you? Day to day functions?
Every day is so varied; it’s one of the things I really enjoy about my job!
The main aspect of my role is to support parents and carers who have young people going through or approaching transition. Therefore a large part of my time is spent providing support at 1:1 meetings within the family home discussing transition issues and the future; educational and social work review meetings, service visits and meetings, personalisation and Self Directed Support, developing digital passports. I also need to complete all the admin and office based work but the priority is always supporting families and making that time available to provide that vital support.

Why do you think it’s important for people to know about PAMIS and the services they provide?
PAMIS is an invaluable service to individuals with PMLD, their friends, families and parents and carers who support them. PAMIS offers bespoke and tailored support to families in relation to their own personal situations and circumstances. In conjunction with traditional direct support services PAMIS is striving to provide a whole range of social, recreational, learning and health and wellbeing activities which provides a platform for the PMLD community to come together and an opportunity to educate wider communities to reduce discrimination and break down barriers.

PAMIS campaigns for the rights of individuals with PMLD and their parents/carers, it is essential that we, as an organisation are as far reaching as possible and as many people as possible can be made aware of the work that we do.

What is your motto, or favourite quote?
You can’t change the past, you can only change the future!