PAMIS had worked in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council for 16 years. 

A charity offering support to individuals and families affected by profound and multiple learning disabilities have said they are “devastated” after one of Scotland’s councils ended their funding partnership. 

PAMIS Scotland confirmed this week that it had lost its funding from South Lanarkshire Council. 

The charity, which provides family support services, cultural opportunities, postural care, learning and research, as well as offering support as individuals move from child to adult services, had worked in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council for 16 years. 

Despite this long-standing collaboration, PAMIS’ funding was pulled, with the charity’s staff member for the area said to be “clearing out her office”. 

Confirming the news, the charity wrote on social media: “We were devastated to lose funding after 16 years of partnership working with the most inspiring families but we refuse to walk away. 

“We learn our resilience from you, seeking alternative funding to ensure you remain visible.”

The decision has been met with dismay, with other charities and those supported by PAMIS warning of the negative effect the move could have. 

Posting on social media, the Inspiring Inclusion fund wrote: “We’re proud to work with 

PAMIS Scotland who carry out vital services to support people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families. They provide essential, creative and enriching experiences, which are critical in achieving the society we strive for.”

This was echoed by The ALLIANCE, who wrote: “Terrible news for an important organisation providing a vital service for people in need in our society.”

ALLIANCE’s former chief executive, and current adviser, said the decision showed the need for reform of third sector funding across Scotland. 

He wrote: “It’s beyond dispiriting to read about the current PAMIS Scotland crisis and an indictment of the way we continue to fund the third sector in Scotland and simultaneously misunderstand its impact.”

Director of Health and Social Care, Soumen Sengupta, said: “We were disappointed that PAMIS rejected the opportunity to tender to provide these services.

“As required by legislation, in order to continue to work with the council, PAMIS were invited to be part of a transparent and competitive tender process – we were surprised that PAMIS chose not to do that.

“Service users should be reassured that we will continue to offer the correct level of care and support that they require.

“Other providers have been appointed through the correct and proper channels to provide these services.

“We have written to all service usersaffected, via PAMIS, to let them know of their choices and would encourage any of them to contact us direct if they have any questions.”