Calderdale OTs celebrate National OT Week
Occupational Therapists (OT) in Calderdale have been demonstrating their passion for the profession by raising awareness of the National Occupational Therapy Week 2012- Making a Difference.
The OTs used the awareness week as a platform to highlight and reinforce the value and contribution that occupational therapy makes within their services. OTs in mental health services at The Dales displayed an information board in the foyer highlighting the wide variety of skills the team have that enable individuals to lead fulfilling and purposeful lives. The information board not only promoted the benefits of the OT role within mental health but also provided further information on OT support in physical, paediatric, primary care and vocational settings.
Occupational therapy within mental health is recognised as an approach that uses activity to promote positive wellbeing, assists recovery and helps people achieve meaningful outcomes such as employment, self-care and leisure. It has been recognised that timely OT interventions can prevent unnecessary hospital admission, decrease the number of incidents on inpatient wards, facilitate early discharge and support adults of working age to retain their jobs during an episode of mental illness.
As well as marking OT week the team were also celebrating an award success at the Trust’s Excellence awards, where OTs from the Elmdale Ward won for the mountain bike scheme, which was funded by Creative Minds.
Read more about the Excellence awards.
During OT week a service user at The Dales wrote a poem about her experience and keeping focused on the future.
The Future
Something’s I can not see
Not sure what I want to be
Only know what I have been taught
Just feel my past has been fraught
From now on I have to be stronger
To keep the focus on me longer
Follow the path towards a goal
Time will tell me when it unfolds
Find a place where I can hide
A shelter for me to really unwind
Knowing I am loved for who I am
Not taken in for just a scam
Eyes wide open feet on the floor
No need to keep an eye on the door
Be around people who care for me too
Find a direction that I can pursue
Knowing the people who need my care
Ensure they don’t suffer silent despair
Raise them up when they are down
A helping hand passed all around
Embrace this time I have right now
Notice the good things and take a bow
One day my achievements will be bold
Hoping it happened before I’m too old.
Marina, service user at The Dales