Occupational Therapy News OTnews October 2019 | Page 7

NEWS Occupational therapy-led project triumphant at NHS Wales Awards A project co-led by an occupational therapist to help people who have experienced psychosis into work has won at the NHS Wales Awards. Hywel Dda University Health Board and MIND Cymru worked together to develop a new vocational service for people referred to the early intervention psychosis team. The work was progressed by the professional lead occupational therapist for mental health, Nicky Thomas, in collaboration with the head of psychological therapies and specialist child and adolescent mental health services. The work won the award for working seamlessly across the public and third sector. Local events were run to raise awareness of employment support with frontline staff, with a second event targeted at employers to normalise mental health issues, reduce stigma and enable individuals to access support. As a result of the events, an Individual and Placement and Support (IPS) style service was created at a time when there weren’t any equivalent services in Wales, with occupational therapist Zena Bennett acting as a vocational champion for the service. The project received 32 referrals during 2018-2019. Nicky said: ‘I am absolutely delighted that such a small and dedicated team have been recognised for the valuable service that they are providing for young people experiencing mental health RCOT OCT 19.pdf 1 25/09/2019 NHS Wales Awards winners problems. Hopefully the success of this project will help place vocational rehabilitation and provision of in work support at the core of secondary mental health services within Wales. ‘Occupational therapists have a major role to play and have the necessary skills to work seamlessly across organisations to help individuals achieve their vocational goals.’ The project was featured in the Welsh edition of the Improving Lives, Saving Money report Getting my life back. Read all the Improving Lives, Saving Money reports at: www.rcot.co.uk/ilsm. There is more on IPS projects on page 28. 12:28 2019 Dates C M Y CM MY CY Email us today to register for a free training session. Glasgow 6th Nov Edinburgh 7th Nov Sheffield 12th Nov York 13th Nov Bradford 14th Nov CMY K Liverpool 5th Nov We are running training events around the Country on the ‘Introduction to Postural Management and Pressure Care’. Register your interest today QUOTING ‘RCOT’! Email [email protected] S.London 19th Nov N.London 20th Nov Norfolk 21st Nov More 2020 dates to come.. N202 OTnews October 2019 7