New partnership aims to reduce health inequalities through physical wellbeing
A new , national programme will see elderly , disabled and other marginalised groups access sessions to improve physical and mental health .
Sport for Confidence is partnering with ERS Medical to reduce health inequalities via a national programme of physical wellbeing sessions .
The programme , which will be free for participants to join , will cater to anyone from disabled , elderly and other marginalised groups . It is designed to improve activity levels and increase confidence , as well as promote mental wellbeing .
Sessions will be held virtually to begin with and will run for one hour . All sessions will include an occupational therapist from Sport for Confidence providing guidance around self-care , sense of belonging , the negative impact of inactivity and how physical activity can be used for occupational outcomes . A Sport for Confidence coach will then provide the physical element in each session .
Andrew Pooley , chief executive of ERS Medical , commented : ‘ As part of [ our ] social value model , we wanted to partner with a progressive organisation to help us do more in the way of reducing health inequalities – a key priority for the healthcare sector .
‘ As a national provider of specialist transport services , we want to help our patients get access to these physical health sessions , which can not only improve physical health , but can also contribute to mental wellbeing and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness .’
Jake Turner , Operations Director at Sport for Confidence , added : ‘ Our mission at Sport for Confidence is to break down barriers to sport and physical activity to create a more equitable society .
‘ This partnership aligns perfectly to this ambition ... it also enables Sport for Confidence to extend our influence beyond our own growing network , helping us to support groups of people and individuals on a national level that we would otherwise struggle to reach .’
Sessions are due to commence from 1 May 2022 , with the first one being held in the south of the country . Hospitals and patient group representatives interested in finding out about these free sessions can contact pressoffice @ ersmedical . co . uk .
News in brief
New report highlights priority areas for stroke research to inform national policy in England
NHS England has published a report signalling priority areas for research to help inform national policy on stroke . The report was drafted in collaboration with clinicians , academics , policy experts and people with lived experience from the stroke community to identify the highpriority areas for stroke research to support the delivery of NHS Long Term Plan ’ s ambitious targets for stroke in England . The areas captured will be used to influence research activity and funding calls to help us deliver the care needed by stroke patients and their families .
Download Research demand signalling : National Stroke Programme at www . england . nhs . uk / aac / publication / research-demandsignalling-national-stroke-programme /.
Register now for Annual Conference 2022
Annual Conference is our flagship event and the only one run by your professional body , RCOT . It is a showcase for occupational therapy , bringing together members and non-members from across the profession . Thank you to everyone who ranked the possible themes for Annual Conference 2022 – over 1,000 of you voted . And the themes are : Connecting health and social care ; Powering breakthroughs ; Embracing the digital world ; and Innovating our profession . You can buy your ticket now at www . rcot . co . uk / annual-conference-2022 .
RCOT and the environment
Above : Sport for Confidence Director and occupational therapist Lyndsey Barrett ( right ) with a participant
In a blog published on our website , Suzy England , Professional Advisor for Health Informatics at RCOT , discusses why we have signed up to Climate Action for Associations ( CAFA ), our vision for sustainability in the profession and the work RCOT is doing to become more sustainable . You can also read our sustainability action plan at www . rcot . co . uk / about-us / rcot-and-sustainability / rcotssustainability-action-plan .
10 OTnews April 2022