Professional resources
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Making great occupational therapy referrals
Good quality referrals are key to helping children and young people access the occupational therapy they need – when they need it . They also help us use resources efficiently by putting services and support where they are needed most .
Good quality referrals mean : a young person ’ s needs can be assessed and prioritised easily ; we can identify the level and type of occupational therapy a young person needs – first time ; there ’ s a shared understanding of the purpose and expectations of OT involvement ; relevant information is shared , helping children and young people to move smoothly from one service to another ; and occupational therapy resources are used efficiently , and the risk of unnecessary delays or duplication of effort is minimised .
For our top tips for referrers and occupational therapy services , and to download the advice and our Making great OT referrals poster for use in schools , receptions and public spaces , visit https :// bit . ly / 3xxKZic .
Cancer charity lanches online wellbeing checker tool
Cancer Compass is a new , free online tool that allows anyone living with or beyond cancer to check their emotional wellbeing and , in just a few seconds , find and receive the most appropriate practical or emotional support .
Accessible through the Cancer Support UK website , Cancer Compass allows anyone with a cancer diagnosis to learn what type of support they would benefit from . It is designed to get people thinking about their wellbeing and emotional needs . In less than a minute , users of the online tool can be put in touch with any of the following :
Cancer Coach : This free , six-week programme , is available to anyone with a primary ( stages one to three ) cancer diagnosis , who has completed their physical cancer treatment and is experiencing low mood , anxiety and worry .
Cancer Kits : these free-of-charge specially developed kits contain practical items for adults and children with cancer to use while receiving treatment . All the items have been carefully chosen to usefully support people who are often feeling upset and experiencing physical discomfort .
Signposting : Cancer Support UK ’ s website has a comprehensive list of cancer support related information and websites .
Commenting on the launch of Cancer Compass , Cancer Support UK ’ s Chief Executive Mark Guymer , said : ‘ We know that life during and after cancer can feel very overwhelming and it can be difficult to know where to turn for support . We are acutely aware that there is a lack of awareness of the need for greater emotional support for people facing a cancer diagnosis .
‘ Our Cancer Compass tool is incredibly easy to use and is designed to take the stress out of finding what support you need . By answering a few simple questions , people are directed to the most appropriate types of support for them .’
A Cancer Coach participant commented : ‘ The group provided me with a very safe and understanding environment to express my thoughts and concerns . Living on my own I felt quite isolated and unsupported after my cancer treatment . Some friends didn ’ t know what to say to me .
‘ The group reassured me that my thoughts and feelings were quite natural and helped me to try and rationalise them . I now have a better sense of purpose in adjusting to life after cancer treatment . Plus , I learned some very useful tips in managing any challenges which may arise .’ For more information visit www . cancersupportuk . org / cancer-compass /.
48 OTnew April 2024