OTnews August 2021 | Page 10

NEWS
New care and rehabilitation centre gets Royal seal of approval
Disability charity Queen Elizabeth ’ s Foundation for Disabled People ( QEF ) has officially marked the opening of a ‘ state of the art ’ care and rehabilitation centre with a Royal visit .
The service opened during the pandemic in July 2020 , and it offers neuro rehabilitation expertise that supports people to rebuild their lives after an acquired brain injury , stroke , incomplete spinal injury or other neurological condition .
Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex was keen to meet and speak to staff – including occupational therapists – about their experiences of the last year and the challenges of providing person-centred therapy and care to people straight from hospital .
Karen Deacon , QEF chief executive said : ‘ Opening a new centre is always a challenge , but opening at the height of a global pandemic has taken an incredible commitment from everyone involved . Our expert teams are dedicated to providing person-centred therapy and care to enable people to rebuild their lives after an acquired brain injury , stroke or neurological condition ; over the last year they have adapted how they work to ensure safety , while also providing the best possible support for clients .’
The charity has already raised over £ 12 million towards the £ 15 million cost of the new centre , and a new appeal has been launched to raise the final £ 2.7 million needed to fully fund this project . This fundraising is ongoing and will ensure additional lifts can be added to the building , automatic doors can be added throughout , eye gaze technology can be available in every bedroom , sensory zones can be created in the gardens , accessible technology can be fully-funded and additional therapy equipment can be provided .
Last chance for The Constance Owens Trust PhD study funding
If you are looking for funding to support your upcoming PhD study , The trustees will meet to consider applications in November consider applying to The Constance Owens Trust for a substantial 2021 and potentially successful applicants will be notified after award of £ 15,000 . It is payable that and invited to discuss their over three years , or more by timescales , project and funding agreement in the case of parttime study , to an occupational
The award will be divided
stages . therapist working in any sector into annual payments subject undertaking PhD study . to receipt of an annual report
Professional links to Liverpool ( including supervisor input ) on and / or to Constance Owens ’ progress . commitment to occupational All applications are dealt with therapy internationally will by email and should be made be looked upon favourably . on the application form , which
Applications for this award can be obtained from Rathbones are welcome from individual
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occupational therapists who are interested in registering or who are registered for full or part-time studies in the following : PhD studies ; Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy ; Professional Doctorate in Education ( related to occupational therapy ).
Trust Company Limited in Liverpool by emailing Lois . King @ rathbones . com .
Closing date for all application forms and accompanying documentation is 31 August 2021 for consideration at the November meeting of the trustees .
10 OTnews August 2021