FEATURE MENTAL HEALTH
Recovery through activity
Claire-Michelle Tolmie talks about supporting patients to independently engage in new community based activities
In NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde , the occupational therapy team within the Forensic Community Mental Health and Learning Disability Team ( FCMH & LDT ) work with adults aged 18 and upwards living in the community who have previously been detained in secure facilities , such as secure hospitals and / or prison .
It has 91 patients , the majority of whom are male , with schizophrenia being the most common diagnosis with co-morbid personality or addiction issues . Most patients are subject to both mental health and / or criminal justice legislation .
Following discharge from secure care , patients are supported to continue their recovery journey , developing their occupational roles and meeting their health care needs within the community .
It is recognised that occupational therapists working in forensic community mental health teams play a key role in a patient ’ s recovery , enabling them to lead ‘ personally meaningful , purposeful lives , creating a positive sense of identity , which reduces the risk of recidivism and readmission to services ’ ( Cronin-Davis 2017 ).
Research shows that for people accessing health and social care input due to mental ill health occupational balance is essential for wellbeing , recovery and achieving a sense of meaning and control in daily life ( Eklund et al 2020 )
In order to support patients in achieving this occupational balance , the occupational therapy team within the FCMH & LDT supports patients to engage in occupations they find meaningful and purposeful .
Various factors can make this challenging for patients , such as mood , motivation , finances , social isolation and lack of confidence . In addition , patients may lack awareness of local resources available and not have the confidence , skills or means to access them .
© jacoblund via Getty Images
With these barriers in mind , the occupational therapy team utilised the Recovery through Activity manual ( Parkinson 2014 ) to develop a communitybased intervention .
The group addressed barriers to occupational engagement , and supported patients to reflect on their current activity levels , explore new activities , and plan for participation in new community occupations . The Recovery through Activity group ( Parkinson
2014 ) aims to :
• provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on their occupational balance and its impact on their general health ;
28 OTnews August 2021