NEWS
Year-long pilot to hardwire physical activity into health and social care in Essex
A year-long pilot is getting under way in Essex to try and hardwire physical activity into health and social care .
Occupational therapist-founded Sport for Confidence has partnered with Essex County Council ’ s adult social care department and sports and activity organisation Active Essex to test out a prevention and enablement model , based on evidencebased practice . The model will be reviewed by the University of Essex .
Lyndsey Barrett , senior occupational therapist and founder of Sport For Confidence , says : ‘ Sport For Confidence is already evidencing the positive effect community support services can
have , not just on individuals , but also on alleviating the pressure placed on health and social care services .
‘ Through our work , it has been made clear that a person-centred , whole-system approach to healthcare is what is needed to drive positive change on a community-wide scale and that physical activity has a central role to play in delivery plans . This is the ethos behind [ the prevention and enablement model ].’
Kelly Harman from Active Essex said : ‘ With the spread of COVID-19 threatening various degrees of lockdown , this winter is going to be tough for many people across the county , especially those facing additional challenges with both physical and mental health . We need a whole system approach , work to reset how our system partners link together , align our resources and share what works .
‘[ The prevention and enablement model ], working in collaboration with many other system partners in community health , social care and physical activity partners across Essex , will ensure adults who are vulnerable and / or who have entered the healthcare system , can access the help and support they need to be able to maintain a good quality of life , despite the challenges of social isolation .
‘ The initiative will focus on a preventative approach centred around physical activity , to help reduce demand on the healthcare system . This learning can then be scaled up , across our network of providers in Essex and beyond .’
VIRTUAL & REMOTE TRAINING , EDUCATION , ASSESSMENTS & WEBINARS - TAILORED TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS
If you are unable to accept outsider visitors and suppliers during this time , CareFlex has the perfect solution for you !
What are we providing ?
• Virtual / Remote Client Assessments
• Clinical training provided virtually
• Product features and benefits sessions
• Training in specialist seating and posture / pressure care management
• Chair set-up and carer / user training
• Demonstrate minor chair adjustments
Book a Session with our Specialist Seating Assessor 0800 018 6440 info @ careflex . co . uk www . careflex . co . uk
N202
OTnews January 2021 13