FEATURE MENTAL HEALTH
The real work simulation programme
Sandra Adisa , Guy Duffield , Lauren Sherratt and Leroy Mckellop explain how a popular real work simulation programme has been invaluable in motivating and encouraging young people in CAMHS to engage and participate in service user-led initiatives
Potters Bar low secure child and adolescents service currently delivers a real work simulation programme . This has been successfully implemented within the service for over three years and led by the occupational therapy department .
The real work simulation programme is underpinned by the recovery model and focuses on the positive benefits of employment associated with an individual ’ s mental health . The programme contributed towards the development of the child and adolescent mental health service ( CAMHS ), aiming to enhance overall service user experience and increase engagement .
The real work simulation programme aims to enhance young people ’ s social communication skills , support with increasing self-confidence and provides them with the experience to develop their employability skills .
Young people have engaged well within the programme , which contributes to their development by enhancing their level of structure and occupational functioning through engagement within the role .
Our young people are supported to develop their level of productivity as part of their current routine . The occupational therapy department works collaboratively with young people to create roles which they found of interest .
Additionally , young people have highlighted the importance of roles that support them to improve the service . Participants are able to engage in a variety of roles , such as young person advocate , café manager , café assistant , ward based cleaner , magazine editor and peer trainer .
Demand is high , with young people across the service expressing a high level of interest to engage in the programme .
Currently the programme runs over a 12-week period alongside our therapeutic programme . The cycle begins after a week of recruitment to enable all our young people the opportunity to engage and become fully inducted within their roles . Participants engage in the recruitment process , involving completion of applications and engaging in interviews with occupational therapy staff on the panel .
Young people are appointed roles and provided with a weekly allowance . The occupational therapy staff offer weekly supervision to ensure they are supported throughout the process .
The Child Occupational Self-Assessment ( COSA ) tool is offered before and after the programme to enable them to measure their occupational competency , especially related to the programme . Character references are also provided as part of discharge planning .
42 OTnews July 2021