‘ They ’ ve had a boost of self-esteem and have begun to take pride in their appearance , making sure they look their best for their jobs . It has also improved their mental health greatly , they are sleeping better , they have lost weight and are able to feel a sense of belonging in a team outside of the ward .’
Being able to spend time at the fire station has given service users a sense of purpose and motivation . ‘ They ’ ve really enjoyed it and it has become part of their weekly timetable ,’ Doug adds . ‘ It ’ s given them skills and confidence , as well as helping with their independence and overall wellbeing .
‘ Getting to know the crew has also been invaluable . To be part of a disciplined uniformed service and learning the trusting relationships that are fundamental in being part of a lifesaving team has been so important .’
Expanding the project
Thanks to the project ’ s success , Doug is also working with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service to establish the same there . This has been a significant part of one service user moving on to a less restrictive environment .
Another example in the community is a service user scoring a job at Newcastle United ’ s ground , St James ’ Park , again thanks to the Vocational Pathways Programme . He works as a porter at the stadium , receiving orders for food and drink items . They are then loaded and distributed to the various catering outlets behind the stands . This is a permanent , voluntary role , once a week , with the intention for shifts to increase as the service user becomes more familiar with the role .
The job came about thanks to occupational therapists Tom Hardman and Doug , who met with the club ’ s events manager to discuss available job opportunities . A meeting was then set up with the company that manages the catering and facilities at St James ’ Park .
The service user attended an interview , which Doug described as a big step for them . He says : ‘ The club is really inclusive . Everyone , including our service user , is given equal opportunities in line with their “ United as One ” initiative .
‘ The job has enabled him to transfer the skills he has developed in a portering role with NTW Solutions at Northgate Park .’
Another occupational therapist , Eve Blackith , is also in this process with another service user . ‘ Working as a porter here on site is preparation for further roles in the community , building on skills so people are ready for life when they leave the hospital ,’ she says .
‘ Working for NUFC is a real passion for our service user . He has been able to join forces with the “ Toon Army ”, while progressing and improving his quality of life .’
Doug adds : ‘ The role has helped him develop the skills to be part of a team . It has also improved his self-esteem and confidence , which will ease the discharge out of hospital and onto a better , less restrictive life .’
Other opportunities
Sodexo also requested a workshop to find out more about the trust ’ s services . This was facilitated by Doug and Abbey , who gave information on mental health and how to support service users , and how the team could make the initiative work .
Back on site at Northgate Park , there are also two service users supported by the occupational therapy team to experience working at Wansbeck Valley Foodbank . They work alongside the volunteers to make up food bags , which are then delivered to local communities .
Adapted food lists into picture form provide help from the speech and language therapy team for them to complete their role with minimal support and encourage confidence and independence .
They both look forward to attending each week and feel they are making a big difference to the lives of those in need . There are also future plans to assist in the site ’ s recycling , again in collaboration with the trust ’ s subsidiary company , NTW Solutions , with Site Manager Lottie Haylock pivotal in this process .
Key values
The key message of this initiative is being able to splice clinical work with the operations within the heart of any hospital . It leads to a sense of purpose and competency , key values at the centre of occupational therapy .
‘ We believe it ’ s a very good example of everyone being valued , a sense of equanimity amongst people , working together with a common objective that ultimately leads to increased wellbeing and freedom ,’ Doug concludes .
‘ As quoted by Myles Munroe , best-selling author and motivational speaker : “ The greatest tragedy in life is not death , but life without a purpose ”. We believe very strongly that the Vocational Pathways Programme provides this purpose , or at the very least , the grass roots of this to our service users .’
Words DOUG MCQUILLIN , Advanced Occupational Therapist , Cumbria , Northumberland , Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust , Douglas . McQuillin @ cntw . nhs . uk
32 OTnews November 2024