we approach and work with each person on their recovery journey.
Despite these challenges, regular supervision, reflective practice and a strong peer network within the assertive outreach teams helps us to continue providing meaningful input to the multidisciplinary team and maintain our professional identity.
The positives of working in this setting
Chloe Firmstone, Clinical and Professional Lead OT, comments:‘ For me, one of the best things about assertive outreach is that we follow our service users when they are admitted to hospital.
‘ It means that they get dedicated time each week with the consultant and team that know them best. We provide regular social in-reach and work as a team with the ward and service user on discharge planning from the get-go. This approach really fosters strong and trusting relationships with our service users.’
Adrianne Ronnenbergh, Band 5 OT adds:‘ There’ s something unique about the way assertive outreach teams operate, with a strong sense of flexibility, creativity and shared responsibility.
‘ The work is varied and responsive, which keeps things dynamic; no two days are the same. The multidisciplinary model means we’ re constantly learning from each other and thinking collectively about how to offer the best support.
‘ Most of all, it’ s a privilege to walk alongside people in their recovery journeys, supporting them to regain roles, routines and a sense of purpose. Even when progress is slow, the trust and rapport we build over time often become the foundation for meaningful change.’
Ching Lum, Band 5 OT, finds working in an assertive outreach team‘ exciting’, as‘ each day presents new challenges and experiences’, reflecting:‘ While there are both positive and negative aspects, I particularly value the collaborative efforts of our multidisciplinary team.
‘ We approach each situation with an open, non-judgemental mindset, employing a handson, practical approach that fosters effective and supportive interventions.’
For Amina Idrees, a Band 6 OT:‘ The word OT is within the acronym for assertive outreach. AOT embodies an occupational therapy approach, based on recovery and longevity. We not only meet people where they are, but beside them using occupation as a bridge to enhance identity and purpose.’
Finally, Jon Quinn, Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor concludes:‘[ It ] means we have the time to problem solve creatively for our patients to get the best outcomes. A lot of our service users have been under our service for a long time, allowing us to develop a good rapport with them and a deeper understanding of their needs, compared with previous teams I have worked within.
‘ Working in assertive outreach allows me to actually make a difference to service users’ lives, which is a feeling I haven’ t felt from my career in a long time.’
As NHS services continue to evolve, the role of assertive outreach teams, as well as the contribution of occupational therapy is essential in addressing the complex needs of this service user group.
Through long-term relationship building, positive risk taking, creative and personalised interventions, and a commitment to occupational engagement, assertive outreach services are helping individuals not only survive, but find meaning, identity, and direction in their lives.
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Gregory N and Macpherson R( 2010) Assertive outreach handbook will aid mental health staff in maintaining client engagement. Nursing Times, 106: 7.
NHS England( 2024) Guidance to integrated care boards on intensive and assertive community mental health care. Available at https:// bit. ly / 46cgFsp [ accessed 29 August 2025 ].
Words CHLOE FIRMSTONE, Clinical and Professional Lead OT, JON QUINN, Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor, ADRIANNE RONNENBERGH, Band 5 OT, CHING LUM, Band 5 OT, AMINA IDREES, Band 6 OT, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust chloe. firmstone2 @ nhs. net
24 OTnews September 2025