#SmallChangeBigImpact – experience occupational therapy as we showcase support to help people live independent lives
As part of Occupational Therapy Week 2019, we are inviting the public to discover how making small changes can have a big impact on allowing people to live independently.
What is Occupational Therapy Week?
Occupational Therapy Week 2019 is 04-10 November and is run by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) to promote the value of occupational therapists and the fantastic work that they do across the UK. To celebrate Occupational Therapy Week, members of RCOT will be holding events and activities across the UK.
What will we be doing to promote the week?
Occupational Therapists at Kirklees Council will have a stall in the Customer Services Centre, Civic Centre 3, Huddersfield from 4th November 10:30 to 14:30, where they will show videos, give advice and demonstrate equipment which enables people to stay as independent as possible in their own home.
What equipment will be available?
The equipment that will be available includes kitchen aids such as tap turners, spike board, plate guard, fast boil kettle and bottle opener. There will also be items that may enable a person to manage their own personal care needs such as a cream and lotion applicator, long handled sponge, long handled shoe horn, sock aid, pill popper and eye dropper dispenser.
Students from the Occupational Therapy course at the University of Huddersfield will also be available on the Wednesday and Friday, demonstrating a close working relationship between Kirklees Council and the university.
Richard Parry, Strategic Director for Adults and Health said:
“People don’t always realise the difference occupational therapy makes until they experience it for themselves. I am really pleased to see Kirklees Council taking part in Occupational Therapy Week 2019 to demonstrate the support they can offer to help people live independently.”
How can you get involved?
Other ways people can get involved in the week and show their support is by using the hashtag #OTWeek2019 and #SmallChangeBigImpact and sharing on social media their stories of when occupational therapists have made a positive difference to their lives.
Dr Anita Mottram, Principal Occupational Therapist said:
“Occupational therapists play a vital role in keeping people active and independent at home and in the workplace for as long as possible. We have enabled people in Kirklees to live independent lives through a number of ways by identifying, sometimes, creative solutions to meet their needs. This may comprise supporting people to explore changes in how they undertake particular tasks or consider the provision of assistive technologies in the form of equipment and adaptations or other products and services to empower the individual. Small changes like this can have a big impact on people’s ability to live independent lives.”
More information
More information about Occupational Therapy Week 2019 can be found on the RCOT website.
If you are interested in becoming an Occupational Therapist you can search for degree programmes on UCAS.