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Headline August 2011 Issue 5
The Art of Purposefulness
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys Foundation NHS trust was approached by breakthrough arts, to hold an event, highlighting services users achievement in creativity and art. The occupational therapy teams at two of the trust psychiatric hospitals, decided to put on an evening event, showcasing services users artwork. In the newly opened Roseberry Park Hospital in Middlesbrough.
Breakthrough arts ran by, Tony and Angie Russell embarked on Epic Walk to raise awareness of mental health issues and the value of the creative arts as an aid to recovery; on route visiting NHS trusts and other organizations that support the newly registered charity.
At Roseberry Park services users were involved in every aspect of the organisation. The OT’s involved an artist who was also an ex service user to help run therapy groups, which were geared to creative work for the exhibition. The Irish band that provided the evening anobeonce were also services users.
What surprised the OT’s was the level of motivation the event generated. Having something to look forward to, become a daily conversation among attendees of OT. Service users asked for leave home to collect outfits to wear for the event.
Those that had not contribute with art work, asked to help out in other way, cleaning the department moving furniture, displaying the art work or helping shop for and preparing the buffet. It was lovely to see services users, family, friends and staff coming together to celebrate achievements, and a positive outcome of mental illness. For those with art being displayed, a really boast to hear what others thought of their work.
As the evening came to a close, the OT team were left with a sense of pride and achievement, but not for themselves, for the hard work and add purpose their service users put it.
Rachel Booth, Senior Occupational Therapist, Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Joining my BAOT regional committee As a newly qualified therapist eager to contribute more to my profession, I seized the opportunity to join my local group as a Memberships Networks Lead. To earn this title, a voting system was put in place and with the support from fellow BAOT members and colleagues; I was successful in gaining my place on the committee.
Having previously attended a meeting in order to learn about the committee, I was made more aware of the current issues surrounding our jobs and the profession as a whole. I still felt slightly nervous when attending my first meeting as an actual committee member, especially when group discussions began, as the team had worked together for period of time. When making my own contribution, I felt it was valued by the whole team, increasing my confidence and making me feel at ease.
The committee made me feel respected and I was very pleased with my decision to join. I now look forward to working collaboratively with the team sharing our passion for OT, networking with other professionals and beginning my role as a Memberships Network Lead.
Faye Singh , Memberships Networks Lead,
What’s on?
Good Practice, Commissioning
& Me
16 November 2011
The BAOT Northern and Yorkshire Regional Committee will be hosting their annual lifelong learning event at Northumbria University, Coach Lane Campus. Delegates will have the opportunity to attend a Keynote address and workshop events to discuss the current challenges of delivering good practice OT services within the current political climate, whether working in health, social care or the private sector. The day will consider a number of aspect both from the view point of those commissioning services and evaluating the outcomes; as well as frontline staff striving to deliver a service. Venue: Northumbria University. Cost: BAOT Members £20, Non-members £40, Students £10 (limited initially to 20places).Contact:********************.uk Event supported by the Northumbria OT
Network (NOTN) Following the lifelong learning event the NOTN will be holding a free network meeting 5-7pm to give delegates an opportunity to network and consider OT and CPD developments. For more info about the network please see: /
There are still vacancies
on the committee for the roles of Careers Advisor and Student Representative. If you would be interested in finding out more about these roles and supporting them on a casual basis until the elections in June, please contact the committee on ********************** You would also be welcome to attend our next meetings to be held on 14th September and 14th Elections for the committee open in March with the nomination process followed by elections ready for new members formally taking their seat in June. This March there will be several positions open in addition to those noted above including Vice Chair/English Board member, Treasurer and Secretary. If you are keen to expand your CPD opportunities or are just hoping to become more involved with your professional body please do not hesitate to contact us.
December at West Park Hospital Darlington, to gain more insight into the role of the committee and speak to existing committee members. Please contact us on the email address above to arrange attendance at one of our meetings.
The committee would also welcome those who may only wish to become involved on a casual short term basis to support us with the organization of annual events such as the annual regional lifelong learning event.
Advertising you
If you have an event running within the region or are looking for support or host an event please contact the committee. We can assist with advertising both within the region and on our national BAOT web pages as well as support you with publicity materials and advice on hosting events.
We would like to support any members/group within the region to promote OT to the full and would welcome the opportunity to support you in your ventures. Please contact the committee via ********************** and direct publicity correspondence to Sarah-Jayne Berry, Regional Communications Lead.
Newsletter content edited by Sarah-Jayne Berry
Regional Communications Lead。