Unique and innovative occupational therapy practice in children’s social care

Natalie has worked for Essex since 2005 primarily in adult operations, before qualifying as an occupational therapist in 2015. 

After qualifying Natalie worked in two new teams started by Essex which focused on intervention to prevent, reduce or delay the need for ongoing health or social care support.

A rare opportunity came up in the children and young people with disabilities: OT and rehab team and Natalie was fortunate to join the team in 2018.

It was in this team when the announcement came for an 18-month secondment post for an occupational therapist to join the leaving and aftercare team.  

Natalie’s university dissertation was based on this subject, entitled 'Young people leaving care: is there a role for occupational therapy?  So, naturally Natalie applied for the role and started in December 2020.

Based on research so far there is no indication of another occupational therapist in this team or similar throughout the nation. This has therefore been a sole challenge and fact-finding mission in learning and understanding young people, their needs and how best occupational therapy could support.

Having qualified as an occupational therapist in 2016, Kyle has dedicated their post qualifying career to working with children and young people with disabilities, and their families.

Kyle is a passionate believer in the power of occupation; that the purposeful and meaningful activities we engage in add significance to our lives and develop our sense of self-efficacy. Kyle believes the social care setting best embodies the possibilities of this sentiment by allowing, me to work directly with children, young people and families in their natural home environment, observing their daily routines and capturing what is most important to them. 

Essex County Council identified the need for an experienced occupational therapist to collaborate with partner teams to ensure that children and young people with disabilities achieve stability and security in whichever environment they reside. Kyle has been in the fostering and permanency role since 2021 and the positive outcomes that can be achieved by occupational therapy within this setting are already taking shape.