Manchester Mental Health and Social Care NHS Trust

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Possibly the best occupational therapist job ever?

At the beginning of a recent training day, reveals Juliette Angus, Start In Manchester’s occupational therapist [OT], I was asked: 'So what do you like about your job?'

I must confess that with previous jobs I would be racking my brain to think of the positives, hearing myself half heartedly reel off things I only quite liked; but not this time – this time it was easy to be positive.

Start in Manchester, part of Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust, uses the process of engaging in art and gardening as a vehicle to help people improve, maintain and protect their mental wellbeing. They may have little or no experience of art or gardening, but what they share is a common interest to support their own recovery, through learning about art and gardening, in a supported environment.

As the OT in a team of artists and a horticulturist, I am in the unique position of witnessing first–hand, the benefits clients gain from creative activity. Many come into the service with similar aims, such as developing self–worth and confidence, building structure to their week and meeting new people. It is only when basic human needs such as these are being met that an individual can progress, realise potential, and take charge of life – crucial factors in the maintenance of health and wellbeing.

The blending of occupational therapy into the service compliments and enhances existing good practice. In my capacity, I am able to offer an overview that melds the achievements clients make through their artwork or gardening, with their broader life goals and aspirations for the future. As the OT, I also support staff with advice on clinical issues relevant to specific clients, as well as linking Start with wider services.

Occupational therapy is a fulfilling job to have as it helps many clients to overcome barriers to achieve the things they need and want to be doing in their life. Actually witnessing clients’ progress, to the point where they no longer need the service, reinforces my knowledge and understanding of the link between occupations and health.

The key to my particular job satisfaction at Start in Manchester is a feeling of being able to contribute to a service that puts the health and wellbeing of an individual at the heart of its practice. So yes, I would wholeheartedly agree with those who say, ‘It’s one of the best OT jobs ever.’

Infolink: Start Manchester, High Elms, Upper Park Road, Victoria Park M14 5RU. Telephone: 0161 257 0675/0510. Website: www.startmc.org.uk.

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