We support people with their health and wellbeing and understand that people with learning disabilities can often face greater health inequalities. My role is very varied and rewarding. It often needs me to think outside the box and be creative with the assessments and intervention we offer.

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I also support other AHPs to develop their own roles and contributions to the wider service. Learning about the skills and knowledge of physiotherapists, dietitians and speech and language therapists is a lovely aspect of my role. The feedback we receive from service users is very positive, and we work with carers, families and others to get the best outcomes we can for the people we support.

I qualified as an occupational therapist in 2010 and have been working for our Trust ever since. My career with our Trust began in forensic inpatient services, both in low and medium secure settings. I then moved on to develop an occupational role within our occupational health services before moving to my current position. I enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team where no two days are the same.

I work on a range of projects. This could be reviewing clinical pathways and how we interface with other services to make sure people get the most appropriate support for their individual needs. Or managing our social media, our Learning Disability OT network meetings, to supporting with primary care AHP staff training around reasonable adjustments for people with a learning disability. Supporting students and providing guest lectures for undergraduate and postgraduate students is also an enjoyable part of my job.

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I love my job, and although it is extremely busy at times, when you really see a difference in the health of the people you work with, it is so rewarding. I love being out and about and seeing people in lots of different settings. Occupational therapy is all about empowering others to do positive things for their health and wellbeing, and I feel very lucky to work in this role amongst a brilliant team of colleagues.

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