Working in occupational therapy

‘’I came from a background working in charities and knew I wanted a job where I could help make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. It was my mum who suggested that Occupational Therapy might be a good fit for my creative, problem-solving skills!

‘’I decided I wanted to get practical work experience and joined the Trust as an Apprentice Clinical Support Worker in 2019. I work for the Community Children’s Occupational Therapy team at Kaleidoscope and see children and young people from 0-19 years of age.

‘’I love to think creatively to help children and young people find ways of participating in everyday activities such as getting ready, doing their schoolwork and playing. A typical day might see me trialling adapted cutlery to help a child feed themselves, or supervising the building of obstacle courses to practice balancing, coordination and sequencing. I love the variety of my work and getting to know the families.

‘’I completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Senior Healthcare Support (with a distinction) and when I learned about Degree Apprenticeships I decided that this would be the best way for me to become a registered Occupational Therapist. With the support of the Trust and my managers, I applied to Coventry University and have now started the degree apprenticeship. I'm delighted I can continue working in the Lewisham community while studying and I'm excited to study the science and philosophy of occupational therapy to develop my therapeutic skills.

‘’It will be a challenge but I work with a group of fantastic colleagues who have supported me from the day I joined LGT. I am so thankful for their encouragement!”