The vital role occupational therapists at Westmorland and Furness Council play in health, social care and society will be celebrated next week to mark Occupational Therapy Week (4-10 November)
The annual event raises awareness of the importance of occupational therapy - from helping people live well for longer, to reducing the frequency and need for crisis interventions and care services.
To provide a better understanding of occupational therapy and its role within the council, occupational therapists from the Adult Social Care team are hosting drop-in events at public spaces throughout Westmorland and Furness. Everyone is invited to attend and find out more about the support offered to residents and how to become an occupational therapist.
Public drop-in sessions have been arranged for:
- Penrith Library - Tuesday 5 November and Thursday 7 November, from 10am to 1pm
- Barrow Indoor Market – Wednesday 6 November, from 11am to 1.30pm
- Forum Café, Barrow – Thursday 7 November, from 11am to 1.30pm
- Castlestead View Café, Oxenholme – Thursday 7 November, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm
- Morrisons Café, Kendal – Friday 8 November, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm
- South Lakes Dementia Hub, Kendal – Tuesday 12 November, from 2pm to 4pm
For a growing number of people, everyday activities which most of us take for granted can become challenging, or at worst, impossible. Our occupational therapists focus on enabling people to manage their health and care needs to do the things they want, need and like to do. This could be anything from washing, eating or sleeping; productive, such as work, study, caring or domestic activities; and leisure, such as playing sports, hobbies or socialising.
Councillor Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Care at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “Occupational Therapy Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everyone involved in our occupational therapy teams and the vitally important role they play in our community.
“I think it’s important to raise awareness of the role and also an understanding that an occupation in this context isn’t a job, but any meaningful activity which supports someone’s wellbeing.
“I’m really proud of our occupational therapists, their amazing work and the commitment to improving the quality of people’s lives across Westmorland and Furness.”
If you are interested in a career in occupational therapy, visit the council website.